I saw this advert in a London newspaper, the text says "You never actually own a Patek Phillipe, you merely look after it for the next generation". I don't live in that world, but it got me wondering whether I actually own my Casio, I think I do.In my world I own and use a dozen or more cameras that belonged to people from a previous generation, cameras of the 50's and 60's. Of these cameras some were cheap and were used for annual holidays and special occasions. While others were luxury items, not professional quality, but sold to the middle classes. And of these middle class cameras, Zeiss Ikon was the undisputed king.
Zeiss Contina 1From the mid 1950's onwards manufacturers like Zeiss were continually up-dating models and building them to the very highest standard. These are heavy metal cameras, finished with the deepest chrome. The leaf shutters, precise and accurate like Patek Phillipe watches, or my Casio, and not forgetting those wonderful lenses.
Oddly, I've used a range of Zeiss middle class cameras for years and I've never thought they were particularly attractive, until now! Now I think they are very handsome, stylish even. I realise now that that like good music or good art, the design of these cameras takes time to appreciate.
Oddly, I've used a range of Zeiss middle class cameras for years and I've never thought they were particularly attractive, until now! Now I think they are very handsome, stylish even. I realise now that that like good music or good art, the design of these cameras takes time to appreciate.
A Cambridge Street - Taken using a Zeiss middle class camera
Love that photograph!
ReplyDeleteI like the looks of that camera.
I have to admit that I don't use film anymore (hubby still uses film for his 3D photographs), though since I still own my Canon I've had the desire to go back to it from time to time. The problem is not only in finding film (everyone has gone digital I'm told), but in the developing.
I can't develop my own at this point, and it's a major crap shoot what will come out on the other end using a commercial developer. Things don't always come out as I saw them in the lens, and I can't play and adjust at will.
For a while we had a developer that took the time to do each photo individually. Sadly they closed up shop and we're again searching for someone who will take care in the process.
It is a handsome camera, but of course I'm squinting to read the titles of the background books.
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