So what if it’s 50 years old! 
I have had some serious sewing machine sorrows lately. Those basic machines just can’t stand up for the “abuse” that I put them through. I sent back the replacement machine that I bought less than a month ago… tension issues already. I looked around locally yesterday and was told that I “needed” a $800.00 industrial sewing machine. I’m not ready to make that kind of investment and honestly it’s not in the budget right now. So, I finally emailed a gentleman from Craigslist. He sells refurbished vintage machines. He happened to have a White 782 machine that was built in the 60′s. It’s straight and Zig Zag stitch the only thing that isn’t operational is the button hole maker. The Cams were plastic and are not available any longer. :/ I am really hopeful that this will be my work horse…. Now to learn it fast!
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I got my White 782 about the same time as you did. It belonged to my husband’s grandmother. I was told she sew for the public with this machine. I too am having issues with the newer machines. I was fortunate enough to get a the Greist “The Buttonholer” with mine. I love it! It is so easy to use. I have seen items like it on ebay for $15- $30 (American) and some have several of the templates. I have an accesory set of 8 templates but have not seen them for sale out there. good luck with your machine.
P.S. When I called to find out about my machine I was told it was made in Japan 1972-1976. It looks just like yours still in the cabinet.
Go to the Husqvarna Viking website. Click on “Contact Us” and find the phone number and hours of operation for the Consumer Affairs Department. Note that, as of August 2010, the toll-free number is 1-800-446-2333 and the hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central Standard Time, Monday through Friday.