I've been shooting Nikon since 1971 or so. I could never afford the top bodies new, but did just fine with a used F. Grey market manual Nikkor lenses were generally affordable, and the warranty risk was fine because nothing ever went wrong- no electronics. You have to be careful about "today's money" because back then the priorities and expenses were wildly different than today. No cell phones or plans. Cars were way cheaper. Food was way cheaper. Housing and apartments were way cheaper. I'm talking proportionate to income. Yeah, we didn't make that much, but it seemed to go a lot further. Maybe you made $10k/yr. A new car could be had for $2-3k. A three-year loan was typical. Today you might make $75k, hopefully more. but a new SUV can be $30-60k, or way more. The loan can be six years or more. Back than you could get by if only one parent worked. Prior to that, post war, people were, I think, more frugal. My dad saved up and bought a Retina IIIc. He used that camera the rest of his life because there was no reason to replace it. At least until he got a cheap digital on eBay. That was also the era when people made things. If you couldn't afford a copy stand, you made one. Heck, wood and building materials were cheaper. Heathkits made financial and performance sense. Today the concept is a non-starter.
I have a modest mirrorless setup and a few lenses, but I spent more on those than the combined total of all the cameras and stuff from my film days put together. And you still had to buy film!
