Longevity of classic manual camera

<p>Excellent samples, Les. They really show what a fine camera and lens can still do. I like the tonal range and color of the second very much, but must say it's a bit soft. Maybe it's the upload resolution. The star pattern is also very nice.</p>

<p>Les:</p>

<p>In Chartres, France, I saw this light show going on at the Cathedral. I took off my SHOE, braced my Nikon FE against it, and let Auto exposure take over. 1979 technology, baby!</p>

<p><img src="https://scontent-sjc2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/10530553_10201574888769039_8518410888940158833_o.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p>Yes, the AI 35/2.0 was the first Nikon lens that I bought, instead of buying a 50mm lens with my (then) new FM. Probably still my favorite lens, if I have to choose one.</p>

<p>I now have an EL2, which is similar to the EL but uses AI lenses. I bought it last year from Goodwill, and it seems just fine. </p>

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<p>...but unfortunately unless we introduce these to the younger generations film will decline even more...</p>

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<p>I actually witnessed this happening just a couple days ago, as I was testing out my newly-acquired IIIf around a local park. A teenage girl was also shooting photos in the park and I could help but notice the Canon AE-1 she was using. She was working on a project in her photo class at the local high school, where film is being taught before digital, which would be in the follow-on class. The local community college does the same thing.</p>

<p>As far as how long classic manual cameras will last, I know in my heart that the two digital cameras I have (a Leica M8 and a Pentax K-3 II) will see their demise long before my fully-mechanical cameras will, as long as I keep them exercised for my lifetime. Just the sheer nature of electronics after long use will cause some small, but critical component to fail at some point and render the entire unit useless and more expensive to repair than they're worth.</p>