I realize that many of you; perhaps most of you, are so well grounded and so mentally healthy that the idea of any sort of additional emotional support might seem strange; even laughable. But some of us are not so fortunate. We have various phobias or anxieties that can interfere when things get rough. Or just make things worse.
A couple of decades ago I had a serious medical event and ended up in the emergency department of a local hospital. Then spent a week in intensive care. But on my way to the hospital I grabbed for my "security blanket." My old, crusty, Leica M3 and its 50mm Summicron lens. I kept it with me during my entire stay. It was a comforting companion.
Back then I had a needle phobia. Stick me with an IV needle or even jab me with a simple injection and chances are I would immediately be in danger of hitting the floor and passing out. Either that or projectile vomiting. But somehow, with my camera in my hands I could make it through all the puncturing and injecting without falling completely apart.
I can't remember taking any photographs during my stay. If I did they have not surfaced and most likely didn't survive. And since my hair was a mess I'm glad I don't have to violate my own privacy and show selfies from that time. But I'm also glad that I kept my camera close and by focusing on it reduced my fears and trepidations about medical procedures. And the specter of a possible, untimely demise.
Having something besides whatever catastrophe is unfolding in your life, that's out of your control, gives you an external thing upon which to focus. The distraction is a great thing. And the memory of your past time with the object of your distraction also brings back good feelings. Also medicinal.
But, of course, most of you are immune to the foibles of being only human. And so maybe an Emotional Support Camera is unnecessary for you. That's nice.
Me? I still keep an ESC handy. You never know when you might need a good diversion from something less than fun. While my ESC at the time was a Leica I think any camera which you've used a lot and like a lot works well. I might have done equally well with the old Canonet QL17. But keep your ESC small enough to handle with one hand. Just in case the other hand is immobilized by an IV. Experience...
Sure. A Leica for a psychological support prop is expensive. But I'd rather have a prescription for a nice camera than for a bottle of Xanax.
Hope you have a fun and carefree Thanksgiving. Watch out for those "top ten" lists. They are sure to hit soon.
