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[Flybye]

I'm curious..is there any difference to being a collector or user?
 
I've seen the case of collectors which do not use their collection at all.  They simply have the collection up for display for all to enjoy.  I am somewhat against this because

[Br1078lum]

I'm a little of both.  Some cameras I collect for their aesthetic looks, or their engineering.  Others I collect for use, like a Konica C35, or an Ansco Viking.  Some I have gotten that I never thought would be in working condition, or have repa

[Marty]

I first ran across a conflict between collectors and users in a short magazine article in the early 1970's.  At the time, I had been collecting antique cameras for 4 or 5 years, and I was taking a photography course in college.  I felt that the writ

[Dsides]

I collect user cameras. I have a box full of beautiful parts cameras. I shoot a roll of film to test each camera in my collection (more than one roll if I haven't fixed the problem yet). People ask me if I'm a photographer, and I say no - I'm a co

[Mareklew]

What actually got me into film was not being able to afford full-format digital and wanting a wiiiiiide angle. So I got a Praktica and a Flektogon 20mm. That was wide. As the praktica came with its bunch of problems, I soon got into camera tinkering too

[Bill_alexander]

I Have Been a collector/User since the early seventies.I started out just for the Photography aspect, but then became facinated, with the Cameras themselves. I think some are mechanical marvels, and Master Pieces of 20th Century Engineering.I still

[Thol]

It seems an easy question but it is a difficult discussion. And it is one that is not restricted to cameras of course. It extends all the way from wrist watches to bicycles, automobiles .... and the extravagant end ? aircraft and classic racing yachts.

[One90guy]

User or collector, I love using old film cameras. Usually I buy cheap, no working etc, and have been trying to repair them. If I do get one working I will sell it and buy something different. Only problem is my junk box is getting larger:^) So not s

[Brianshaw]

One can be both - there is no need to be just one or just the other!

[Brianshaw]

Oh... I meant BOTH COLLECTOR and USER, not both old and grumpy.

[Biloraguy]

Collectors generally prize cameras in perfect cosmetic condition and could care less if they can be used to take photos. Shooters want to use the camera to take photos and think collectors are odd. Collectors will generally pay more for the right camera.