What To Do With Old Cameras – 17 Creative, Eco-Friendly & Profitable Ideas!
Old cameras can be sold, reused, recycled, or turned into decor. From film revival to creative projects, there are dozens of smart and sustainable ways to give your gear new life.
If you’ve got old cameras collecting dust in a drawer or a box in the attic, you’re not alone. With digital photography evolving rapidly, many photographers and hobbyists are left wondering, “What should I do with my old cameras?”
Whether you have vintage film cameras, outdated DSLRs, or broken compacts, this guide will walk you through smart, sustainable, and even profitable ways to reuse, repurpose, or recycle your old photography gear.
1. Sell Your Old Cameras for Cash
One of the simplest ways to deal with old cameras is to sell them. Many older models—especially vintage film cameras like the Canon AE-1 or Nikon FM—can still fetch good prices.
Where to sell:
- eBay – Best for rare and collectible models
- KEH Camera – Trusted buyer for used gear
- B&H Photo or Adorama – Instant trade-in quotes
- Facebook Marketplace – Local and fast
- MPB.com – Great for DSLR and mirrorless resales
Tip: Clean your camera, take good photos, and provide accurate descriptions to get the best resale value.
2. Trade-In for Credit
Many photography retailers offer trade-in programs where you can exchange your old camera for store credit or even a new upgrade.
Popular trade-in programs:
- B&H Photo Video
- Adorama Trade-In
- Best Buy Electronics Trade-In
- Canon Loyalty Program (for Canon users)
3. Restore & Use Them as Retro Cameras
Old cameras don’t always mean useless. Film photography is back in style.
- Buy a roll of 35mm or 120 film and start shooting again.
- Vintage cameras like Pentax K1000 or Olympus OM-1 are popular among new film photographers.
- Join communities like /r/analog on Reddit or local photo walks.
Tip: Film development labs are still active in many cities or available via mail-in services.
4. Display Them as Vintage Decor
Turn your camera into a conversation-starting decoration:
- Mount on a floating shelf with photo prints
- Create a “camera wall” with different models
- Use it as a bookend or centerpiece
- DIY lamp project using camera bodies (with safety precautions)
Aesthetics: Classic models like Rolleiflex, Leica, or Polaroid Land Cameras look great as display items.
5. Donate to Schools, Clubs, or Art Programs
Your old camera might inspire the next generation of photographers.
Places to donate:
- Local schools or high schools with photography classes
- Community art centers or nonprofits
- Youth organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs
- Charities like Photo Start, which supports global education
6. Use It as a Learning Tool
Don’t throw away that broken camera yet. Use it to learn:
- Disassemble it to understand lens, sensor, and shutter mechanisms
- Teach kids or students about camera parts
- Practice DIY camera repair skills
- Train yourself in manual photography techniques
7. Repurpose Parts for Art or Jewelry
Creative artists repurpose camera parts to make unique creations:
- Jewelry: Lens rings, gears, or buttons become necklaces or bracelets
- Art sculptures: Use film reels, viewfinders, or lenses in mixed-media art
- Keychains: Make custom keychains using camera logos or battery covers
Platforms like Etsy are full of ideas and even marketplaces for your work.
8. Recycle Responsibly
If your old camera no longer works and has no resale or repurpose value, don’t throw it in the trash. Electronics contain materials that should be disposed of properly.
Where to recycle:
- Best Buy Recycling Program
- Call2Recycle.org (for batteries and electronics)
- Local e-waste centers or municipality recycling events
- Canon, Nikon, or Sony Recycling Programs
9. Create a Camera Museum at Home
If you’re a collector, why not start a mini home museum?
- Label your models by year, make, and format
- Include a timeline of photography evolution
- Add family photos shot with each model
- Invite friends or students for photo history lessons
10. Convert to a Pinhole Camera
Transform your broken camera into a fully functional pinhole camera:
- Remove the lens and install a thin metal plate with a tiny hole
- Load photographic paper or film
- Cover and expose manually
This low-tech project is fun and teaches photography basics.
11. Keep as Backup Camera
If it still works, keep your old camera as a backup for emergencies or travel situations where you don’t want to risk your primary gear.
12. Use for Security or DIY Projects
Old digital cameras (with SD card support) can be converted to:
- Timelapse cameras
- DIY wildlife monitoring
- Security cameras for sheds or garages
- Raspberry Pi-connected surveillance units
13. Use Parts for Repairs or Modding
If you have a broken camera or multiple similar models, keep one for replacement parts:
- LCD screens
- Lens mounts
- Battery doors
- Viewfinder components
Modders and hobbyists often look for such parts online, so even non-functional gear has value.
14. Turn It into a Webcam
Many old DSLRs can be used as webcams with free software and a USB cable:
- Check if your camera is supported by tools like Canon EOS Webcam Utility or SparkoCam
- Use it for Zoom, streaming, or YouTube content creation
15. Create a Memory Display with Prints
Pair your camera with printed photos taken by it:
- Create a shadow box or frame with your camera and favorite prints
- Include camera specs, model year, or family memories
- A great gift idea for parents or grandparents
16. Join a Camera Swap or Film Camera Club
There are growing communities of vintage camera lovers:
- Film camera meetups
- Camera swap events
- Facebook groups or forums like Photrio.com
You may find someone who will treasure your gear or help you find parts.
17. Archive and Digitize for Posterity
If your camera contains built-in memory or old SD cards:
- Backup the photos
- Organize and tag them
- Use cloud services or external hard drives
Your memories deserve to be preserved, even if the device is retired.
FAQs:
1. Are old film cameras still valuable?
Yes. Many vintage cameras are collectible and sought after by hobbyists. Models from Nikon, Canon, Leica, and Pentax can fetch good resale prices, especially if they’re functional and in good condition.
2. Can I use an old DSLR as a webcam?
Yes. Many DSLRs can function as webcams using USB and manufacturer software. Canon, Nikon, and Sony offer webcam utilities for models released in the past 10–12 years.
3. Is it worth repairing an old camera?
If it’s a rare or high-value model, yes. However, repairs can be costly. Compare repair costs to resale value before proceeding, or consider selling for parts.
4. Where can I donate old cameras?
You can donate to schools, nonprofits, or art programs. Some organizations, like Photo Start or Project MyLens, accept old gear to teach youth and support visual education.
5. What parts of a broken camera can be reused?
Lenses, viewfinders, buttons, flash units, battery doors, and LCD screens can be salvaged. These parts are useful for repairs, art projects, or DIY camera builds.
Conclusion
Old cameras are more than outdated gadgets—they’re windows into history, tools for creativity, and even sources of income. Whether you’re selling, donating, repurposing, or decorating, you have countless options to give your gear a second life. From sparking creativity to preserving family memories, old cameras continue to serve long after their last click. Don’t let them sit forgotten—transform your camera clutter into something meaningful today.
