The Inherited Camera F.A.Q.

[rbiemer]

Ah, an old joke my Father used to tell, so I'll bite....

What's a Henway?

About two pounds (or 900 grams).

Thanks, Al!
Rob

 

[Ronald_H]

Unfortunately, his vintage 1930's processing lab went to my aunt who flogged it off to some auction house, completely against his wishes. But then again, she also miss-spelt my grandmothers name on his grave. There are a number of choice words I'd like to use to describe such people, but I'm holding restraint for the sensitive types.

Ah well, I can vividly imagine those words.

But if people want to know I usually try to explain things to them. To me it is much, much worse if they chuck a rusted, dented, old camera, that uses thoses pesky old film rolls in the bin... which just happens to be a red curtain wartime Leica with genuine markings.

When I pass away, sooner or later, I realize full well that my family probably won't have a clue what to do with all my gear (most of it fairly old) and my thousands of images (either on film or digitally stored). Hopefully I see my end coming and don't step inadvertently under a bus whilst trying to frame a nice girl with my M2... I know many young photographers who would be deliriously happy with a few fast Nikon primes or a real Leica...

 

[newspaperguy]

Spoken like a true curmudgeon.

You are my god, sir.

 

[urban_alchemist]

Having just recently been the author of one such thread, I'd just like to say that my experience has been totally different.

The knowledge, friendliness and helpfulness of everyone has been immense - and I cannot wait to have the camera back to its former glory to use the damn thing.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=975980#post975980

 

[oftheherd]

...

they've picked our collective brains for the sake of selling what their dear departed relative hoped would be a cherished heirloom.

Besides, I'm practicing up to be a mean old coot. How am I doing?

My kids willl want some of my photo gear, which pleases me. It isn't up to me what pleases them and what doesn't. They will use some and keep some as momentos, or for my grandkids.

The rest I hope they do sell on ebay. The money for them or my wife, and the cameras for someone who will enjoy them as much, or more, than me.

As to being an old coot, nice to try. They are a dying breed. I try from time to time, but I think I fail most of the time. 😀 😀 😀

 

[shadowfox]

Most definitely a classic, good job, Bill 😀

I for one, will not ever have any of those photography-related heirlooms... So when I read something like:

"... my grandpa left me with... it's so cool, could you guys advice me on how to use/restore it..."

I want to shake that person's hand.

vs

"... I have other things to remember him by... how much can I sell this for... "

then I felt like reaching for my all metal SRT 101 and ...

 

[Spider67]

Classic sir I salute you!
I remember in one of our classic "Is it Ok to photograph kids" and you posted your likeness a member posted that he would report you immediately to the police if he saw you near a playground.
The way you develop it would also be advisable one day to check if you are the guy linked to the disappearance of dogs in your neighbourhood who likes to invite the people to gorgeous barbecues....
I especially like the condolences part!

And I just wanted to post if it would be OK to pay a friend of mine 200$ for her barely used M& + 50mm Summicron....I wonder what kind of morally challenged person that would make me?

 

[Al Patterson]

About two pounds (or 900 grams).

Thanks, Al!
Rob

Yeah, if I only had a dollar for every time my father told that joke...

And I do have my grandfather's old Kodak Autographic 3A, and used my fathers Argus C3 until it died. (Long before he did I might add.)

Thanks to Bill for another entertaining post.

 

[FallisPhoto]

That would be a lot more funny if i had not had so many actual conversations that were similar.

 

[RF_newbie]

.... 😱 ....