5 Clever Uses For Your Old Cameras

Anyone who likes to take a picture from time to time has likely accumulated a variety of cameras over the years. Those who approach photography with a more professional eye may have an entire cabinet full of cameras they haven't used in years. Selling off such equipment might put a few extra dollars in your pocket, but outdated photography equipment may not amount to much, especially when compared to the value these cameras can provide when repurposed for other uses.

Whether your old camera gear consists of used DSLR cameras, pocketable point-and-shoot cameras from the early 2000s, old camcorders, or even film cameras, there are a lot of great ways to make use of them today. And these old cameras don't even need to be functional in order to pump some new life into them. Whether you've got a box of old gear in the attic or you've recently landed a big find at the antique store, let's explore some creative ways to keep the potential of that photography equipment from being squandered.

If you've been introduced to photography through a smartphone such as the iPhone 17 Pro with its upgraded camera, there's a whole new world of creativity to tap into with an old camera. Smartphone cameras are incredible tools that handle a lot of the technical work automatically, but an old film camera is an opportunity to explore the concepts of photography. Film cameras require their exposure and focus to be dialed in manually, and without the ability to review your picture until the film has been processed, shooting with film encourages a more deliberate and thoughtful approach to each shot.

For photographers who are dusting off a camera they haven't used for years, that old equipment presents an opportunity to experiment without the pressure of protecting newer, more expensive gear. There's less at risk if you want to take an old camera into challenging conditions, whether that's venturing into nature for landscape shots or walking around the city for an afternoon of street photography.

If you have an old film camera, it can be used with expired film to experiment with color shifts and unpredictable contrasting, or you can work with double exposures to layer multiple images into a single frame. For those looking to revive an old digital camera, you can test its limits through low-light photography, or you can experiment with long exposures by trying some astrophotography right in your backyard.

One of the easiest ways to put an old camera to use is as decoration around your house, office, or creative studio. If it's just sitting around anyway, why not put it somewhere it can actually be appreciated? Vintage gear can be a conversation starter during get-togethers, and the aesthetic of a classic camera can go well alongside just about any interior design style. If you have old SLR cameras, chances are you've got some lenses as well. These could go a long way toward providing some character to end tables, mantles, and bookshelves.

The bookshelf is a place where older cameras can really come in handy. Vintage cameras are great to use as bookends, as their weight can support rows of books without tipping over. Utilizing old camera equipment as decoration is a particularly useful idea if that equipment is no longer functioning. Even broken cameras can look good on a shelf or filling out an otherwise bare space. Whether you have a single camera or an entire lineup of photography gear, you're likely to find they have more value being kept on display than they do packed away in a box.

If simply displaying an old camera as decoration isn't enough to satisfy your creative impulses, you can take things a step further by turning that equipment into something else entirely. Larger film cameras like old SLRs and medium format cameras could be used as the base of a table lamp. The process will require removing the internal components, running electrical wiring through the body, and attaching a light socket and lamp shade, but it's a project that's manageable for anyone comfortable with basic crafting.

Beyond lamps, old cameras can be transformed into a variety of household objects. Smaller cameras become nightlights when fitted with LEDs, and just about any camera body can be made into a planter by removing the internal components and filling it with topsoil. Similarly, old SLR lenses can be taken apart and used as pencil holders, coin banks, or even the stem of that lamp you may have started making. Each of these will require varying degrees of skill to pull off, but there's no shortage of things a creative craftsperson can turn an old camera into.

An old digital camera with motion detection capabilities can be set up as a nature observation camera, and it can be a fascinating way to keep an eye on the natural world. Cameras with built-in motion sensors can automatically capture photos or video when animals approach, allowing you to get a look at what goes on in your yard — or out on your favorite trail — when you aren't around. An old action camera you may have lying around is a good candidate for this, as are older cameras that are able to connect to an external motion detection sensor.

The setup will require you to find a way to keep the camera powered, as well as a way to keep it unaffected by the elements. If you're planning to position the setup near your house, you can use an extension cord and AC outlet for power. Weatherproof cases are available for certain action camera models, and it shouldn't be out of reach for DIYers to construct a weatherproof housing for larger cameras. While modern trail cameras and security cameras are designed specifically for such use, repurposing an old camera offers a fun and cost-effective way to observe nature as a hobby.

Smartphones have made it easier than ever to capture everyday moments, and there's no shortage of essential apps for photography if you want to filter your photos with a retro vibe. But using your phone as a primary camera can drain its battery quickly and force you into constant decision-making around whether it's best to keep your phone charged for other uses throughout the day. Having something like a point and shoot camera from the early 2000s on hand is a way to increase your photo count throughout the day, and a camcorder from the same era is worth keeping in your car or backpack for easy access when you want to record something.

While such gear isn't going to be as capable as a dedicated vlogging camera packed with features designed for content creators, it's perfect to lean on if capturing life isn't meant to be a profession for you. Casual documentation with an older camera will give you a visual aesthetic unique to the era your camera was made. These looks are what photo editing apps and social media platforms are trying to replicate through filters. Rather than having to apply effects in post-production, you'll be able to achieve this style without ever having to reach for your phone.