While most of the old cameras were gradually laden with dust in the drawers, lawyer Chen Yin Lu was just about to begin collecting them five years ago.

So far, Chen has nearly 30 antique cameras in his collection, each with its own historical values from different eras.

Chen, 53, talked about his experiences with much fervor and assurance in collecting old cameras during an interview with Sin Chew Daily. He generously shared his experiences with us.

Dealing with all kinds of characters

His legal profession has provided him a vivid view of different kinds of characters of people. Each time he was dealing with a case, he would gain a better understanding into the human nature as well as his own life. He said unless we were taking our jobs seriously, we would feel the stress no matter which profession we were in.

His collection of old cameras are characterised by their historical values, some dating back to the pre-war era. The most unique one is a "Konica" with its metallic body engraved with the words "Made in Occupied Japan," i.e. during the time when Japan was occupied by America.

The "Rolleiflex" of the 30's, along with "Hasselblad" similar to the one used on the Apollo 10 lunar mission, are his favourites.

Do what you like: life is short

Chen set his ambition of becoming a lawyer ever since he was in Form 4, even though he was put in the science stream because of his outstanding academic performances. After graduating from a pre-U technical institute, he applied for teacher training course, giving up the chances of pursuing his law studies in the UK due to financial problems.

However, he took up a legal course while he was still teaching, and later when to the UK for his law degree. He returned to Malaysia in 1986 to fulfill his wish of becoming a lawyer, and is currently a practitioner with Rosni, Francis Tan and Ho.

"Life is short, so try to the things you like without thinking of its monetary value. Being a lawyer has brought me a great sense of accomplishment and satisfaction."

In 1988, Chen and Datuk Lamar, also a lawyer, have established the Temerloh Legal Aid Centre, offering complimentary legal consultation services to the poor.

Advocating human rights

In order to uphold justice and protect human rights, he has challenged JPJ in the court over blacklisting of car owners who have not settled their fines and forcing them to pay their road taxes. He has won the lawsuit and the measure was consequently abolished.

"My reason was that the owners did not have the opportunity to defend themselves in the court, which I think is violation of human rights. Being a lawyer, I cannot tolerate things that are contrary to human rights!" (Translated by LIM LIY EE/Sin Chew Daily)