My first suggestion would be to try and identify what it is you liked about that particular film? It's hard to do, sometimes liking a film is just a feeling, but articulating what worked will help you tremendously as you figure out what kind of projects you want to write.

It'll also help others suggest films that are similar based on what precisely you reasonated with on that film.

The nagra came out in 1951!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nagra
Was industry standard until, shockingly, the 1990s. I used one last in like 2003. Great recorder.

There's definitely ways to degrade modern footage (RED, alexa, Blackmagic URSA) to look old. But honestly, many filmmakers love shooting actual vintage cameras for that vintage look. It might be tricky working with 20 year old DV cameras (they might be less reliable, they aren't designed to run for 20 years). It really comes down to personal preference, to be honest. Some like capturing the look in camera. Some are ok with taking more time to create that look in post.

Do some workshops in New York!

I'm working on a book about this called "Enterpreneurship for Filmmakers," email me and I'll send you a draft when it's done in a few months I'm looking for early reader feedback.

I try to talk about it tons! I LOVE Fujifilm. But I think it doesn't get the love it deserves because it's still a Super35mm roughly sized sensor (vs. full frame), and full frame is better in low light. I LOVE the XH-1, can't wait to test the XT3, and am psyched for the future, but Fuji seems to be betting on medium format as their next move, skipping over full frame. It's a bold bet, but it means in 2018 they aren't getting the press of canon/nikon. who are 3 years behind sony :)