Amid the cool, misty weather of Da Lat’s Ward 3, Quy (37) meticulously cleans and maintains his beloved collection. Whenever visitors drop by, he eagerly shares the history and operation of each camera, from classic Nikon, Canon, and Pentax models to rare Mamiya and Elmoflex pieces. Some of the cameras in his collection date back nearly a century, and many are still in working condition.

A passion that started with a need

Born and raised in Da Lat, Quy was fascinated by photographers capturing the beauty of the “City of a Thousand Flowers.” However, it wasn’t until 2008 - when he moved to Ho Chi Minh City to study at Van Hien University - that his journey into photography truly began.

"I wanted to capture beautiful moments everywhere I went, but I didn’t have a camera," he recalled. To save up for one, Quy worked part-time at cafés while studying. Eventually, he bought his first digital camera, which sparked his deep appreciation for photography.

After graduating, Quy worked for several finance companies but longed to return to his hometown. With his savings and family support, he opened a small 20m² camera shop near Hoa Binh Market in Da Lat. Starting with just a few digital cameras and accessories, he soon developed a passion for vintage film cameras.

Hunting down history

Quy’s collection grew as he traveled across Vietnam, searching for rare cameras. Some owners were reluctant to part with their cameras, but after hearing Quy’s passion and dedication, they eventually agreed to pass them on.

"Each camera has a story. The faded colors, the classic aesthetic, and the memories they hold make them truly special," Quy shared.

His growing collection outgrew his small shop, so he moved it to Robinson Hill, where he also runs a café. Here, visitors can admire the cameras while enjoying a peaceful view of Da Lat’s lush greenery.

More than a collector, a giver

Many photography lovers visit Quy’s café to relive the golden days of film photography. Vo Trang, a longtime photography enthusiast, frequently stops by to use one of Quy’s cameras.

"Today’s cameras are highly advanced, but Quy’s collection is incredibly diverse. It brings back nostalgia and appreciation for traditional film photography," Trang said.

Over the years, Quy’s collection has surpassed 200 cameras, yet he refuses to sell them. Instead, he gladly gives them away to passionate photographers who will cherish them.

"Each camera holds a unique history, and I want to share that joy with others who truly appreciate them," Quy said.

For Quy, collecting cameras isn’t just a hobby - it’s a way of preserving memories, history, and a lifelong passion.