Collecting
When almost everyone has a decent camera phone in their pocket or bag, what’s the appeal of collecting old cameras? Austin Farahar, head of the Photographica department at Chiswick Auctions, suggests that the history of photography is part
The most valuable cameras now tend to have been made in the 20th century, with blue-chip German firm Leica achieving the highest prices, says Austin. Made in small numbers and handcrafted to the highest standards, Leicas have been used to take some of the most memorable photographs of all time. ‘It’s not just a camera, it’s an iconic example of 20th-century design and a beautiful pieceengineering,’ Austin explains. ‘The form informs the type of photography possible – the quiet shutter; minimalist design. There is nothing provided that isn’t necessary, and this has helped photographers like Henri CartierBresson capture what he described as “The Decisive Moment” [the exact instant at which a unique event is perfectly frozen in time].’
