I’ve recently acquired an “antique” Bernina. It is a model 830, built in Switzerland, so it’s the “real thing!” It is sturdily built, and it has a metal casing. It is a beaut.

A friend had it and never used it, didn’t even know if it worked, but it was supposed to have a problem with skipped stitches (never verified). I recently gave it a test drive and found no problems or issues with it. It sewed like butter!
I’m very glad I got it, not because I need a new sewing machine–I don’t!–but because I wanted to own a truly quality machine, one that would be the workhorse that it’s been built to be, one that could be my backup if my spiffier 530 model (seen here)

which I love, ever goes down, or is out for maintenance, or just plain doesn’t work. Computerized machines are a lot more susceptible to glitches and problems, they are much more delicate and “prissy.” True, my computerized friend has a ton of bells & whistles, it sews like a dream, has umpteen different stitches–which I hardly ever use–many different settings, etc. etc. I do love it. But I think the old “Bernie” will work just fine as well, and I can’t wait to set it up in my studio and start sewing in it regularly.
Now all I need are a few accessories for, so I’m on the hunt for a slide table and a few feet, also some bobbins.