In Camera: Leica - the beauty of ageing

I love old Leica cameras. They represent quality, robustness and superb engineering. This old M3 (I think), which I photographed at Somerset House last month, doesn't have any need of batteries and will last a lifetime (as long as film is still available). It has obviously aged beautifully with its owner, as this model was last made in 1966. Its lens, like all Leica optics, will still produce crystal sharp images with bright colour.

People, like vintage cameras, cars, watches, jewellery or furniture will age beautifully as long as no attempt is made to make them look younger than they really are. For more see my Pinterest board here.

Leica M3, image Grey Fox

Middle aged men and the pleasure of owning beautiful objects

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.

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.

Photo courtesy of Ming

The welding on a custom-built titanium Seven Axiom
Photo Grey Fox