I agree that some things (like the steam hoist you mentioned)
become obsolete and outlive their usefulness. However, some
things don't become obsolete - they are just "improved upon"
by new models with bells and whistles, but remain 100% capable
and functional. Cameras are such an item. However, there are
enough techno-weenies (and I don't mean that to be derogatory)
who feel that these bells and whistles are important
features. While they are nice, and some, perhaps, are even
truly useful as opposed to being just marketing tools, the
old, durable camera will still take pictures that are just as
good, and, sometimes, even better (not to say that the new
cameras may, in some instances, take a better picture than an
older camera). IOW, if the results obtained by using a new or
an older item are essentially indistinguishable, then I don't
see how the older camera becomes obsolete.
I'm looking at the relentless advance of digital over film...
However, I'm also looking at the track this discussion has taken and wondering... the Mz-S is a superbly constructed camera. No one knows how long something will last, but I'd expect it to last on the order of an LX, and I'd expect it to last longer than any other current Pentax bodies or most of the models made by competitors. So, while I still think it's silly not to buy a camera because it may not last 50 years, I'd say this camera has as better chance than most modern cameras of hitting that mark.
Now, will there be film around to use in it in 50 years?
My LX is a pretty durable body, but I've owned it for less than a year and it's been back to Pentax twice now. That's OK - it comes back working and once everything is ship shape I expect it hang around for a while. I'm just glad Pentax will still service it - and maybe the commitment of the manufacturer to their product is the best indicator of longevity.
- MCC
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Mark Cassino
Kalamazoo, MI
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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