Why We Love Old Cameras?
- They are fun! Some are so simple to use… you just aim and shoot! Others, like my LeCoultre Compass, are so complicated to operate that I have to re-learn the controls every time I pick it up. Figuring them out is half the fun.
- Results may vary. Older, non-coated lenses give images a very different look than modern optics. Soft focus, lower contrast images can give you a look that is difficult to imitate with your EOS 5D. On the other hand, some older lenses are on par with today’s best. Sometimes newer isn’t always better!
- They are inexpensive. Except for rare collectible cameras, you don’t have to spend much to buy a precision made classic. Most of the hundreds of cameras in the Seawood Museum I purchased for under $20.00 at yard sales and flea markets. $200 will buy you a old camera that would have cost your grandfather four months salary when new. With so many people dumping their film cameras for digital, there have never been so many available, and that has resulted in record-low prices.
- They interface with modern technology. Why not scan your film and digitally manipulate images shot with classics? Just because the camera was made in 1938 doesn’t mean you have to have to set up your own darkroom. Unless you want to!
- Cameras are like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are going to get. It’s also fun to see how bad some of them were! I have a simple Agfa Billy Record 6×9 camera that takes incredible images. Probably cost $20 when new. By comparison, I also have a high-end Voightlander Bessa II that has a great reputation but produces mediocre results.
this is a nice summary by Graham Law, Seawood Photo
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Buying TLR on Ebay
I read about Roland’s article this morning on buying guide of cameras on ebay. Personally I like the translation guide at the end of the article
“This camera is maybe sixty years old but looks as if it were bought yesterday” – “I’ve lost my glasses”.
“I am not an expert on cameras, but” = “I am feigning ignorance so that I can sell you trash and not refund your money”.
“No returns” = “I am selling trash”.
“This photograph is of a similar camera. The camera I am selling is BETTER than this” – “I’ve got some junk to sell and I’m looking for an extremely stupid person to buy it”.
“Lens is slightly cloudy/milky but should be easy to clean” = “There is fungus on the lens and maybe in the balsam. The lens is ruined”.
“Paint missing in some places typical for a camera of this age” = “The camera needs a respray”.
“Signs of retouching” = “Extensively retouched and done badly at that”.
“Slow speeds seem a bit tardy/hesitant” = “Shutter needs a service”.
“Should be easy to fix” = “I can’t fix it. You won’t be able to fix it. Maybe nobody can fix it”.
“Has been stored for a long time” = “Internally filthy and may need dismantling and require a professional clean”.
“Case needs some restitching” = “Case is falling apart at the seams”.
“Lens has a slightly sepia look” = “This lens has a lanthanum element with radioactive thorium added and will get more opaque as time goes on”.
“Pictures have an appealing soft look” = “Lens is no good”.
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