Gear that I've acquired either holds up or dosen't. It either proves to be a worthy investment or a passing fashion that dosen't amount to much more than wased money. I prefer gear that has a timeless quality to it, even outdated technology can be held in reserve (if it worked well in the first place) while the latest and greatest can become obsolete and "unsupportable" (army terminology) within the year as even "later and greater" stuff appears on the market(at a price, of course!).
The trouble is I don't know what is truly worthwhile until time & performance proves it.
This observation led my to compile a list of stuff that has proven itself useful to me:
1) GI surplus 5 gallon water can coolers
I still see these in surplus stores. I just loaded eleven 8x10 holders in one. These
things rock when it comes to transporting 8x10 film holders! I've had mine for just
over a year now and I couldn't be happier with them.
2) Versalab Film Washer[
It's 1000% better than laying prints out on the floor of the shower! Plus the price
of the Versalab is the sweetest deal going. There might be better options of you're
on a water meter though.
3) Panavision Film Changing Bag. The mil-spec version of changing bags if there were
such a thing.
4) Weston Master light meter. They've been around for 50 or so years. I got one for
a few bucks, had Quality Light Metric fix it up for a few more bucks 10 years ago
and I wouldn't be surprised if it goes for another 40 years. The later model with
ASA calibrations are simpler for those of us with an ASA mindset.
5) Agfa 9x Loupe. Sure there are better ones for louping prints or the gg, but darn it
these work well enough and cost less than $10 bucks. How are you going to beat
that?
6) Gepe cable release. Mine will fire any shutter I have: Wollensak Betax, Ilex
Universals, Supermatics, Rapax, Alphax---you name it. I have to really cram
it up the Betax to engage the threads, but it works! A quality product!
7) GE Guide Lamps. These are night lights that came two on a card for about a
a buck at the dime store. Sadly no longer made they are dynamite safe lights
for a kid on a tight budget.
8) Swiss Army Knife with a phillips screwdriver. I have found these to work on my
photography gear while other gadget phillips drivers simply booger the screw
heads.
Well, thats what I have to admit to being impressed by---what gear do you have that has stood the test of time?
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