mandag 6. februar 2017

My cameras, and why they look like they do

I was thinking about it Saturday, when we had a job to do in the crane. It was a job that was new to the other engineers, and I went with them just to stand by and check. I brought the Nikon FM2 just because I had it down in the engine control room anyway at the moment. I snapped a few frames as well, as the weather was a bit on the interesting side. Wet and cold, and freezing engineers mostly used to work under deck in a some sort of controlled environment.

The second engineer having a break and listen to some talk, talk, talk... and probably loosing his patience soon after the snap was done. That's just life as it is. Ilford PAN400@1600 ASA. 

When the job was done the crane driver wanted a couple of words with me, so I climbed up the ladder still with my camera attached to my hand via some strap I made the last time I was at work. By the time I was back down in the engine control room I noticed that another few scratches, marks and dents were added to the thing. Mostly on the outer ring of the lens this time. 
Maybe I should have snapped a few of the crane driver up there as well, just to make it worth the couple of dents I managed to give the old thing?
I don't know.
But I know one thing for sure. My cameras are at least going places, and that's quite important I think. You will never be able to snap anything halfway decent if your camera is staying at home all the time.
Just think about it; we usually carry our brand new smartphones around in our pockets all the time, and they usually cost half a fortune these days. In comparison a worn old film camera can be had for next to nothing. 
So that's why I carry them around and let them bump into steel ladders and whatever. Usually it's OK as long as nothing hard hits the front of the lens. A good lens cover is usually a nice thing to have when you use things a bit rough.

The electrician caught just between all his talk, talk, talk and things like that. Still Ilford PAN400@1600 ASA. Contrasty and grainy, but you can still pick out a few details on a good day.

Second hand value? It's nothing I care too much about anyway as that's not the reason why I got my cameras. I bought them to use them, and if I would sell them one day the new owner will have to take a few minor issues or signs of former use as a part of the deal. 
I'm just telling you because some dude obviously did not like the way I kind of carelessly used the old thing outside in the rain and the wind and things. 
I know for a fact that most of my cameras has been tested in rougher conditions than this one, many times.

5 kommentarer:

  1. I like it when my cameras look pristine, but I don't sweat it when they don't. Actually, a camera in obviously used condition is likely to get more use from me, because I won't worry about whether it gets another ding or scratch!

    SvarSlett
    Svar
    1. I know Jim, and most people seem to like their cameras to look as good as possible. I, however, had to give up that at some point as I seem to not be able to keep them in a visual good condition if I use them. So I had to decide use over looks at one point, and have never been looking back.
      But again, that's just me. Other people seem to be a lot better in managing how they treat their things, which is very good indeed! :)

      Slett
  2. Great post. It helps that these old film cameras are as tough as old boots! Especially the Nikon Fs, which are all built like the proverbial tanks. And, as you say, reasonably cheap these days. Certainly meant to be used. Think of all those war photographers - man those cameras took some abuse, and survived.

    A couple of nice snaps, there too, just for good measure :)

    SvarSlett
  3. Great post. It helps that these old film cameras are as tough as old boots! Especially the Nikon Fs, which are all built like the proverbial tanks. And, as you say, reasonably cheap these days. Certainly meant to be used. Think of all those war photographers - man those cameras took some abuse, and survived.

    A couple of nice snaps, there too, just for good measure :)

    SvarSlett
    Svar
    1. Thanks a lot for your comment, Michael.
      It sure helps a lot that these cameras are built as tanks. I seem to be a lot more careful when I happen to use one of the "new" plasticy cameras. They are lighter, usually, but then again a few of them are stuffed with heavy battery packs. Well, that's for a different discussion later on, probably.
      I really hope your leg is getting better soon!

      Slett

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