Fighting GAS with the honesty of viewing a camera as a tool.

CMoore · Sep 15, 2021

Horatio said:
The purist in me craves all-mechanical cameras. The techie in me craves AF electronic wonders. I can afford to indulge both, so why not? It’s not like I want every camera out there. Just one (or two) of every Nikon F.

George Mann said:
I think that you are undervaluing the worth of the F2 for professional work.

Sure, it's more difficult to use for action and moving subjects but people managed to do it with theirs for years on end.

It's my favorite camera. I feel I can do anything with it.

I can certainly relate to both of the above.
I love my F2 and Canon F1 New.
But the clock IS ticking.
I cannot read a label in a grocery store, or the text in a photo book without "Reading Glasses".

I have a few manual focus camera i need to sell. I have too many...still.
I wonder if i would not be wise, when i sell those, to start investing in some kind of 35mm SLR auto-focus system.?
Perhaps a Nikon.
The Ninon F100 gets a lot of praise here, along with the "lesser" models. My wife has a N80 or something like that. It works great.

I have also considered Canon. Their late model AF bodies seem to be a really good deal.
The EOS models.?

CMoore · Sep 15, 2021

ozmoose said:
When I retired from architecture in 2012, my cameras ceased to be tools and became my play toys. I've had so much more fun since then.

I tried to send you a PM but i could not access your profile page at all.
Is there a good magazine that discusses Architecture and Construction and the materials used.?
Thank You

Paul Howell · Sep 15, 2021

I have also considered Canon. Their late model AF bodies seem to be a really good deal.
The EOS models.?[/QUOTE]

The EOS 1V is still pretty pricey but still repairable, if you send it to Canon Japan, the 1N is rock solid, and unlike a F5 or 6 the battery grips is detachable so you lighten the load if you want to travel light. Almost every EF full frame lens will work on all Canon EF film bodies including OS lens, then there are the L lens. And don't overlook the Rebel for bottom feeder take anywhere camera, a lot of features for the money.

My own buyers regret is that I stuck with Minolta/Sony rather than flip to Canon. At this point I'm going to ride it with Minolta, but still.

Bill Burk · Sep 15, 2021

mshchem said:
F6. I just got back from the park. Leica M2, Cosina Voigtlander 50 1.5. Ektachrome, sunny with big fluffy clouds, light changing constantly. I have F5s, still need a F6. When I shoot chrome with F5 I auto bracket. Wonderful feature.

If you intend to shoot chrome, there's only 1 camera that will work in changing light.

Individually you will get the best exposure when you use evaluative metering for each shot in changing light.

But in a series you may prefer a cinematic feel where f/stop and shutter are held constant throughout fluctuating light.

Jim Jones · Sep 15, 2021

The cameras used 150 years ago to record the exploration of the Great American West are still usable today, and also valuable to collectors. Today's digicams grow older quicker. As pervasive as they are, it may be a long time before they become scarce antiques. My radios from only 80 or 90 years ago are bulky antiques and almost unusable today. Those aging sheet film cameras are treasures to be handed down to favorite younger people.

Donald Qualls · Sep 15, 2021

Jim Jones said:
Today's digicams grow older quicker. As pervasive as they are, it may be a long time before they become scarce antiques.

Not to mention the low probability that they'll either function in any way, be repairable, or if working, be able to store files compatible with computers available in the early 22nd century.

At least your old tube radios can usually be restored to service by someone with the right skills (though those folks get rarer every year, since tube radios became obsolete fifty years ago or so). Still, with new capacitors and occasionally resistors, a tube radio made in 1930 is likely to still be usable (assuming there's signal in a frequency it can tune) in 2130. None of those repairs are applicable to a failed integrated circuit...

narsuitus · Sep 15, 2021

Huss said:
If I am honest with myself and need to pick a camera that will be used for a specific money generating job, when I look at that list it really seems the go to cameras would be the AF ones that have multiple metering options.

In my film only days, when I needed to pick a camera to use for a specific money generating job, I picked the one that I thought would do the job.

For architecture, I usually picked a large format camera with shift/swing/tilt features.

For photojournalism, I usually picked a 35mm small format cameras with fast lenses.

For shooting under hash environmental conditions, I usually picked waterproof cameras.

For group photos, weddings, and other social events, I usually picked medium format cameras.

4season · Sep 15, 2021

momus said:
The shenpa thing is just about our every day desires, but desire is actually a secondary effect, not causation. The cause is attachment, how we won't let go and let reality just be what it is. It's like the book titled After Enlightenment, the Laundry. Lion's Roar can make the simplest things enormously complicated, but it makes for good reading.

I wasn't finding books with that exact title; were you referring to this?

Craig75 · Sep 15, 2021

OP must surely have broken some board rules here with this new found attitute to GAS.

Perhaps an official warning from mods is needed

Huss · Sep 15, 2021

George Mann said:
I think that you are undervaluing the worth of the F2 for professional work.

Sure, it's more difficult to use for action and moving subjects but people managed to do it with theirs for years on end.

.

Yes, and when AF cameras appeared most pros no longer used F2s etc.
In it's time, it was the ultimate for pros. Until it wasn't.

George Mann · Sep 15, 2021

Huss said:
Yes, and when AF cameras appeared most pros no longer used F2s etc.
In it's time, it was the ultimate for pros. Until it wasn't.

OK, but then most pros can't even be bother to shoot film anymore.

Paul Howell · Sep 15, 2021

We, (I) see cameras though a lens that did not exist until digital took over film and there were only a few film cameras left on the market. In my day, even if I really liked the F the F was long gone my F was worn I had to get a F2, same with the F3, the F2 was gone, no matter how much I like the F2 there came a time when Nikon took it off the market and I got a F3P, my employer paid for half. No matter how much I liked the F3 there was going to be a day when I wore mine out. At that point it would be stay with Nikon AF or move to Canon AF. When Nikon shooters made the jump to AF and needed not only a body but AF lens, Canon had the better AF and pro's jumped ship. Look at any press conference or pro level sports and count the gray Canon lens.

As only a few pro use film it has become collectors and enthusiast market, like collectable cars, we split hairs over things that when I was working would not given a rat's rear end about. A camera was tool, it paid my mortgage and sent my son to college, I needed the best tool at the best price.

Patrick Robert James · Sep 15, 2021

I have a bit of a different philosophy on cameras these days. Figuring that film cameras will never again be made, and that anything I buy I will probably have the rest of my life, I might as well get the cameras that I have liked over the years. I've bought a couple of Canon 7s because I like them. My last camera purchase was a mint Canon EOS A2 since it was the first camera I ever bought. Thought I might as well get another one. It is a lot of fun to use because it is tied to my past. Truthfully pretty much any camera can be used for film these days for what I do. Nothing fancy. Might as well enjoy the ride. I do need to get rid of a lot of stuff though. I'll never use it. I am great at buying, lousy at selling. I don't think I've sold anything in maybe 8 or so years. What is the opposite of gas? Constipation?

Down Under · Sep 15, 2021

Patrick Robert James said:
II am great at buying, lousy at selling. I don't think I've sold anything in maybe 8 or so years. What is the opposite of gas? Constipation?

No, not constipated. Not at all constipated. I would say, intelligent!!

ciniframe · Sep 16, 2021

The camera as tool? Fortunately hobby photographers don’t usually need to concern themselves with such musings. From 4x5 pinhole to Minox 8x11 just dinking around is where the enjoyment is. With wherever my current (and always shifting) fascination takes me. I did thin down the camera pile January last year and so far have only bought one camera since, a Kiev 30. Like Donald most of my stuff is low value, not worth the hassle of selling. (Although sometimes I give stuff away.)

CMoore · Sep 16, 2021

Semi delicate tools..... i guess.?

I was shooting a (local) outdoor concert a few weeks ago.
A guy asked me about my F2.
I had 2 of them around my neck and had set them down on the cement to get my back-pack off.
"Aren't you worried about breaking your cameras".?
BREAKING..???

I said no, i have done it dozens end dozens of times. I had never "Broken" a camera by putting it on cement.

He then wanted to know about "Scratching" the cameras.
Wasn't i worried about scratching the bottom of the cameras.?

I told him No...........i was not "Worried" and did not care if the bottom of the camera got scratched
It seems i had stumbled onto a Camera Policeman.

It was then i noticed he had the typical Camera Bag slung over his shoulder.
My inner voice was screaming ..... DO NOT ask him if he is a photographer..!!!

So i asked him..... "Are you a photographer.?"

He said yes and gingerly removed a Nikon F3 from his bag.
Ever-Ready..........is that what those 2 piece cases are called.?
He had the bottom piece attached to his F3.
He took it off and showed me his camera.
Not a scratch on it..... Including the bottom.

It almost looked "New"
I could not resist asking him..............."Have you ever used it.? It looks brand new."

He assured me it had been used "Hundreds Of Times".
I told him i had an F3 at one point, and i liked it a lot, but i liked the meter better in the F2
I told him thanks and good luck.

I opened my backpack to put my cameras in it. As i grabbed up slack in the strap, i made sure that i scraped the corner of each F2, on the cement, just a little bit.

The poor guy probably could not sleep that night.
I can imagine the OCD Nightmares he must of had.........................

George Mann · Sep 16, 2021

CMoore said:
He then wanted to know about "Scratching" the cameras.
Wasn't i worried about scratching the bottom of the cameras.?

I told him No...........i was not "Worried" and did not care if the bottom of the camera got scratched
It seems i had stumbled onto a Camera Policeman.

I opened my backpack to put my cameras in it. As i grabbed up slack in the strap, i made sure that i scraped the corner of each F2, on the cement, just a little bit.

HMM, interesting. I bought an F2 from you where the only serious wear point is a scratched base plate.

madNbad · Sep 16, 2021

Maybe it’s time to challenge yourself. Keep out the latest, F6, M7 and whatever medium format cameras you’ve using. These are your “bread and butter” working cameras. Leave out a fun camera, like the M4. Set everything else aside for a month, then decide which to keep and what to sell. If you’re making money from your work then choose the tool that makes working easier. Letting go of stuff isn’t too hard when you begin to view it as “stuff”.

Huss · Sep 16, 2021

madNbad said:
Maybe it’s time to challenge yourself. Keep out the latest, F6, M7 and whatever medium format cameras you’ve using. These are your “bread and butter” working cameras. Leave out a fun camera, like the M4. Set everything else aside for a month, then decide which to keep and what to sell. If you’re making money from your work then choose the tool that makes working easier. Letting go of stuff isn’t too hard when you begin to view it as “stuff”.

Exactly and that is why I have been selling off stuff recently. I'm even thinking of selling my sweet Harry Fleenor-ed Rolleiflex 2.8E, as I also have a 2.8GX. And while the E is definitely nicer built, the GX is the better tool as it has the built in spot meter, brighter focusing screen, and "modern" coatings on the lens. I just wish they built the GX/FX on the older 2.8 chassis...

Arthurwg · Sep 16, 2021

Selling into a rising market is good investment advice.

Disappointed_Horse · Sep 16, 2021

Gear Acquisition Syndrome is silly term bloggers invented in the early days of the internet to give themselves something to write about. If you want to buy another camera or lens or whatever and you can afford it and have space to store it, go for it. Use it when you want to. If you don't use it for a while, it won't get mad at you.
If owning a camera or a lens or whatever gives you pleasure, keep it. If not, sell it or give it away. Simple.
For most of us, photography is a hobby. It's supposed to be fun. Worrying about having to much or too little gear takes the fun out of it. Use and enjoy what you have, buy what you want, get rid of what you don't. Don't stress about it either way.

Horatio · Sep 16, 2021

AAlfano said:
Gear Acquisition Syndrome is silly term bloggers invented in the early days of the internet to give themselves something to write about. If you want to buy another camera or lens or whatever and you can afford it and have space to store it, go for it. Use it when you want to. If you don't use it for a while, it won't get mad at you.
If owning a camera or a lens or whatever gives you pleasure, keep it. If not, sell it or give it away. Simple.
For most of us, photography is a hobby. It's supposed to be fun. Worrying about having to much or too little gear takes the fun out of it. Use and enjoy what you have, buy what you want, get rid of what you don't. Don't stress about it either way.

Nailed it.

Paul Howell · Sep 16, 2021

AAlfano said:
Gear Acquisition Syndrome is silly term bloggers invented in the early days of the internet to give themselves something to write about. If you want to buy another camera or lens or whatever and you can afford it and have space to store it, go for it. Use it when you want to. If you don't use it for a while, it won't get mad at you.
If owning a camera or a lens or whatever gives you pleasure, keep it. If not, sell it or give it away. Simple.
For most of us, photography is a hobby. It's supposed to be fun. Worrying about having to much or too little gear takes the fun out of it. Use and enjoy what you have, buy what you want, get rid of what you don't. Don't stress about it either way.

+2

4season · Sep 16, 2021

Never mistake GAS for "investing" The people who know how to make real money also know when it's time to sell.

I've got my own sentimental film-camera favorites, but as far as I'm concerned, everything is potentially for sale if someone is willing to pay me a sufficiently high price.

Huss · Sep 16, 2021

Old Gregg said:
Interesting. As a freshly minted Rolleiflex owner, I was researching this very question last weekend. Even here on photrio you can find threads with people arguing about the build quality of GX/FX. I believe it was @Henning Serger who visited their factory at the time and testified that due to modernized equipment the newest Rolleis are actually better built than the old ones. Can't find that thread right now, so don't quote me on this, but your comment above made me curious again.

Comparing my perfect shape/serviced 2.8E to my perfect shape/serviced 2.8GX, the following is apparent:

1. The 2.8E body feels more solid.
2. The 2.8E has all its marking engraved eg on the focus dial. GX they are painted on.
3. The 2.8E has a very cool mechanical depth of field display that varies as you change aperture. GX does not.
4. The mechanism to open the finder hood is much more solid and slicker on the 2.8E. On the GX it feels flimsy in comparison, and you need to be more careful folding it down.
5. The film advance on the 2.8E is smoother.
6. 2.8E has a fancy auto-load system. GX does not. But that is a plus or minus because the simpler GX system is bullet proof.
7. 2.8E has a smoother, lighter shutter. But then again it does not need to trigger a light meter.
8. GX has the modern advantages of better lens coatings (and better lens?), built in spot meter, and super bright screen.

Fighting GAS with the honesty of viewing a camera as a tool.

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