Under Exposed: Hidden Gems That Outshoot the Hype

Not all great cameras make waves on social media. But that doesn’t mean they can’t hold their own against the most talked-about models. Sometimes the best gear is the stuff no one’s shouting about: cameras and lenses with incredible build quality, unique specs, or rare designs that go unnoticed simply because they’re not trending.

Under Exposed is our curated spotlight on KEH Certified™ pre-owned gear that might be flying under the radar, but still packs serious potential. Whether it’s undervalued, unusual, or just plain underrated, every item in this list deserves a second look.

Yashica 44

~ $100

This twin-lens reflex camera shoots 127 film — a less common format that produces beautifully sharp square images. The Yashica 44 is compact and ergonomically pleasing, making it ideal for those who love the TLR experience but want something smaller than the classic 120-format models. With a waist-level viewfinder, manual controls, and retro styling, this camera bridges the gap between collectible and capable. A great pick for film photographers looking to expand their format options or add a conversation-starting piece to their kit.

Contax TVS 35mm Camera (28–56mm f/3.5–6.5)

A luxury compact from Contax, the TVS delivers premium performance in a travel-friendly size. Its Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar zoom lens is sharp across the frame, with color rendering and contrast that rival some prime lenses. The titanium build feels solid and durable, and the autofocus system is impressively fast and accurate for its time. With aperture-priority and full-auto modes, it’s accessible to beginners but rewarding for advanced shooters. It’s a perfect 35mm travel companion for those who appreciate classic design and top-tier optics.

Canon EOS M 

~$280

The Canon EOS M was the company’s first foray into mirrorless—and while it may not have turned heads at launch, it’s aged surprisingly well. The 18MP APS-C sensor delivers crisp, color-accurate images, and its compact size makes it an excellent everyday carry. It’s remarkably versatile with support for EF-M lenses and adaptability to EF and EF-S lenses via an adapter. This Bay Blue edition adds a stylish twist. While it lacks some of the bells and whistles of modern mirrorless bodies, it remains a fantastic budget-friendly choice for beginners, travelers, or even as a lightweight backup body.

Ricoh GR III Street Edition

~$1000

The GR III series has long been a secret weapon for street and documentary photographers. This special Street Edition features a metallic gray finish with an orange ring accent, giving it a standout look to match its performance. Inside, the 24.2MP APS-C sensor and fixed 18.3mm f/2.8 lens deliver sharp, punchy images with minimal distortion and excellent low-light performance. It’s lightning-fast to start up and shoot, with intuitive controls and a compact body that disappears into your pocket. Ideal for discreet street photography, urban travel, or anyone who values simplicity without sacrificing image quality.

Fujifilm GSW690III Medium Format (65mm f/5.6)

~$1200

Nicknamed the “Texas Leica,” this rangefinder-style medium format camera produces giant 6x9cm negatives for exceptional detail and tonal range. Built like a tank and fully mechanical, the GSW690III is remarkably easy to use despite its size. The fixed 65mm f/5.6 lens is wide-angle for the format and delivers edge-to-edge sharpness, making it a dream for landscape and architectural photographers. With only eight exposures per roll of 120 film, every shot counts—but the image quality is worth it. A cult classic for good reason, especially for film shooters who want a step up in resolution without going large format.

Konica Hexar RF Limited Titanium with 50mm f/1.2 M-Hexanon

~$3600

This ultra-rare collector’s set is more than just eye candy. The Hexar RF is a Leica M-mount rangefinder with excellent build quality, fast motorized film advance, and a quiet shutter—features that make it a true sleeper among film shooters. Paired with the stunning 50mm f/1.2 M-Hexanon lens, the combo delivers dreamy bokeh, low-light power, and a unique rendering that’s hard to replicate. The titanium finish and limited production run make this a grail item for collectors, but it’s also a workhorse for serious photographers who want elite optics in a sleek, distinctive body.

Canon EOS R5 C

~ $2900

Canon’s R5 C is a hybrid powerhouse that often gets overshadowed by its siblings, but it arguably offers more versatility than any of them. It combines the full-frame, 45MP stills capabilities of the EOS R5 with the pro-level video features of Canon’s Cinema EOS line—essentially giving you two cameras in one. It supports 8K RAW recording, 10-bit internal 4:2:2, and has a dedicated switch for toggling between photo and cinema modes. With a compact mirrorless form factor and an active cooling system, it’s ideal for hybrid creators who demand uncompromising performance across both formats.

Fujifilm X-M1

~ $500

Don’t let the X-M1’s simple design fool you—it shares the same 16MP X-Trans CMOS sensor as the beloved X-Pro1 and X-E1. That means sharp detail, minimal moiré, and gorgeous color rendering without the need for an optical low-pass filter. The X-M1 strips away the viewfinder and dials for a more minimalist, lightweight body, perfect for travel or casual shooting. With Wi-Fi connectivity, intuitive controls, and full compatibility with Fujifilm’s excellent XF lens lineup, it’s a hidden gem for photographers who want premium image quality in a small, affordable package.

Just because a camera isn’t trending doesn’t mean it can’t compete! These KEH Certified™ pre-owned gear selections prove that exceptional gear often flies under the radar. At KEH, we know the best tools don’t have to be brand new to help you create something extraordinary. Whether you’re after standout design, a unique shooting experience, or pro-level performance without the price tag, this lineup has a lot to love. Because in the end, it’s not about the gear you have — it’s about what you do with it. Shop on KEH.com and discover your next hidden gem.