Why Nikon?
Why do we continue to use and accumulate older Nikon cameras (in the face of the digital age) has many answers, perhaps nostalgia for an era when the photojournalist was revered, and a desire to capture some of that excitement is one explanation. Many wanted a Nikon when they were in school, and could not afford one, now they can indulge themselves. Nikon cameras from the classic era (1949-1964) certainly are an example of a beautiful handmade object. Unlike today's photo equipment, each Nikon was made by hand, by one skilled craftsman, on his bench, using parts that were specific to that individual. Each Nikon item was inspected by hand, and the papers signed and dated!

Nikons have a history unlike any other camera. On TV we saw these easily identifiable cameras hanging from the necks of journalists during wars in Vietnam, Beirut, and Israel, at every presidential convention and associated riots, in the thick of the civil rights movement, at every important event since 1959, when the Nikon F was released. You could hear those distinctive Nikon motor drives running during every international tragedy, or celebration during the second half of the 20th century.

The movie "Blow Up" sold a Nikon "F" to everyone who wanted to make a statement as a sensitive artist. The Nikon "F" was cool, sexy, romantic, no other camera has ever come close!

Ebay and the online collecting
When most of us started buying older rangefinders there were three sources, camera shows, flea markets (garage sales etc.), and Shutterbug Magazine's classified ads. This has all changed radically in the last few years. Camera shows are still around, but seem to be full of totally uninteresting junk, flea markets have gone the way of becoming bazaars for manufactured goods, and Shutterbug no longer runs cheap classifieds.

Ebay appears to be the only game in town! Or is it? (see Fraud Alerts for more on online buying tips)

I am not so sure. Ebay seems to have a lot for sale - but it is seldom the really nice stuff. Much has a distinct second rate feel to it, as though it is the cast-offs from a collector.

Finding the good stuff these days, now that much is in the hands of dealers requires belonging to groups such as the NHS, and building a network.

But keep in mind that some great equipment never reaches eBay, it is still sitting in someone's driveway on Sunday, waiting for you.