Where history, craftsmanship, and community come together.
The museum and the Hard to Find Camera Store are more than just a location – they’re the result of years of passion, curiosity, and a deep respect for the photographic craft. Together, they form a
space that celebrates not only rare cameras, but the people who use them and the stories they help tell.
It all started when I was a student at the photography academy. I didn’t have a plan or a budget, but I had a growing fascination with vintage lenses – particularly M42 glass. The feel, the design, and the history behind these pieces grabbed my attention. What began as a shelf of tools turned into a
personal archive, and eventually into a collection that now holds over 3,000 cameras.
Some came from collectors, others from attics. A few were gifts from fellow photographers who saw what I was building and wanted to contribute. Slowly but surely, the story of photography – from early 1800s wooden view cameras to mid-century SLR icons and rare prototypes – came into focus.
“Walking through this museum is like stepping through time. Each shelf, each camera has a voice – and Rens has curated them not just with knowledge, but with heart.” In 2020, I officially opened the Hard to Find Camera Store, combining my love for gear with my experience as a professional photographer and entrepreneur. Since 2023, we have expanded into a full-service camera store – not only offering rare and vintage gear, but also the latest digital cameras,
new products, and accessories. This allows us to serve a wider audience, from analogue enthusiasts to digital professionals looking for cutting-edge tools. We’ve since sold over 18,000 cameras to clients around the world – from first-time film shooters to institutions and lifelong collectors.
Yet the heart of the store remains the same: honest advice, top-tier quality, and real connection with our customers. Whether you’re looking for a rare Leica, a workhorse Nikon F2, or just want to admire the craftsmanship of a 19th-century plate camera, you’re welcome here.
Visitors often come for a camera and stay for the stories. The museum is open by appointment and regularly welcomes students, enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the evolution of photography. We also collaborate with educational institutions and welcome contributions from those who want to share or preserve a piece of photographic history.
If you have an old camera gathering dust – whether it’s a family heirloom, a forgotten classic, or an unusual piece of photo history – we’re always interested in new additions. Donations help us expand the collection and preserve stories that would otherwise be lost. Every contribution, big or small, becomes part of a living archive for future generations to enjoy.
If you’re nearby, come visit. If you’re far away, know that every item shipped from the Hard to Find Camera Store is part of the same vision: connecting people through the beauty and legacy of photography.
Based in the Netherlands – available in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany (other countries on request)