a sad tale
of the little Fuji that couldn't.
I dearly love my digital Canon, but lately I'm feeling film envy. It's Hannah's fault- she's too good. So I asked my mom if I could borrow her packed-away camera (+ several lenses), and I crept over there a few weeks ago and swiped it. Adventures in film? Here I come. When I removed the lens to blow out the dust there was all this black crumbly stuff inside- disintegrating foam light seals- and then I opened the back and there was more black dust. I inserted two tiny batteries so the light meter would work, but it didn't. Damn. I left it at a recommended camera repair place for an estimate, and yesterday I picked it up. Unrepaired.
The old fellow at the repair store was so cute, "It's really is a great old camera. Vintage." Vintage was his word, Mom, not mine. I swear. "All I can do is encourage you," he said. Now it's not a HUGE amount of money, but it's a decent amount to us. The cost of me staying at home with the kids and only working part time is a very limited budget. My film adventure has come to an abrupt end.
Fooey. Well, I do have a perfectly fancy digital camera and this Fujica isn't really even mine. He told me he'd honor the estimate for several months should I change my mind. I wonder if supporting this little old camera fanatic's (who judging by his tiny, dated, NO-frills shop is certainly frugal himself) store is good way to stimulate the economy?
Ok. Enough bellyaching. Let's all have a nice weekend, shall we?
Comments
I have a little old Olympus that needs repair. the cost of me staying at home, etc., etc.
heating oil and gasoline= digital for now
and it's not bellyaching, just a mention of economics and priorities
and that's a beautiful digital picture of that film camera ;)
Posted by: j | April 11, 2008 4:16 PM
You should scour ebay Alicia. Remember my Pentax lens was messed up? Well, I bought a k1000 with two lenses for $50. It took me a few weeks to find one for this good of a deal, but it's possible. :)
Posted by: Rachel | April 11, 2008 4:46 PM
oh no!
you know, we'd really like to stimulate the economy and when we get the chance to it will be in the form of a new fridge and oven. not fun by any means.
Posted by: capello | April 11, 2008 4:51 PM
Oh, dear... Well, I'm guessing the universe will work itself out and you'll have an opportunity soon, somehow. I just bet!...
Have a wonderful weekend!
Posted by: Beth | April 11, 2008 4:53 PM
Older film cameras are going for CHEAP on ebay. I have a Canon Rebel II that I got new in 1991 and I think I saw one like it on ebay for less than $50. And it's a great camera. Or try some of the big camera stores that sell used equipment. They look them over really good before they sell them too - try Adorama or B&H.
Posted by: Keri | April 11, 2008 5:33 PM
What a sad story. Hope it all works out in the end!
Posted by: Shannon | April 11, 2008 6:49 PM
we are going to stimulate the economy with a new roof....fun, huh? sorry about the camera. that is a bummer.
Posted by: erin | April 11, 2008 6:58 PM
Well that's crummy. I hope you have a wonderful digital weekend.
Posted by: Mama Urchin | April 11, 2008 8:35 PM
hey, was it the dude on jo drive in old mission? he's nice.
we have a pentax K-1000 michael won in a contest when he was 9, basic student film camera and with a good lens & flash you can do nice things...that dude repaired it for us, even :)
ebay is your friend....
Posted by: estea | April 11, 2008 10:02 PM
you should have a bake sale... or better yet, sell some of your lovely digi-pictures to earn money for repairs.
:)
Posted by: Vanessa | April 12, 2008 5:54 PM
my old heavy nikon did similiar, its gaskets light leaked and it screws up the light meter... i miss its weight, its feel.. all the lenses... still. too.
Posted by: mansuetude | April 12, 2008 6:23 PM
I have an old Nikon that seems to be of a similar era as your mum's. Mine feels like it's made of steel, weighs a ton and has a wonderful klunk when you take a photo. I love that camera and it needs work (its light meter has never worked) but I don't want anyone to mess with it in case. It's so precious.
Posted by: Victoria | April 13, 2008 5:48 PM
I've got an old Minolta that I've been itching to do the same thing with. I'm determined to make it happen by summers end. Here's hoping something magical will happen for both of us. :)
Posted by: stacy | April 13, 2008 10:32 PM
Hi Alicia. This isn't really a comment-- a note to you! When SImon and I got married we both brought a Pentax Asahi with us. We now have three film cameras, and I really only need and use one. I would be happy to send one your way, but it would have to wait until August when my Mum can carry it back with her. Let me know!
xo
Katurah
Posted by: luckybeans | April 14, 2008 2:02 AM
Hmmm. I'm sorry, Alicia. I like Rachel's idea about ebay though. I do wish you luck... for selfish reasons though. ;)
(Sun today!!!! WOOOOOHOOOOO!)
Posted by: miss chris | April 14, 2008 11:51 AM
pawn shops have SLRs for 25-50 bux, out the door. No body wants their old filmcam now. But I do! :)
Posted by: china darrington | April 15, 2008 9:42 AM