Out & About Spring 2019

Cameras, such as these, with interchangeable lenses, give you a lot of scope as you become more consumed with the collecting bug. Compact cameras are not as versatile, although they do take a good photo, they are often bought because they are aesthetically pleasing. Good examples of these are the Olympus Trip 35, which you can pick up for £35, or a Canon ET that makes around £60 at auction. And what if you change your mind and want to alter your collecting area? Not a problem, we have regular camera auctions, in which pieces can be entered for sale. Trends do change, but the general rule of thumb is if you buy ‘high end’ they are likely to retain their value. As makes or models become increasingly scarce their value can increase. Examples of this are the Leica M6, the Ilford Witness, and the Ensign Autorange folding cameras, which have increased in value from a few hundred to a few thousand pounds. Nikon and Canon manual focus cameras made before 1985 are also going up in value.

photos or always leave them on your phone and never print them out – then using film is definitely for you. Black-and-white photos are easy to process yourself and the feeling of anticipation while watching the photos develop before your eyes is unrivalled. The effect of using film on the picture itself is a matter of opinion, some say, the effect is smoother and less detailed, so the output is down to personal taste. Buying at auction is good for collectors and photographers alike. Always remember to: n Ask questions and for the condition report so you know exactly what you are buying n Examine the camera in person if you can; this also give you an opportunity to ask more questions A good place to start is with a reflex camera (a camera that uses a mirror and prism system with which the photographer views what he is going to capture through the lens) made by Canon, Leica or Pentax. They are reliable, have a lot of accessories and are suitable for any type of photography.

Top Tips for collecting cameras: The world is your oyster when it comes to collecting cameras, so here are some top tips to help you: n Decide what you like – do you prefer antique or modern cameras and accessories? n Decide on your preferred format eg digital, 35mm, single lens reflex or large studio Victorian cameras n You could choose to collect by manufacturer eg Nikon, Leica, Canon n What will you be using the camera for? Big cameras are more suited to collecting as they are not suitable for taking out and about or will the cameras just be on display? n Above all, ensure your purchases are within your budget Once you have decided on your collecting area, you can hone it down if you like and specialise further. The more specialised your area, the more knowledge you will gain, which is really useful when buying and selling.

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