If there's one thing we can all agree on, it's the fact that vintage cameras definitely have a charming aesthetic about them that's still significant today, even by our modern industrial design standards. What's even more surprising is that people are going out to flea markets and Craigslist just to hunt for these older models and use them as decoration around the house. A pretty neat-o way of recycling if you ask us. Of course, you could use them as regular film cameras, but after going digital for so long, it's hard imagining going back to carrying around all those film rolls around.
However, it'll probably be kind of difficult without spending tons of money on something that may or may not work from eBay. Our suggestion? Check out the Twin-Reflex 35mm Plastic Camera featured above - it's called the 
On the other hand, I prefer the old 35mm look. My personal favorite vintage camera is the Argus C3 35mm camera. My father had one of these growing up and it's been one of the most talked about decorations I have laying on top of my magazines on the coffee table.
Other picks include the Nikon FM and the Pentax K1000, just to name a few.
I have the Argus as well. It belonged to my parents. They couldn't afford a new camera around 1960 and bought theirs used. It still works and it is displayed proudly in my living room along with my Kodak instamatic. Remember those flash bulbs? Good times!
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Instead of collecting 35mm film cameras I like to collect old Polaroid cameras. I think I have 10-15 in total. Some I have used but its not like I can anymore since the film is gone. :(
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More more more!
view ekoshyun's profile
I actually have cameras hanging on the wall above my sofa. Right now, it's three in a vertical column: an old'un somewhat like the plasticky one above, a 50's Polaroid land camera, and a Canon similar to that Argus. I'd like to eventually do a 3x3 block of them, but for now there's a print next to them.
I've got more, but they don't hang straight, and these three just seem to work best!
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I still shoot 35mm. Not exclusively, but when I know that I'm going to want good negatives - like my nephews first week at home and our Christmas in Switzerland.
Is there a good way to keep dust off of them if you've got them out as display?
http://embritadesign.blogspot.com
view EmmieB's profile
as a photographer, this is something i've planned on doing for years, but haven't gotten around to it. would really dig the look of old 35mm, rangefinders, and medium format cameras on display.
view Matt. M's profile
why use these for decoration? Go take some pictures. Outside. Learn to develop them yourself. Learn a hobby, even an arcane one.
Camera's collecting dust are depressing. They're meant to be used.
view RJHD3's profile
Fuji started making polaroid film!!
view KellyKat's profile
Great idea, i have an old Polaroid Swinger and I love the look of it, as well as the memories it evokes as my first cam.
view AdoramaPix's profile
Hey, I really liked this idea... so I took it on board:
http://foxsyd.blogspot.com/2008/11/taking-old-thing-out-of-storage.html
:-D
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Here is some camera envy for us all:)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/97603721@N00/2498171742/
http://www.flickr.com/groups/cameraporn/discuss/72157605117677623/
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