Men of whatever age love well-made objects. Most of us with an interest in style will want to own something of beauty or an object into which care and craftsmanship has been invested - a watch with an in-house movement, a classic camera built to last, a custom-made bicycle, an original work of art, a bespoke suit/ shirt/ pair of shoes, a precious antique. With many of us this interest will become a drive to collect - I discussed this in passing in my last post about military watches.
Once you've handled a pre-digital Leica, for example, you're hooked by the solid metal body, the snick of the shutter which just exudes mechanical engineering quality and the pin sharp images - as a result you want to expand your collection of lenses. It's the same with other things - cars that have engines you can tinker with and don't have to be repaired by mechanics with degrees in computer science, steel-framed racing cycles with smooth shifting Italian gear systems, bespoke jackets with a flattering fit and details like hand-stitching and opening cuff buttons.
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| Photo Grey Fox |
A common theme is that these items will last, the camera won't stop working after the first shower of rain, the buttons won't fall off the jacket after a few weeks' wear and the custom-made bike will feel as if it's doing the pedalling for you. These possession may cost more, but in the long run you save money and the Earth's dwindling resources - it's all about sustainability as well.
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| Photo courtesy of Ming |
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| The welding on a custom-built titanium Seven Axiom Photo Grey Fox |
I have a Canon F-1 for which I paid $1300 in 1987 (including a lens, motor drive). I remember looking at it one day not long after I bought it and got a lump in my throat because I'd finally realized a dream I'd had since 1968 - to own a nice camera. Now, in the digital age, it sits in his bag, consigned to the closet; I found it difficult to accept that an item that was so well-crafted, that performed so well, and that still looked almost new was now worth only about $50.
ReplyDeletePS: I'm a woman, also on a search for middle-aged style, and appreciate your blog.
I agree - one day maybe a digital film will be developed so we can revive our old film cameras. Thanks for your comment and good luck with your blog.
ReplyDeleteGF
The Old Grey Fox is dead?. This seems, apart from being very pretentious , to be a very "slow" blog. Has the Fox tried Philosan --- well known fro fortifying the over forties.
ReplyDeleteNever heard of Philostan - I must be too young for it. Thanks for taking the time to visit. GF
ReplyDeleteI agree - you must be young if you have not heard of Philosan - but then for someone who has seen 93 years go by most things seem fairly young. This of course leads to another question which is " Why the charade of fogeyism? " You cannot have it both ways. No thanks needed for visiting your site since the content is thin and it really takes little time at all. I must thank you for an amusing attempt to entertain but what on earth is a solicitor - who should be in his peak years - doing to find enough time to engage with this sort of rubbish.
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming back. Life can't be all serious. GF
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