Cameras, Watches, Pinball Machines and Objectophilia

I like to make photos and tell stories.
I miss my old, quite modern Konica Hexar the most out of any camera I've ever owned because it allowed me to make the photos I wanted, when I wanted, and how I wanted. But the Hexar is as mechanical as a digital SLR.

Granted, I DO have two Leica M film bodies and an M9 but I also don't like to change lenses. Yes, I beat the crap out of my gear. Capturing images to tell stories. If I were manipulating and rubbing my camera while walking the streets of Fallujah in November, 2004 I wouldn't be here today (I was usually fondling "Tera Patrick" the namesake I gave to my M16A2E3.)

I love old gear but it because it usually works without batteries. I've found myself out in areas where I couldn't recharge a battery or buy one so the M4 comes out and works like a charm. It has nothing to do with a fetish but a sense of utilitarianism instead.

I also like physically cutting up cameras, lens mounts and other things photographic to make bigger cameras like my 4x5 SW "point & shoot." I can't afford a Linhof or Fuji panoramic camera, so I make my own.

I know where you're going with this and there is only a small amount of truth in it, not the object fetishism which you're pushing as an illness.

Some people like collecting things. If I ever have the money to do so, I'd like to collect sports cars from the 1950's and very early '60's.

Collectors and users find their niches of comfort in the gear they use. Firearms, cameras, slide rules, pliers, cars, hammers, safety goggles, watches, whatever... we use what is comfortable and fits our tastes. Only in extreme cases of actual illness is it linked to something sexual. Some people may do this in the form of trolling forums and baiting members... :bang:

Phil Forrest
 
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I saw the film Hugo with the kids today. It resonated with me. I like taking old broken things, fixing them and making them useful again.

I feel certain objects have a soul, possibly because the designers/makers put something of themselves into it. I like mechanical watches and mechanical cameras. I am spending time and money restoring two old cars that came my way (Fiat Topolino and a 500), because I feel they have something special to offer this world, that shouldn't be let to rot away.

I believe that many aspects of modern life have gone astray as they have gone too far along a path of ultimate efficiency or economy, that doesn't lead to a better quality of life.
Maybe a stupid example: I used to use Mach 3 blades and canned shaving gel. I suffered from shaving rash and ingrown hairs. Since then i have gone back to double edged blades and old fashioned shaving cream and brush. It's slower process, but ultimately more satisfying and better for my skin.

Anyway, I just had half a very nice bottle of wine and am rambling. I don't mind craftsmanship coming at a premium, people should be rewarded for their time effort and dedication. If we as buyers insists on the mass produced, lowest common denominator, we only have ourselves to blame.
 
what about using an old camera because A/ it still works and B/ it still works?

i have a few oldies that continue to work and thus i continue to use them. pretty easy really.
 
I would have to say that the largest advantage a mechanical camera has to me, is its complete lack of reliance on battery power or electronic circuitry. To date, batteries in my cameras have not run out while in use, but I have had several fail on me completely, due to problems with circuits. This has led me to seek out mechanical solutions to my photographic needs.

I do own one mechanical watch, but I still have no real preference as far as they are concerned. It belonged to my great uncle who wore it between 1939-45 while he was in the RCN. What I like the most about it, is its handy feature of self winding; I just need to wear it to keep it running.

I do prefer a manual transmission for the control that comes from changing gear when I want, but owning a pinball machine is of no interest to me.

Lastly, there is not a single thing about the process of photography to me that is sexual, and I fail to see how winding the film lever is anything more than simply preparing to take another picture.

Cheers,
 
NickTrop said:
Here's me thesis.

None of you (self included) really are drawn to old, obsolete (shriek) cameras and camera gear due to any meaningful advantage they possess over new digital technology.

Here, lie down on the couch. Let me give you some free psychoanalysis.

1. You probably like mechanical watches (wearing an old mechanic Timex myself. Pain in the arse to set the day/date. Forget to wind it sometimes. Keeps rotten time by modern quartz standards...)

2. Considered buying an old mechanical pinball machine recently. Loved playing pinball as a kid. The machines lost me as they incorporated more synth and digital technology in their failed efforts to compete with video games for kids quarters at the arcade.

Still I love the old electro-mechanical Bally, Gottlieb, and Williams machines...

3. Prefer a manual transmission, no?



4. Of course, you like to "fondle" your old film camera. Twist that focus ring... press the shutter release..."click". Advance the film and the subtle vibration of the gears doing thar thing deep withing the body of the camera... Almost like sex to you. No?

And each of these mechanical cameras is like a new partner, which is why you have so many of them, and can't get enough.

_____________________________________

Well, diagnosis is not good. You're all pretty screwed up. You have a mild form of Objectophilia

Object sexuality or objectum sexuality, in German objektophil (OS), [1] is a pronounced emotional and often romantic desire towards developing significant relationships with particular inanimate objects. Those individuals with this expressed preference may feel strong feelings of attraction, love, and commitment to certain items or structures of their fixation. For some, sexual or even close emotional relationships with humans are incomprehensible. Object-sexual individuals also often believe in animism, and sense reciprocation based on the belief that objects have souls, intelligence, feelings, and are able to communicate.[2] Contrary to sexual fetishism, the object to an OS person is viewed as their partner and not as a means to an end to enhance a human sexual relationship.
- Wikipedia.

This is a recently discovered psychological malady most often found in women, one of whom recently "fell in love with" and "married" the Eiffel Tower.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h93Q_RruQJY


For men, however, you are "attracted" to electro mechanical objects. You all suffer to some degree of the same malady above. But because you're men, you don't "fall in love an marry these objects" like women do. You "use and abuse them".

Further, these items need to be "needy". They must "rely" on you and you must "care" for them - but here's the key, by "touch" and "by hand". Your watch needs to be wound and set. Your manual transmission needs to be shifted. That pinball machine needs its plunger pulled, flippers flipped, she shaken a tad...

And, of course, your camera needs to be loaded, focused, the film advanced. These acts probably activate the same centers of your brain as sex. These items must "need" you, and you must have mastery over them. You hate digital because it's too "independent".

In conclusion, you have the "male" form of the malady of the woman who married the Eiffel Tower. You all suffer to varying degrees from object sexuality. Advancing the film is an "act of sex" to you.

Leicas are your "trophy wife" (that you cheat on).


Nick Trop
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Dear Nick,

1 Went back to my 18th birthday Omega after my fifth or sixth electric watch died. Don't wear a watch much; the Omega is good enough.

2 Pinball? Don't project your perversions on others.

3 Prefer machinery I can repair myself. Also, what are the supposed advantages of automatic unless you're (a) very stupid or (b) totally incompetent or (c) in very heavy traffic. First gear works pretty well in heavy traffic, though I find it easier just to avoid heavy traffic.

4 Fondle? See 2.

I suspect that my sex life -- indeed, every aspect of my life -- may be better than that of anyone who can produce those theories.

Cheers,

R.
 
NickTrop said:
Yes, you were (cheating)... Would you listen to yourself, mahn. You have it. Objectophilia. I'm convinced of this. But you have the sniffels...

By the way...

Did you ever see women playing pinball often? I'm not usually around Pinball machines but I would say not too often...
Who drives "manual transmissions"? Most men prefer them...
Does "the Mrs." understand your camera fondling? She has no idea that I'm fondling them...she doesn't know when and if they have film...
Mostly fondle when she's not home but can get away with it when she is...

What is the gender of 99% of the posters on RFF? Men...

Think about it.
Click to expand...

My wife isn't home at the moment and there's not a camera within reach...
Sniffles...maybe...but I'm not sick or contagious...and I can take something for it...:D:eek::p
 
I've suspected objectophilia as a potential cause for this behaviour for a long time. That and the often accompanying behaviour of hoarding. Some people have almost obsessive levels of collecting cameras. Nothing wrong with that unless it impinges on your quality of life, or the lives of those around you, IMO.

While I don't anthropomorphize inanimate objects like cameras, I do feel that if I use one 'much loved' camera more than another I'm not being 'fair' to the other, or others. I think this is more about being internally consistent with my feelings, e.g., Leica is a camera for life so why aren't I using it instead of this Ricoh? Even when the Ricoh is easier to carry, or technically does better, like high ISO performance or quieter shutter, I'll still think about why I'm not using the M9 or M7.

Manual manipulation of the camera (fondling) is a good thing for me. I'll often watch TV with a camera in my hands, turning it over, feeling the edges and buttons. Is it a fetishistic act? Not sure if I derive sexual pleasure from it. That happens more with cleaning. :D

I wear and own several mechanical watches, all of them new when bought or recent models, no vintage watches. I probably love watches as much as I love cameras. I don't like pinball machines. I'm very fond of knives, and if could be bothered with the paperwork, expense and safety I'd most likely have a gun collection as well. Not really a car person but I do love the one I drive.

For me it is about the visual design, the feeling of a well made instrument, and its performance. I don't buy things just because they appeal to me visually; they have to feel good in the hand and perform well (within the limitations of its type).

I don't fall into the OP's criteria as its not necessarily mechanical and old things that I prefer; I enjoy gadgets in general, with cameras and watches in particular. I like modern convenience more than old world charm. But I love good design, good feel, and quality workmanship as well.
 
Brian Sweeney said:
I still think it has more to do with being middle aged, and post middle aged.

We like to use the things that we picked up in our youth. It's comforting as you go through life's journey. Wow. But this is the Philosophy Forum.
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I agree with Brian. I'm happy now to have some of the photo gear I wanted as a younger man, but could not afford. Partly that's being in a bit better financial shape, and partly it's because the gear is, relatively speaking, cheaper because it's not new and the technology is old (but familiar).
 
I seldom lurk but reading the self-delusion on this thread and denial is most entertaining. Carry on, objectophiliacs... You're putting on a fine show!
 
Aarrgghh...you got me! Just wondering; should I stop having sex with my girlfriend because of this? Please tell me Doctor...
 
Well Nick you might be right and you might not be but I just hope there is no cure any time soon, I like old stuff especially my FED-2.
Can't stand manual transmissions and would not buy one as I believe an auto gives me more time to control the vehicle, I don't usually wear a watch.
Sometimes I miss driving my 1963 Beetle but mostly not.
 
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