Oldest Resident In The Village - Your New Camera

What is the oldest piece of photographic equipment you own? What is the oldest piece of equipment in your kitbag? Are they the same thing?

We all keep stuff way past what the manufacturer reckons we will - way past what the retailer would do. It might be a rattly old tripod ( missing the quick-release plate, as they always are...) or a scruffed-up flash that we bought on holiday in 1969 ( with a voltage surge over the terminals of the PC socket that would weld titanium...) or some such relic.

Why do we keep it? Because we bought it - or someone gave it to us - or we found it on the verge at the last collection day. It has formed a mental value for us that far outweighs any real benefit. In the case of the Flash Of Death it is actually dangerous to the rest of our gear.

How do we escape from this? Well, joining a religion that eschews all material possessions is a good way - provided you do not have to stand and watch as the high priests fight over your goods. Shaving off one side of your head and changing your name to a hieroglyph is another - and has the benefit that you may be offered a place on a television show panel. As the very last resort you can take whatever it is to the camera market. If it sells, well and good. If it doesn't, try to find someone who has left the window rolled down on their car and ditch it in there, then run.

Now that is the last resort - and a time-share one at that. Beyond the last resort is the zen solution. Look at whatever it is that is sitting there until you can figure out what it does. Then go out and do it. If it is successful and you feel better, bring it back. If it does not work, bin it.

Note that this approach also works with clothing, books, and sporting gear of all types.

Remember that if you suffer pangs of remorse,we are fully equipped down here at the shop to supply new old gear to take the place of the last lot.