Camera Collecting

Some thoughts on camera collecting, by Bill Strong.

I was originally drawn to collecting vintage cameras because I have always had an interest in amateur photography. Over the years, I have gathered a few cameras without really thinking of myself as a collector.

I started collecting in 2000 and found that I really enjoy it. I like nothing more than getting a new camera for the first time and spending some time figuring out how it works. I always marvel at the technology and workmanship that went in to some of these old cameras. Then I usually spend some time cleaning it up a bit so I can put it on display. Then I photograph it and add a web page for it on my site. Then it goes behind glass on the shelf in my display beside another retired old camera.

Recently I got to thinking. All these old cameras were at one time a part of someone's life. Some may have been more important than others. Some may have helped their owner to earn their living. Most of them recorded memories of one kind or another for those who owned them. But they were all important parts of peoples lives. Most of them have probably out-lived their owners.

Now I have them. So I will look after them and enjoy having them. Sometimes I will trade one or sell one to another collector. Hopefully that person will enjoy them as I do. Most of these cameras have finished their work of recording memories. They are retired now. They will be preserved and admired. They may even last longer than I do.