Journal

Keep a useful ownership record

A classic camera deserves a practical record as well as a place on the shelf.

Keep a useful ownership record

A classic camera deserves a practical record as well as a place on the shelf.

Your first checks when a vintage camera arrives

Give a newly delivered item a careful first look while the listing and packaging are close at hand.

Your first checks when a vintage camera arrives

Give a newly delivered item a careful first look while the listing and packaging are close at hand.

Build a compatibility checklist before buying a...

Start with the exact camera body and the exact lens version. A shared brand name is not enough information to confirm a pairing.

Build a compatibility checklist before buying a...

Start with the exact camera body and the exact lens version. A shared brand name is not enough information to confirm a pairing.

Boxes, papers and the limits of provenance

A box, instruction booklet or old warranty card can make a camera or lens more interesting to own. Each is also a separate piece of evidence that deserves its own...

Boxes, papers and the limits of provenance

A box, instruction booklet or old warranty card can make a camera or lens more interesting to own. Each is also a separate piece of evidence that deserves its own...

Why condition notes matter more than a grade

“Mint” and “Near Mint” are convenient summaries. They are not complete descriptions of an old mechanical or electronic object.

Why condition notes matter more than a grade

“Mint” and “Near Mint” are convenient summaries. They are not complete descriptions of an old mechanical or electronic object.

Reading a Rolleiflex 2.8F dossier

A model name is the beginning of a purchase decision. The individual camera is what you will live with.

Reading a Rolleiflex 2.8F dossier

A model name is the beginning of a purchase decision. The individual camera is what you will live with.