They just don't make them like they used to..

Vintage Leica M3 set, originally uploaded by benny ng.

Despite the fact that some of these gear are made more than 50 years ago, they will outlast some of the recently produced cameras.

There was once a time when manufacturers will present products that represent their best efforts, made with the finest materials and was built to last. Whilst some of these items may seem bulky and heavy by today's standards, it does not change the fact that corporations then used to have a philosophy to produce products that last. And this extends beyond Leica, and beyond cameras.

These days, product life cycles are so short. In most industries, lower cost to maximise profit is the corporate axiom. "Acceptable" has become the defecto standard instead of "best". Nothing needs to last forever, or even ten years, customers would have junk it for something else by then.

It's such a bloody shame.....

Cheers,

Jean Sarkozy + scooter

Jean Sarkozy + scooter, originally uploaded by benny ng.

Was walking back from the Palais and the weather was so crap. Anyway, took the camera out for a few snaps, but nothing interesting. I really dread coming to Cannes in October.

Actually, I dread coming to Cannes. Period.

Can't wait to leave tomorrow!

Jaguar E Type (XKE) @ Frankfurt

Jaguar E Type (XKE), originally uploaded by benny ng.

Saw this at the Frankfurt airport whilst in transit. Part of some rental car advertising campaign by SIXT. Actually, there are other cars on display as well. Seems like it's quite popular to use airports for automobile presentations in Europe, or at least Germany.

Anyway, this is a classic and I just love the lines on it. We don't see too many of these in my part of the world.

Taken with the M mount Voigtlander 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical lens.

Cheers,