Danny James Ridley was present moments before gunmen opened fire on a crowd of people celebrating Hannukah at Bondi Beach on December 14.
The 35-year-old is accused of using the chaotic aftermath of the alleged terror attack to steal a set of camera equipment worth $3500.
The gear belonged to 61-year-old Peter Meagher, a retired police officer who was one of 15 people killed in the attack at the Jewish festival of lights.
NSW Police allege Ridley pawned the equipment - which was later recovered - along with an SD card containing Mr Meagher's last photographs, from a home in Sydney's northwest.
The photographer faced Blacktown Local Court for the first time on Monday.
His solicitor Andrew Dikha asked for the case to be adjourned for four weeks and transferred to Waverley Local Court.Â
Ridley will return to court on July 22, when he is expected to enter pleas.
He has been charged with larceny, disposing of stolen property and furnishing false information.
Ridley has also been hit with firearm and drug charges after police allegedly found handcuffs, a small white crystalline powder that was allegedly meth, and electronics at his home.
He is on bail and remained silent while walking through a throng of reporters outside court.
In May, Mr Meagher's widow Virginia said the return of her husband's camera was a miracle after months of inquiries.
"My message to the police is thank you for your diligence, your persistence," she said at the time.
"The last little piece of him is being returned."
Mr Meagher, a beloved figure at Randwick Rugby Club, had also been working as a photographer at the religious celebration when he was fatally shot.
Naveed Akram has been charged with murder and terrorism offences over the massacre, while his father and fellow gunman Sajid was fatally shot by police.
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