Help Matt Push '40' With A New Camera Body

Your broke, queer, artist friend, Matt, is turning 40 this May 2022. You know he could never afford this gorgeous Canon  EOS R5 Mirrorless Camera Body on his own. Frankly, you'd never pay $3,899 for probably anything, even if you cared to. Matt is kinda nuts—even in his own creative practice. But you love him, people only turn 40 once, and teaming up with all Matt's friends, together you might all just have a chance...

 

So Why This Camera?
I've been invested in Canon for my artistic career entire. My first camera body was the original Canon Rebel, 2nd generation. I've had my Canon 5d Mark II since 2011, a solid 11 years. It's a workhorse of a camera, which has served me well across San Francisco, Portland, Los Angeles, and even Paris, France—in over 300 sessions, both indoor and on-location. However, it's time for a change. The Canon EOS R5 is the one I want, having improved on Canon's foray into digital mirrorless technology with the comfort and familiarity of my own 5d's functionality. Seems like a match made in heaven!  

Why Seek Donations Thru GoFundMe?

Given what's wrong in the world, and all the myriad of dire struggle and significant problems—many of which are for important causes; medical bills, college savings plans, surgeries, housing payments, nonprofit fundraising—a new camera may seem superfluous, luxurious, even childish by comparison. I'm the first to admit that. 

But I sorta can't help it, if that makes any sense: I keep coming back to what I love. To what inspires and fulfills me. For that, I need the right tools. And despite everything, making art and feeling nurtured by a creative practice is deeply inspiring for my own life and place in the world. 

Can You Share Any Details About the Camera?

B&H has a great 'sales' entry  for the item. Or, in its review of the product, Digital Camera World boasts: "As a stills camera, the Canon EOS R5 is simply Canon's finest product ever. It’s the perfect amalgamation of the EOS R’s form, the EOS 5D’s function, and the professional-grade autofocus of the EOS-1D X." You can check specs at the link provided, if you wish. But to boil it down, think: a huge 45MP image sensor, stellar auto-focus and focus-tracking, pristine image quality, and (most importantly, for me) fast EF-lens mount adaption for my existing kit of L-series glass. Trust me, I had no desire whatsoever to go out buying a bunch of new lenses too. 

 

What Are Your Aims With This Campaign?

For the past several years, I've been considered upgrading my camera body. I've researched the Canon EOS R5 extensively, mirrorless generally, and inquired specifically about its use and compatibility with my existing kit; naturally, of course, I quailed internally at the expense; while the age of my current camera is not so extensive as my own age, its coming to its useful end; and the quality and capability of the R5 is unmatched, more than deserving of its quoted price. I'd never be able to justify the purchase at my current salary. The body is a tenth of my annual income (and much more, when taking taxes or debt into account). I simply could not justify doing this on my own. Yet I cannot think of any creative tool I continue to return to, time and again, to consider as a natural next-step in my photographic practice. 

In addition to (1) the cost of the camera body itself, the fundraising goal takes into account both (2) CA taxes and surcharges/shipping and (3) the estimated $100 cost of the EF adapter needed to use my Canon L-series lenses. Any donations over the goal amount will be used for celebratory cocktails, lowering debt, a BG-R10 battery grip, or frankly more art.

Final Thoughts?

Just my gratitude, to anybody who sees worth in this unusual ask. To friends and family willing to help toward my goal. For over 11 years, my own photography practice has been instrumental to who I am, how I understand myself and my desires, and what I present to the world. Photographic artwork, particularly queer artwork, along with trusty and well-used gear have been central to that endeavor just as long, perhaps even longer. They are the tools that move the deep-mind, its necessary function to imagine form and elucidate a shared vision for how to be. I will be ever-thankful for any support I might receive.