Please, I´m in a dilemma. 
Imagine your perfect, vintage camera, not necessarily expensive in Leica terms, but very hard to get. Then one pops up, you bid and win. The old camera you bought to use turns out to be in "mint" condition, no dings, no scratches, almost new. Unbelievable!
What now? Use it or put it in a display cabinet?
Imagine your perfect, vintage camera, not necessarily expensive in Leica terms, but very hard to get. Then one pops up, you bid and win. The old camera you bought to use turns out to be in "mint" condition, no dings, no scratches, almost new. Unbelievable!What now? Use it or put it in a display cabinet?
back alley
IMAGES
for what purpose did you buy it?
KoNickon
Nick Merritt
Now you need to get a case for it -- either a modern case or the "correct" vintage one. Use it, but protect it.
Vics
Veteran
USE IT! That's what it was made for!
N
Nikon Bob
Guest
Corto
Well-known
By another one just like it, but in worse condition and put the mint one away.
Or sell the mint one and buy more film.
Or sell the mint one and buy more film.
ChrisPlatt
Thread Killer
I too have owned several cameras that seemed just too nice to use, so I didn't.
I sold them and bought less expensive, less perfect replacements that I'm not afraid to use.
Chris
I sold them and bought less expensive, less perfect replacements that I'm not afraid to use.
Chris
cosmonaut
Well-known
Use it. Just keep it forever.
shadowfox
Darkroom printing lives
If you *have* a display cabinet, then it's a valid use to buy cameras to put on the display.
Don't think too much...
Now, are you going to tell us what camera this is?
Or at least show us a picture of it?
Don't think too much...
Now, are you going to tell us what camera this is?
Or at least show us a picture of it?
FrankS
Registered User
Don't leave us hanging, post a picture!
newsgrunt
Well-known
don't really get the shelf queen thing...
maybe that's why all mine are 'experienced'
maybe that's why all mine are 'experienced'
TXForester
Well-known
It's like old cane fly rods. Some say they are collector's items, so don't fish them. One gentleman I know who has some valuable old rods says fish them, that's why they were made. I agree. Fish the rods and shoot the camera. Just don't take unnecessary chances.
Vickko
Veteran
Yeah, it is like buying a fine vintage wine. Don't have to drink it right away. Sometimes I use them right away. Other times, it can wait and I continue to savour the time until I use it.
f6andBthere
Well-known
Nothing wrong with owning a rare and beautiful camera destined to become a shelf queen IMO.
Good idea to have a parallel (not so nice) example that you can drag around and run lots of film through also though!
Good idea to have a parallel (not so nice) example that you can drag around and run lots of film through also though!
Mudman
Well-known
Got a M6 TTL in mint condition. Was really carefully the first month. After that, it was just another camera to use.
will-i_am
Well-known
Shoot with it for sure, enjoy the experience of making it your own.
Crazy Fedya
Well-known
+1 on this.
nikon_sam
Shooter of Film...
Use it...but just be careful...
sanmich
Veteran
The usability coefficient=[(functionality+how it looks on you)^(-number of similar cameras you own)]/[rarity*condition*empty space on shelves]
>1 use it
<1 display it
>1 use it
<1 display it
johannielscom
Snorting silver salts
What Frank said: show us a shot from it! What camera are we talking about?
Apart from that, it sounds like a severe case of 'the chase it better than the catch'. Ask me how I can recognize this
Apart from that, it sounds like a severe case of 'the chase it better than the catch'. Ask me how I can recognize this