I am more like an opportunistic photographer - I use what I could borrow or have, meaning any cameras I could use and it also give me a bit of hands-on experience which is actually useful ($600 - 900 Nikon D3400 two lenses DSLR camera kit suits me just fine for now as I use Linux version of Photoshop, Darktable to clean up RAW image files a bit, now that I am also into astrophotography and that camera's not too bad for that low light photography). Also, I have a rare Canon 35mm A-1 SLR camera, gifted to me - I will need to find a few compatible parts to repair the film speed selector, fairly chewed up.
However, ancient Nikon and Canon SLR cameras were built like tanks.
However, IMO, you don't have to be so rich to be a photographer, although it kind of help. Camera don't have to be greatest and latest, if you know of a few tricks, both analog (films) and digital (semiconductor) cameras can be your best friend in photography.
EDITED: Forgot to add the astrophotography picture, I know I got off on a wrong footing, however I learn quickly. I may get best result when I get to the campground (ie. away from light pollution), so I don't get overzealous with the shutter timing. Oh yeah, and better tripod is also important. I intend to figure that out.
YET ANOTHER EDIT: And here's some newer bonus.