>>3442074I believe that items like this that were well loved and appreciated by their owners carry a bit of that persons spirituality or "mojo" with them. I have old guitars and cameras including my great great uncle's 4x5 Speed Graphic camera. Whether that makes better photos or music I don't know but I feel like it helps.
Keep in touch with that guy. He can gift you with his experience in using that camera and photography in general.