Old-fashioned cameras breathe new life into a Nigerian resident in Malaysia
In the heart of Taman Bukit Desa, Kuala Lumpur, lies a unique treasure trove for photography enthusiasts - De Vintage, a digital camera shop owned and run by Anwacha Okechi Freedom. Originally from Nigeria, Anwacha found a renewed sense of purpose and community in Malaysia, and her shop has become a haven for those who appreciate classic and retro camera technology.
De Vintage boasts a collection of over 300 cameras, ranging from affordable models priced as low as RM300 to rarer ones that can go up to RM3,000. The shop's inventory includes models from renowned brands like Kodak, Sony, Nikon, Olympus, Leica, and even the Japanese Patora motor film camera. Unique pieces such as a 1970s Polaroid OneStep SX-70 camera, Rolleicord twin-lens reflex cameras from the 1930s, and a German Carl Zeiss Prontormat 50mm can also be found here.
Anwacha's passion for photography is evident in the welcoming atmosphere of her shop, which caters not only to collectors but also to those who want to capture memories with unique and trustworthy equipment from a different era. Her shop has become a notable place for camera lovers in KL, reflecting her deep passion for cameras and her welcoming approach towards the local creative community.
The business is part of a broader revival of interest in vintage digital cameras, sometimes called CCD cameras, popular for their distinct image quality and nostalgic appeal. A TikTok video posted earlier this year brought attention to Freedom's shop, racking up over 200,000 views, indicative of the newfound popularity of vintage and early-2000s digital cameras among the younger generation.
Visits to De Vintage are by appointment only, and the shop's business hours are from 10am to 6pm. Anwacha, who has been living in Malaysia since 2009 and is now married to a Sarawakian with two children, keeps his prices reasonable due to the constant influx of cameras. He learned to repair cameras on his own and was seen fixing a Nikon Coolpix during FMT Lifestyle's visit. Repairing cameras can keep him at the shop until late at night.
Despite the scarcity of some rare models, Anwacha refuses to sell them, understanding their value. Customers appreciate vintage cameras for their old aesthetic and unique picture quality. De Vintage represents both a personal and cultural story: that of Anwacha Okechi Freedom's new life in Malaysia and the rekindling of interest in classic photography gear among enthusiasts in Kuala Lumpur.
To make an appointment or for more information, contact De Vintage at 016-562 7521.
Sources:
- FMT Lifestyle
- The Star
- MalaysiaToday
- The Edge Markets
- The Sun Daily
- For home-and-garden enthusiasts in Sarawak who appreciate a distinct aesthetic, managing to visit De Vintage in Taman Bukit Desa, Kuala Lumpur, could be a rewarding shopping excursion, given its collection of vintage digital cameras.
- With a wide range of prices, De Vintage offers both budget-conscious buyers and discerning collectors a chance to own a piece of photography history, from affordable models priced at RM300 to rarer ones tagged up to RM3,000.
- Beyond delving into the world of photography equipment, a visit to De Vintage provides a glimpse into the captivating story of Anwacha Okechi Freedom, a Nigerian entrepreneur who found a new home in Malaysia and became an integral part of Kuala Lumpur's creative scene.
