It seems that as a healthy capitalistic society, consumerism will never go away. Rather than try to fight it, perhaps it is more clever to attack it from a different angle.

I have a notion of “reuserism”, that is consumerism but slightly different. Based on principles of reusing things.

The future of modular cameras

I like the idea that in the future, when your camera gets outdated, you could just buy a new sensor and replace the sensor in your camera, rather than replace the whole thing. Ricoh tried to do this with their GXR series, but unfortunately it didn’t really take off.

In praise of buying older used Tesla cars

Maybe the best approach is just buy an old Tesla Model S (early generation) and see if you can upgrade or get a new battery for it.

In praise of the OG Leica M9

Maybe it is a good idea to buy outdated electronics, and just make sure the sensor is refreshed or new. For example, buying the original Leica M9 but making sure it has a new sensor exchanged by Leica. The good thing with inter-changeable cameras is that you can just swap out the lens. And with buying older electronics — you get less ‘upgrade treadmill’, because you’ve already decided you will settle with an older design. In fact, I prefer the older button layout of the OG Leica M9 over the Leica M10 (I think the 3 button system is too ‘cute’ and not as Bauhaus as the Leica M9 hard small circular buttons).

Buying shoes where you can actually replace the soles?

I really liked my old Nike Air Force 1 (Flyknit) sneakers, but eventually the sole wore out. And you cannot change the soles of these sneakers. Then perhaps is the goal to get some old-school leather shoes, where you can replace the soles?