Serendipity

I'm walking around my neighborhood today and spot a garage sale. Curious, I peer at the wares. As usual, 98% of it is crap. But I spy a little camera box tucked in the back. Inside, with original instructions and packaging, is an Imperial Satellite 127 in perfect condition. I doubt it's ever been used. The simple shutter mechanism works like new.

The camera takes 127-roll film which is very obscure today. Only one company in the world makes it (in Japan). Fortunately I already have several rolls of 127 film for my mid-century Kodak Brownie cameras. 

The Imperial Satellite 127 was made in the 1960s by Braun, a respected German company. The Satellite name and graphic design tapped into that era's fascination with space exploration.

Holding this historical treasure in my hands I approached the grandma in charge and asked how much she wants for the camera. She looks puzzled and replies, "Umm... How about five dollars?" 

DEAL! What a fun new toy to play with! For five dollars!