OpenTube

I Downgraded My Camera to Actually Use It

Sam & Mox

30,632 views

I had great cameras sitting on a shelf and kept convincing myself the answer was one more. So I bought one, but not an upgrade.

This is the Fujifilm X-M5, a camera I owned, sold to upgrade, and just bought back. It's a downgrade on paper, but it's small enough to go everywhere, and that's the whole point. To actually use it, I'm posting 5 photos a day for 30 days, no matter what. This video covers why I keep buying gear, why this tiny camera earned a spot back in my bag, how the first week went (including the rough days), and why documenting ordinary life for 15 minutes a day has been more satisfying than any gear purchase.

Follow the daily photos: Instagram: samandmox
Day 30 update coming soon.

Chapters:
0:00 - The Camera
0:54 - The Problem
2:31 - The Solution
4:20 - The Photo Challenge
6:31 - Why I'm Doing This (and you should too)
9:27 - The Payoff
10:40 - Follow Along ‪@samandmox‬

Gear in this video:
Fujifilm X-M5
SG-image AF25mm f1.8

#photography #fujifilm #xm5 #photochallenge #everydaycarry

20 Comments

@Walliam-hw3dp 6 days ago

I honestly love how slow and calm you speak, it's a nice break from the constant stimulation or fast paced videos from other creators.

@eos777 5 days ago

Very cool video and spot on. We are usually looking for the next thing to buy instead of creating.

@TheSeekerNFT 8 days ago

I'm in the same boat, been eyeing a Fujifilm XE-1 for this exact reason. I want to pair with the 27mm that i never use and just carry with me as a small EDC. I like the idea of assigning a purpose to the choice too, nice work.

@LillySchwartzPhoto 6 days ago

I actually did that in 2011 for 365 days - not on insta, it was on my blog - and I learned so much in that year. Keep going!

@Andrewnorthwales 5 days ago

I just bought my first ever Fuji it’s an XT30 iii and it’s so nice to use. It’s lightweight and takes a nice shot plus I play with film sims which is also fun.

@MapacheLittle 5 days ago

somehow, this video was refreshing!

@edwardlin2941 7 days ago

Bought on eBay Olympus E-PL3 and E-M10ii. Plan to make them the fun EDC cameras, without much worry…

@benjaminbjacobsen 5 days ago (edited)

same boat. I've been trying to find the right tool and also added the SG25 recently as well (for my tiny NEX5). But down the rabbit hole I went and I have a fp-L on it's way... Great video, new sub, hopefully I can get out and post as well.

Your point about having the photos to look back on is spot on. I've never regretted having the images. I just need that creativity spark.

@aporia_nous 6 days ago

I am in the same boat, had an X-Pro1 upgraded to an XT2 than X-Pro3 and now back to my X-Pro1, because it's all I need and the colours sooc are perfect to me.

@AgniWatchLugun 4 days ago

Recently picked up an old Olympus Stylus 1 for a similar reason, I use to carry a Canon M2 or Olympus E-P5 with pancake primes as a toss around EDC in my bag, but found myself missing the EVF from my larger cameras and wishing for some flexibility in terms of the lens while still being reasonably compact, so decided to fall back on older compact or bridge cameras and found the Stylus 1 which fit my needs for cheap, I kept my other cameras but the Stylus 1 is the one I through in my bag or jacket pocket most often these days

@repositorytutorial3d50 4 days ago

This would be the perfect camera... If only it has a eyepiece that would also be my go to camera right now. But no eyepiece is a dealbreaker for me

@pilsberry 5 days ago

I take similar types of photos.. I fell into GAS as well, going from XT-1 through XT-3, and Canon V1..
There's also the problem of just clicking the shutter haphazardly without thinking about what I'd like to capture, what story I want to tell and what looks good to me.
To be deliberate and thoughtful about photography.. I realized I need to keep shooting more photos (like you are doing) even if it means just around the house.. mundane subjects or seemingly uninteresting things. Hopefully I can develop that photographer's eye.

@BikeAndBars 3 days ago (edited)

Another light similar setup is Nikon Z30 + 24 1.7 or 40 2.0.

@NoItsRoman 5 days ago

just did this too I switched all my Sony stuff to get the XT30 III and so far I've been happier taking photos but need to get the equivalent lenses again

@shoe-string1843 1 day ago

Big EDC fan here! I have expensive Sony and Fuji cameras with multiple lenses but my everyday tool is an old Lumix G2 that I got for £53 used. I copped a 12-32mm lens on eBay and it does the job! I'd rather have an image than a regret.

@edc5338 6 days ago

I have an X-E5, but I usually take my X-E1 with me and the SG image lens. I do have an X-M1, and I use a rare Fuji accessory VF with it. I really like a camera with an EVF because bright sunlight is hard to shoot with the LED screen.

@jasonm129 6 days ago (edited)

The Casio 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾🔥🔥🔥 I have that exact watch 😂, I’ve been thinking about getting the xt50

@Akibatai00 5 days ago

We all have a serious case of GAS.

@GasProblems 8 days ago

I’ve already owned that too but thag xe4 shutter sound kills me inside . Since that camera I’ve owned the probably 6 different cameras but I did buy the griv and man I’ve never used so much than this cam . Have owned it for about 5 months and just hit 6k clicks on the damn thing . Just like you I have and always have had pro cameras reserved for work .

@robertroot3790 7 days ago

Loved seeing the WHittier Community hall--grew up about a mile west of town in the early 1970s--it hasn't changed! Are you from the area (Marion, Springville, Anamosa, etc.)?