I’m sure many will agree that vintage camera restorations are among the most satisfying things to watch out there. We can still consider many of these cameras as mechanical works of art, and are definitely worthy of saving. Today’s featured video shows a fine example, which I’m sure film photographers and vintage camera collectors will especially enjoy watching.

In the video above, Paris-based photographer and weird lens enthusiast Mathieu Stern shares how he restored a rare vintage camera. The Edixa-Mat Reflex, which he bought for 5 Euros in a garage sale, was manufactured in Germany in 1960. He actually has a soft spot for the Edixa Reflex, referring to it as possibly “the most beautiful camera ever” in another video. He walks us through the entire process, from thoroughly cleaning the camera body’s exteriors, to restoring the paint and applying a new skin.

Once Stern finished the restoration, the satisfying results revealed how all that meticulousness paid off! The Edixa-Mat Reflex not only looked squeaky clean, but also good as new. I’m sure that it became an even more beautiful addition to his collection of interesting cameras!

Ever did some vintage camera restoration yourself? Share your process and results with us in the comments below, or in our group discussion if you’re already part of the Photofocus Community!