lew, it sure was a different world. Just about everything required some manual dexterity. I think this is the reason us "Baby Boomers" appreciate things and have sentimental values. Something I don't see much of in today's times from the younger elements....
When I turned 13, my Dad saw I was using the old Kodak , but not getting great results. So for my birthday he bought me an Agfa Gevaert 35 MM rangefinder camera from Germany. I loved that camera even though it was a low end, it was cool and took decent pictures. I've loved photography ever since'... and now days have a different camera for every occasion'...