When Geoff Walker's home was burgled in 1977, and his state-of-the-art Nikon camera stolen, he accepted the loss.
Never did he think it would be handed back, in perfect condition, 35 years later.
The Wairarapa professional photographer was stunned and "pleasantly surprised" to be contacted last week by the "person in possession of my camera" and invited to reclaim it.
"He knew it was mine and thought it would be nice for me to have it back," he said.
So, on a "no-names, no-packdrill" basis Mr Walker recovered the Nikon F2, finding it had hardly been used since being stolen and to be in near mint condition.
He was not prepared to elaborate on who had the camera or how its recovery was arranged.
Although times have moved on and the camera has been superseded by modern digital models Mr Walker was delighted to retrieve the F2.
"It was my first ever Nikon and was the most expensive, best camera of its day and it has sentimental value for me."
In the box containing the camera Mr Walker found a mantelpiece ornament also stolen in the burglary.
Even though the film camera is out of date and is much more cumbersome than modern, digital models Mr Walker still plans to make good use of it.
"I will put a roll of film in it and give it some work to do," he said.