I too started diving on what is now considered vintage equipment (1965). There are however many others Divers here that predate my experience.
The only piece of vintage equipment I use today is myself. Perhaps this is a result of my occupation as a military and commercial diver. It seems that I've been exposed to a constant stream of new technologies that have included requlators, KM helmets, computers, CCRs, atmospheric diving suits, submersibles and ROVs. I've become comfortable with the advantages each has brought over my original equipment.
Today, I've retained much of my 'vintage' equipment. It's not that I'm a collector or want to use it, but perhaps it's because I'm overly sentimental. Reflected in this equipment is the story of my life. When I look at it I remember the 12 year old boy that was captured by Sea Hunt, Natural Geographic specials and the Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau. The young man who struggled with completing Navy Diver training, month long deep saturation dives in over 1000 FSW and the Father who taught his wife and three sons how to dive.
So to answer the question, I too love my vintage diving equipment, although my reason for doing so may be different than others...
