The Authentics: Arjun Mahatta On His Photographic Heirloom

CAMERAS ARE LIKE AN EXTENDED limb for me. They are part of my bloodstream. Photography has been part of my family’s story for generations. I merely walk a path laid down by my grandfather and those before him, as founder of the famed Mahatta Photo Studios over a century ago.

I was in class seven, barely 12, when my grandfather placed the Nikon FE2 in my hands, before a school photography competition. I didn’t win that contest but receiving the camera nudged me towards a journey that gradually transformed a nascent interest into a lifelong calling.

Once I realised that owning a good camera wasn’t enough to win competitions, I began analysing the various aspects of photography. Learning about light, exposure and composition made me greatly respect the camera. Technologically, the FE2 offers the perfect balance of mechanical feel and electronic precision, with aperture priority, a clear meter and a fast shutter, all of which make it a joy to shoot with. However, it’s also quite distinctive from other cameras in my collection because of the memories attached to it.

It was my camera of choice when I visited Pushkar in Rajasthan, for my first formal outstation photography trip. I was the youngest in a group of strangers, walking through bustling lanes and busy fairs with the camera slung over my shoulder. The thrill of creating stories through images was new and strong. My clearest memory is of standing on a vacant lot, unaware of the camel race about to begin. When a group of camels charged towards me, I instinctively swung my camera around, firing a few frames. Those chaotic, dusty shots of the camels thundering past still remain very close to my heart.

I reach for the FE2 when I want to reconnect with that younger version of myself. It has come to represent the childlike curiosity that first drew me to photography. It’s tied to precious memories of quiet walks, memorable portraits of family and friends, and the slow, reflective projects I experimented with in early days. I also carry it along with me on trips where I want to travel light but stay intentional.

The Nikon FE2 taught me an important lesson. When I first received it, I imagined that a good tool alone would give me good results, and losing that competition gently corrected that belief. With time, I learned that effort, attention and patience matter far more than the equipment itself.

My grandfather gifted it to me because he believed it was the right companion for someone just starting to find their footing. It would help me grow, steadily and sincerely, at my own pace. I’m grateful that his gift drew me closer to the legacy I strive to uphold. Perhaps he instinctively knew that gifting me this camera early on would either scare me away or pull me in deeper. I am glad it did the latter.

As told to NOOR ANAND CHAWLA