Bill 45

I would not get all upset about batteries. Use the camera without a battery. Use the 16 Rulers of Sun (I think that what it is call.) I had a Spotmatic, have a Nikon FTN and two German Camera. Came back with great pictures with out battery.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

- BUT, this is a collector camera - as an investment, you should NOT be using it ...
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nadelewitz Loc: Ithaca NY

Sunny 16 Rule.

nadelewitz Loc: Ithaca NY

Still silly. Are people driving old, historic, collectible cars? Vintage airplanes? Using ANYTHING as it was intended is a big part of the fun of being a collector. Or just someone who appreciates the "old ways" and gets enjoyment from USING old stuff.

I collect film cameras going back to Nikon F1, Nikkormat FTn, Canon FT/Pellix/Canonet QL17 GIII, Pentax Spotmatic (first one), Minolta SRT 101, the first Canon EOS cameras, and on through later models/generations. All my cameras are fully functional and I will not hesitate to USE them. I have a pile of outdated B&W film (which is good for years after expiration dates) and have bought chemicals to process it with.

Letting the classics of ANYTHING just sit and collect dust detracts from the joy and appreciation of them.

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

I disagree. And so do my Leicas, Rolleiflex, Hasselblad, and Pentax.

Use ‘em with care, but they were meant to be used, and occasional use keeps them healthier than benign neglect.

Andy

Bill 45

What? Not use it, I don't want wall hangers. This morning I was out driving around and I had my Retina IIIC (larger "C") with me stop and took some pictures with it.

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

I keep my small c model next to my desk at work, with the auxiliary lenses and finder. Just the thing when I want to walk around downtown shooting street.

Andy

nadelewitz Loc: Ithaca NY

Not to pile on (maybe), and adding to my previous response to you, I don't collect cameras as an investment. I collect them to appreciate their beauty and simplicity of function compared to the ever-increasing complexity of digital. I am constantly amazed at how these intricate mechanical devices were designed and manufactured. The sounds and tactile feelings cannot be matched by digital devices.

I work at a recycle/reuse business, doing the photo equipment triage and refurbishing. Film cameras, enlargers, all the accessories, sell like hotcakes. People are USING it!

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

I agree. I just about had to arm wrestle a twenty something hipster to pick up a thrift store SMC 135mm, paying $20 over the asking price.

Andy

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Yes, if money is no object for you ( or you never care about getting your money back) - use them! - OR, have one mint one and one user. Yes, I have dumpy chrome Spotmatics that I can use - or, I will sell you one if you want. I am more financially challenged than the average camera nut tho so, money for me or lack thereof is always a concern for me.

One of my best friends was, maybe, one of the largest camera collectors in the country and we attended maybe 100 camera shows in the 70's-80's and 90's. One thing I learned, collectors pay the highest prices for
cameras - and collectors want mint cosmetics ! - just like stamp and coin collectors ! The black finish on Pentax Spotmatics is very fragile - much more so than chrome versions - I know since I used my first (1969) black Spotmatic for 15 years - I still have it - but it is very well worn - NOT pretty.

Even if the meter in this Spotmatic worked, I would not use it ! There are so many better light metering options today for use. I would not hesitate to USE any of my dumpy chrome ones tho. But for serious film work today, I much prefer medium and large format. But nostalgia can be fun too !
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imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Yes, this obvious (to me) ....
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AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

Fair comment. And there are some cameras so rare, that even I would hate to use them. Perhaps this will become one of them in a few years.

Andy