This post accompanies the latest 3DLANES podcast episode discussing the Nikon FM2, its origins, its place in photography history, and the competitive landscape at the time of its introduction. The Nikon FM2 was positioned between enthusiast and professional-grade equipment, a flagship-level camera at a mid-tier price. It remained in production for 19 years (1982–2001), becoming […]
Brief Origin Story The Touareg was Volkswagen’s first SUV and was developed as part of a joint program with Porsche and Audi under what became the PL71 platform. At the time, Porsche was facing financial pressure and evaluating new product directions. Rather than pursuing a van, the company chose to enter the SUV segment, aligning
The Volkswagen Touareg Read More »
This post accompanies the latest 3DLANES podcast episode discussing DOXA, its origins, its place in dive watch history, and the competitive landscape the brand operates in today. Brief Origin Story DOXA was founded in 1889 in Le Locle, Switzerland by Georges Ducommun. One of 13 children, Ducommun began his watchmaking apprenticeship at the age of
DOXA Watches: The Story and the Strategy That Keeps the Brand Niche Read More »
October 1981.The manual-focus SLR market was mature, crowded, and tightening. Feature differentiation was incremental, competition was fierce, and margins were compressing. Minolta needed a camera that could defend its position in the mid-tier consumer segment without overextending into professional territory. Enter the Minolta XG-M, marketed in Japan as the X-70 and arriving there in 1982,
The Minolta XG-M: A Piece of Photography History, Today Read More »
In the world of horology, few complications have captured the imagination quite like the chronograph. From timing horse races to space missions, these intricate timepieces have been at the forefront of precision and innovation for over two centuries. But the journey hasn’t been without its hurdles.
What’s Up With: Chronograph Watch movements. Read More »
This one is dedicated to Jorge. The VW Beetle had a lifespan of 80 years (1938 to 2019). This car has an interesting story. Just like how it was commissioned and to whom this commission was given to. History is complex and nobody gets out of it without sin. Original Conception (Pre-Launch) The Beetle’s origins
The Iconic History of the Volkswagen Beetle: From Roots to Revolution Read More »
Here we are again covering a Group B intended vehicle. I thought that delaying a post of the 959 would have been a missed opportunity. Since we have the momentum of the Ferrari F40 going from the last post. Here is a vintage supercar that was an instant classic. The Genesis The Porsche 959 was,
The Porsche 959: Innovation and Legacy of a Supercar Icon Read More »
This week, we turn our focus to the Ferrari F40—another childhood hero of mine. I have been fortunate enough to see a few at different events. While I’ve always admired it, I never dug deeper to know the “why’s” or “how” this legend was born. Origins: The Group B Era Our story begins with the
The Ferrari F40: Origins, Development, and Its Impact on the Automotive World Read More »
This time around I would like to talk about a camera that has been my gateway into photography again. Introduced in April 1981, a 35mm SLR that packed all the tech available at the time, and then some. It’s predecessor, the Canon AE-1. Of course you read it on the title, I am talking about
Canon AE-1 Program: Its Creation and Impact on Photography Read More »
Usually, I would just give you the easy digestible information about the Volkswagen GTI. But this time I wanted to take it further. This one feels a bit more personal. Yes, we can start with the GTI right away, but we might be better served by taking a couple of steps back. Not with the
The History and Development of the Volkswagen GTI: From Creation to Icon Read More »
