Ye Olde Gaudy-Tacky Camera Appreciation Thread

Bob L

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Every so often, while trying to fill the hole in my heart that can only be filled by more cameras, I stumble across an eBay wonder that would be the perfect camera for Tony Montana, or Siegfried & Roy. Maybe the Sultan of Brunei? Who knows who actually buys and uses these cameras, but I love that they exist. My current favorite is this Pentax LX "Gator n' Gold" Edition, which would balance lovely on top of a brick of cocaine.

Please post your favorite gaudy or tacky camera, even if it is an aftermarket paint job... I'd love to see it.
 

Kino

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"Canon’s glittery “Diamond lxus” is a simple PowerShot SD640, only –– you know –– encrusted with diamonds."

Tacky, tacky, tacky...

 

Nicholas Lindan

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Sirius Glass

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Will someone please pass a barf bag to me!
 
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dynachrome

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Years ago I was at Wall Street Camera in NY. There was a Mamiya RB67 with lizard skin covering in the display case. A customer asked the price and the owner said "That camera is not for sale." Who knows how long he was waiting to say that?
 

CMoore

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Originally, what was the purpose of these cameras.?
Sell a few to collectors that were willing to pay an "Inflated Price".?
Were these cameras expensive.?
 
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Paul Howell

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The gold plated Alpas were strictly for the very rich collectors, don't know how may were plated, enough that they show up once in blue moon on various auction sites. Others were likely made by hobbyists or artists who turn everyday objects into "works of art."
 

Huss

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Arguably my 60th Anniversary edition Rolleiflex GX is gaudy. But I think it is beautiful.
 
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Bob L

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CMoore said:
Originally, what was the purpose of these cameras.?
Sell a few to collectors that were willing to pay an "Inflated Price".?
Were these cameras expensive.?
Click to expand...

Often for the major manufacturers, it was to commemorate their business and do a bit of flexing, and pass a few off to the superfans.

Huss said:
Arguably my 60th Anniversary edition Rolleiflex GX is gaudy. But I think it is beautiful.
Click to expand...

That one isn't gaudy, just beautiful. Lucky duck.
 

Huss

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Leica made a bunch of gold plated R cameras, with matching gold plated lenses. R3, 4, 6. Most probably others.

Did the same thing with the M4-2 (or P?)
 

CMoore

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Thank You
Bob L said:
Often for the major manufacturers, it was to commemorate their business and do a bit of flexing, and pass a few off to the superfans.

.
Click to expand...
Thank You
 
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