While not unexpected, I was a bit surprised to see the amount of concern raised by my video Shooting the Bronica in the rain.

"What had the Bronica done to you to mistreat it that way? Honestly, I didn't enjoy watching this video"

Let me be clear: I'm against camera abuse.

But also, don't forget: it's just a camera.

Some people like to collect cameras, put them on a shelf and enjoy seeing and touching them. I understand and respect that.

A camera that is not part of a collection, though, is a tool: a machine to make images. And like any other machine, it will eventually die.

"We must all either wear out or rust out, everyone of us. My choice is to wear out" -Theodore Roosevelt

I do choose to wear my cameras out (film and digital). This doesn't mean I'm careless, but I'm not going to think twice about exposing them to some rain, cold, heat, wind, snow or whatever the weather throws at me.

This wasn't the first rodeo for my Bronica, and it won't be the last. I can't think of a better way to honor it than using it to create beautiful images, so when the day finally comes it can proudly say: "I've done my job".