Vintage display sparks interest

A collection of 45 vintage cameras drew people to a Nelson shop window like moths to a light.

The cameras were on display this week in the Hospice Furniture Shop.

Manager Wayne Johnson built the collection up during a period of about 20 years.

Among his treasures were a 1955 Polaroid camera, Brownies and more modern ones that used 35-millimetre film.

He used to display the collection in his home, until moving into a smaller apartment about five years ago.

Mr Johnson said he also collected gramophones, 78rpm records, “and anything old and mechanical, like typewriters and sewing machines”.

One of the oldest cameras on display was an N&G Sibyl Excelsior, likely to have been made pre-1900s. "My uncle gave me that one. He had a small collection, which he passed on to me."

Mr Johnson said the collection drew a lot of people to the Bridge St shop window during the week. The display ended yesterday.

- © Fairfax NZ News