Celebs Who Restore Old Cameras for Personal Shoots

Despite living in a world of digital images, more and more celebrities are rediscovering the appeal of traditional film photography. They’re not just taking pictures – many are dedicated collectors, actively searching for and restoring old cameras. They appreciate the unique look and feel of film, using vintage equipment like classic rangefinders and panoramic cameras for their personal work. By keeping these older cameras in use, they’re also helping to preserve the art and history of photography for future generations.

Jeff Bridges

Jeff Bridges is famous as an actor, but he’s also a passionate photographer who has been using a unique Widelux F8 camera for many years. This camera takes very wide, panoramic pictures – 140 degrees wide – but it’s complicated and needs a lot of care. Bridges loves to photograph the lively atmosphere on his movie sets and creates special photo books for everyone working on the film. He’s so committed to this particular camera that he recently started a project to build new ones and replacement parts, ensuring the Widelux continues to be used for years to come.

Jason Momoa

Okay, so everyone knows Jason Momoa as an action hero, but let me tell you, he’s a serious photography enthusiast. I’ve noticed he’s almost always sporting a classic 1958 Leica M2 – it’s become something of a signature look. He’s constantly on the hunt for rare Leica cameras and lenses when he’s traveling, and he’s really drawn to the quality and craftsmanship of German engineering. He doesn’t just collect them as display pieces either; these are working cameras, often needing specialist attention to keep them running smoothly. What I find fascinating is he actually uses them, preferring the unique, almost organic look you get from those older lenses over the clinical perfection of digital. He’s out there shooting everything from epic landscapes to really personal portraits, and you can tell he loves the process and the results.

Lenny Kravitz

Lenny Kravitz discovered a love for photography early in life and has become a dedicated collector of Leica cameras. He’s such a fan of the brand that he even worked with Leica to create a unique “Correspondent” camera, designed with a worn brass look to resemble his favorite older models. He sees his cameras as vital for capturing his life and often photographs fans and the paparazzi from his own point of view. His photography has been shown in galleries, demonstrating that he has a strong visual sense, just like his musical talent.

Cole Sprouse

Though he’s well-known as an actor, Cole Sprouse actually has a background in archaeology and is passionate about preserving historical materials. He’s a dedicated photographer who mainly uses a Canon AE-1 and medium format cameras, and he personally maintains his equipment for shoots in challenging locations. His work centers around landscapes and fashion, and he uses film to create images with a particular, atmospheric feel. Sprouse often talks about the technical side of film photography, like developing and scanning, showing how much he understands the process.

Gary Oldman

I’ve always been fascinated by Oldman’s work with the Widelux camera. He really unlocks a unique perspective – those sweeping, panoramic shots you just can’t get with a normal lens are incredible. What I especially love is how he captures a feeling of real life, almost like a memory, thanks to the camera’s smooth, quiet mechanics. He’s a master at freezing a moment, but also hinting at the passage of time and movement all within one image. It’s amazing he even collects and maintains these rare cameras himself, keeping that beautiful, artistic vision alive.

Jessica Lange

The celebrated actress is also a talented photographer with several published collections of her black-and-white photos. She prefers using a Leica M6, a well-known and reliable camera. Lange often captures spontaneous moments while traveling, focusing on the realities of human life with honesty and compassion. She’s committed to her craft, meticulously caring for her equipment to ensure each photograph perfectly reflects the delicate shades and tones she envisions.

Norman Reedus

Norman Reedus is almost always taking photos, preferring the striking look of black-and-white film to capture his life and experiences. He uses a variety of cameras, from modern Nikon SLRs to older, classic rangefinders, to document the unique and sometimes unsettling beauty around him. He’s published several photography books filled with images from his travels and time on set, all taken with older analog cameras. This hands-on approach shows his commitment to preserving a tangible record of his adventures.

Viggo Mortensen

Mortensen established Perceval Press to showcase art and poetry, including his own photography. He primarily uses older cameras, like Hasselblad medium format systems, to create both abstract and landscape photos. He’s meticulous in the darkroom, often trying out different types of film to give his images a painterly quality. He sees his camera as a personal sketchbook, always keeping it maintained and ready to capture spontaneous ideas.

Matthew Modine

While filming ‘Full Metal Jacket’ in 1987, Matthew Modine photographed the challenging production using a classic Rolleiflex camera. He’s kept that same vintage camera ever since, using it to create striking, timeless portraits. These photos from the set were later published, providing a special look at the movie’s history, as if seen through the camera’s unique viewfinder. Modine still appreciates the careful, unhurried approach that shooting with a Rolleiflex requires.

Bryan Adams

Bryan Adams is well-known for his popular rock songs, but he’s also built a thriving career as a photographer. He specializes in fashion and portraits, often photographing celebrities and veterans using classic cameras like the Rolleiflex and Hasselblad. He carefully maintains these older cameras and lenses, appreciating the unique look they create. Adams has shown that even with vintage equipment, he can produce professional-quality work that stands up to modern digital photography, especially for magazines and other publications.

Frank Ocean

This private musician is famous for his passion for the Contax T3, a high-quality, compact film camera that’s become incredibly popular with collectors. He uses it to photograph both his everyday life and the world of fashion, even famously shooting the Met Gala on 35mm film. He also loves medium format cameras, appreciating their detailed and rich images. By using and promoting these older, discontinued cameras, he’s played a big part in bringing back interest in high-end point-and-shoot models.

Tyler, The Creator

Tyler is a key player in the renewed interest in film photography. He often uses a Contax G2 camera to capture the look and feel of his tours and everyday life. He likes how this camera from the 1990s combines classic style with modern features like autofocus. His photos, often shared in books and online, include the date stamps typical of older cameras, giving them a vintage vibe. He regularly uses his film cameras to keep them working well despite their age.

Zendaya

Zendaya loves taking photos with a vintage Contax G2 camera, a high-quality model from the late 1990s. She often shoots natural, unposed pictures of her friends and colleagues, and prefers the warm colors and slightly grainy look that film creates. Because of her, many young people have become interested in traditional film photography. She sees the camera as a way to keep a personal record of her life, saving her memories as actual photographs instead of digital images.

Kendall Jenner

Kendall Jenner is a major reason the Contax T2 camera has become so popular. She frequently uses this high-end, compact camera at events, taking candid, flash-filled photos of her friends and family. This gives her photos a relaxed, vintage feel. Because she uses it so often, she needs to find working, well-maintained cameras, as older models like this are prone to breaking down. Ultimately, Jenner’s preference for the Contax T2 has made it a coveted item for anyone interested in fashion and photography.

Jacob Elordi

Jacob Elordi, known for his role in ‘Euphoria,’ is a dedicated fan of Leica cameras, frequently using a classic M-series rangefinder both during interviews and in his personal time. He prefers the hands-on experience of manual focus and the feel of these mechanical cameras, which encourage a more thoughtful and deliberate style of photography. He often captures photos of his fellow actors and the world around him in a timeless, black and white, photojournalistic manner. Elordi is also committed to understanding how his cameras work, making sure they’re prepared for any lighting situation.

Brie Larson

Larson loves taking photos with her Nikon FM2, a dependable, old-fashioned camera. She uses it to document her travels and capture candid moments, and she enjoys trying out different types of film. Because the FM2 is completely mechanical, it doesn’t need batteries, which gives her the authentic, hands-on experience she prefers. Her photos are known for their rich textures and warm tones, qualities she achieves using older lenses.

Brad Pitt

For years, Pitt has been a passionate photographer, frequently seen with a range of cameras, from large to medium format. He’s well known for a series of personal portraits he took of his family using a rare and demanding Kodak Tech Pan film. His love of photography extends to its technical aspects, and he enjoys experimenting with older cameras and lenses. Pitt values the physical quality of prints and negatives, finding the darkroom process to be a calming and thoughtful experience.

Helena Christensen

After a successful career as a model, Helena Christensen turned her attention to photography, developing a strong artistic vision. She prefers using older cameras – like Polaroids and medium format models – to create images that feel dreamy and otherworldly. Her photography has been shown in galleries around the world, demonstrating her talent for using light and carefully arranging her subjects. She values her vintage cameras, believing they capture moments in a unique and timeless way that digital cameras can’t replicate.

Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore has been taking photos throughout her life, often with a simple, durable Pentax K1000 camera favored by students. She even published a photography book showcasing heart shapes she spotted in everyday scenes, all shot on film. Her choice of equipment isn’t about fancy gadgets; it shows how much she connects with the art of photography itself. She still prefers film because she wants a tangible record of her life and experiences.

Ben Affleck

As a total film buff, I’ve always been fascinated by Ben Affleck’s passion for the technical side of filmmaking. He’s a real camera enthusiast – a ‘gearhead,’ you could say – and has an incredible collection of vintage cameras and lenses. He gets seriously into the details, like the way older lenses – especially Canon K35s – create a certain look with their unique flares and softer contrast. It’s not just about movies either; he uses classic cameras for personal photography, capturing family moments and his travels. He’s meticulous about keeping all his equipment in perfect working order, because he loves the specific visual ‘feel’ these older tools give his work.

Andy Serkis

Andy Serkis, known for his work in motion capture, is also a dedicated photographer who uses a Leica camera to capture the world around him. He documented his trek to Everest Base Camp with his camera, photographing the stunning scenery and the people he encountered. The resulting black-and-white photos, displayed in an exhibition, highlighted the clear details and strong contrasts characteristic of Leica lenses. Choosing a classic, mechanical camera for such a challenging environment demonstrates its remarkable reliability.

Chris Pine

Pine often photographs with a classic Leica M-series camera, a favorite among street photographers who prefer to be unobtrusive. He uses it to capture his travels, enjoying the way a rangefinder lets him see the scene beyond what’s directly framed. This preference for older equipment shows his fondness for mid-century style and durable, well-made objects. Pine doesn’t usually share his photos publicly; they’re more of a personal record of his experiences.

Jonah Hill

Hill is a strong advocate for film photography, frequently using medium format cameras and high-quality point-and-shoots. He takes natural, unposed photos of people in the skateboarding and hip-hop scenes, and likes the gritty, realistic style of street photography. He’s become fascinated with older camera systems, learning how they work and how to keep them in good condition. Hill uses these cameras to show a more genuine side of life, moving beyond the glamour often associated with celebrities.

Harry Styles

Styles frequently uses Super 8 film for his music videos and personal work, helping to bring back interest in this classic movie format. Though he’s known for video, his artistic style is strongly influenced by the look of older Kodak film, with its unique colors and grainy texture. He enjoys shooting on these small film cameras while on tour, and likes the fact that there’s a wait to see the developed footage. This commitment to older, analog technology helps keep film processing labs and repair businesses afloat.

Florence Pugh

Florence Pugh loves taking pictures with simple, disposable cameras and often shares the developed photos with her fans. She sees them as a fun way to capture spontaneous and silly moments while filming. By regularly using and developing film, she helps keep film production alive. Her photos have a raw, natural feel that’s different from the polished look of most Hollywood images.

Maude Apatow

Apatow is almost always filming, documenting the lives of her friends and family. She prefers the classic, warm aesthetic of 35mm film, a style that matches her love of vintage fashion. This means she often brings older, fragile cameras to social gatherings, willing to risk damaging them to get the right picture. She’s part of a generation that appreciates having a physical film negative instead of just a digital photo.

Lisa

Lisa from Blackpink is a passionate collector of old cameras, with a large collection including models from Contax, Leica, and Nikon. She regularly shares photos taken with these cameras, and details about her collection, on social media, demonstrating her understanding of photography techniques and different types of film. Her hobby has even increased the popularity – and price – of certain cameras, like the Nikon FM2 and Contax T3, especially in Asia. Lisa cares for each camera individually, seeing them as unique tools with their own character.

Suki Waterhouse

For years, photographer Waterhouse has been known for her film work, perfectly capturing the raw, energetic vibe of indie sleaze in music and fashion. She prefers small, older cameras – the kind you can easily carry – so she’s always ready to photograph candid, behind-the-scenes moments. Her signature style is grainy and uses a lot of flash, and she’s a big advocate for using vintage equipment, believing older cameras often produce more interesting and authentic photos than modern digital ones.

Emily Ratajkowski

Emily Ratajkowski often chooses to use film cameras to have more control over how she’s seen, taking her own photos of herself and the world around her. She prefers older, smaller cameras to capture natural, unedited moments, pushing back against the overly polished look of many professional photos. Using film gives her work a personal and genuine feel that connects with people, and it also helps keep film developing labs and camera stores in business.

2025-12-12 21:18