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Simple camera for simple people

No.2928879 View ViewReplyOriginalReport
Hello /p/.

I dream of starting a camera company. I'm not so sure, if I ever have the chance to do so but that not the subject of this thread.

My vision would be to make cameras that last a long time and are suitable for slow people. Modern cameras have tons of features and the models are refreshed every few years.
In the old times cameras were simple and lasted a long time, because the technology developed slowly. Every camera had basically just the shutter speed dial, shutter release and aperture ring on the lens. A lot of accessories were also available, such as different types of viewfinders.

I only use manual settings and automatic focus, because my D7100 doesn't have a proper focusing screen. I would like to bring back simplicity and modularity to cameras but I need something to balance the lack of modern features.

My idea is that the body would remain unchanged for long periods of time, there wouldn't be a lot of electronics and most electronic components could be updated without buying a new body. Manual focus, mechanical shutter, interchangeable image sensor, image processor and connectors, back screen would be an accessory, only manual settings... Basically imagine taking an old film camera and making it digital. I would also like that users could program apps and new features for the camera.

So my question is this: what would this kind of camera have to offer to make up for the lack of modern features? Also, should it be mirrorless or SLR?
You would get a simple camera for landscape shooting and other slow photography and you wouldn't have to buy a new camera every few years but what else would you want? Should the electronics be in an interchangeable back, so that you could shoot film too? What image format should the camera be? What if the camera was waterproof without an underwater case? What kind of styling? Should it be useful for video too? Focal-plane or central shutter? Should the camera have light metering? All ideas are welcome.