(I originally wrote this article in 1984 for Seasons magazine. I understand it was subsequently used by Cornell University as part of one of their courses. I reprint it here because the message is now more relevant than ever.)

The Yashica was the first new camera I ever owned, and the first for which I owned more than one lens. It had the Yashinon f1.4 standard lens, which was also the fastest lens I had ever used...

Until fairly recently I regarded cameras primarily as tools, largely purchased for their utility and functionality. This isn’t to say I didn’t get a lot of pleasure out of poring over specs before acquisition, or “playing” with the new instrument when it arrived...