The trouble with digital cameras is that most are not collectable, and are therefore not covetable. The Leica D-Lux is the closest to an exception: it is so beautifully engineered that one can forgive its inevitable obsolescence. But here comes the total opposite: the medium format Lomo Zero Pinhole Camera (shown right).

It uses 'technology' that was obsolete a hundred years ago: "The camera looks as dazzling as the photos it creates. Authentic brass mechanics paired with rich lacquered teak wood from Thailand give it that classic Riviera-luxury-yacht appeal. Each one is fully assembled by hand, and each pinhole lens personally calibrated by Zernike Au, creator of the Zero Image Pinhole and one of the premier pinhole photographers in the world. For hard-core collectors and limited-edition-crazies: a numbered serial plate, and hand-signed Certificate of Authenticity. In today's modern world of techno photography, it feels great to shoot a charming old-world item that is crafted with intense skill and a whole lotta love." You can buy the Zero Pinhole for around $295 including shipping from here, or email the local distributor, the Lomographic Embassy in Wellington.