How many cameras do you need? (and why?)

darinwc · May 4, 2015

OK, so we've seen the 'how many cameras do you have' threads, where APUGers tell-all and hope their wives dont read the thread.

But how many cameras do you really need?
Well different situations call for different equipment, so here's you chance to explain it all.

Some of you may need to get a little creative to justify those high numbers =]

Here is what I have come up with so far:

1. The 'System'
You need a versitile system that will cover many different uses. This is your main camera that you bring for all your serious shots. be it SLR or rangefinder, small medium or large, there are lots of options here. This is also your main justification for having lots of lenses =]

2. The 'Go Everywhere'
This is the camera that you must take anywhere and everywhere you go. Small and reliable, this camera fits in your pocket and is always loaded with Tri-X. Stylus Epic, XA, Rollei 35 come to mind.

3. The 'Big Gun'
Whatever you normally shoot, this camera is bigger. Maybe its a 'blad, or a speed graphic, or even a Korona 11x14. Either way, you only cart it out once a year to prove you are a manly photographer.

4. The 'Classic'
Made with a solid brick of chromed brass, this baby comes from the era of big hair and big cars. Is there any question why you need it? It was good enough for Elvis. Think Nikon F, Ricoh TLS, Topcon Super D

...Feel free to add your own!

480sparky · May 4, 2015

The 'Light N Easy'
One body, one lens, loaded with medium speed film.

The 'Crowd Pleaser'
The one camera you use in a crowd to attract attention and engage with total strangers and get others interested in photography.

The 'Old Geezer'
Such an old camera it should be relegated to the shelf as a dust-catcher, but you just can't put her out to pasture.

The 'Compensator'
Any camera with a lens half as big as you are. And you KNOW why!

heespharm · May 4, 2015

"The easy way out"
Usually a camera with a digital sensor that lacks in art and excels in making 100 shots per second... So you can pick that 1 shot in a thousand that "works"

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Old-N-Feeble · May 4, 2015

1... cuz that's all I need.

I'm not interested in shooting smaller than 4x5 and I can't carry and handle anything bigger.

ruby.monkey · May 4, 2015

heespharm said:
"The easy way out"
Usually a camera with a digital sensor that lacks in art and excels in making 100 shots per second... So you can pick that 1 shot in a thousand that "works"

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All cameras lack in art. If the photo is worthless, it's not the fault of the camera.

On topic - I *need* one camera with one lens. Luckily I'm not bound by that limit.

heespharm · May 4, 2015

ruby.monkey said:
All cameras lack in art. If the photo is worthless, it's not the fault of the camera.

On topic - I *need* one camera with one lens. Luckily I'm not bound by that limit.

My comment was facetious

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benveniste · May 4, 2015

Need? I don't need no stinkin' camera. Photography is a hobby for me; if I could never take another photograph I wouldn't be happy about it, but I'd get on with my life.

"Want," "own," and "use" are each different numbers.

summicron1 · May 4, 2015

"Need" is such a subjective term. I enjoy the mechanics, I enjoy the novelty, I enjoy playing with a new toy every coupla weeks.

So I need them all, I guess. How many is that? There are a coupla dozen in the regular rotation, and others that come out a couple of times a year. And some that are just "Wow, that will be fun."

kb3lms · May 4, 2015

Arklatexian · May 4, 2015

How many cameras do you need? Why as many as are sufficient for your needs.......Regards!

narsuitus · May 5, 2015

I need them all. However, I only shoot with a maximum of three at one time and I keep a fourth nearby as a backup.

https://flic.kr/p/ahCiMp

winger · May 5, 2015

Need? I need all of them just as much as my husband needs more than one vehicle. We have garage space for about 7 and our daily drivers sit in the driveway. At least cameras take up less space.

The 35mm system for quick stuff or several shots. The MF for easier handling in the darkroom and somewhat better image quality (subjectively, of course), and LF because, well, LF.

summicron1 · May 5, 2015

APUGuser19 said:
Look at those pretty Pentaxes.

Ditto

vdonovan · May 5, 2015

I still have more cameras than I *need*, but I'm whittling it down. Currently my go-to cameras are:

DSLR for paid shoots (Pentax K7)
35mm rangefinder for street (Leica iiif)
120 SLR for large-scale portrait projects (Bronica SQ)
120 folders for portraits while traveling (Zeiss Super Ikonta 6x9 and Zeiss Ikon 6x4.5)
4x5 view camera for studio and on-site portraits (Shen Hao)
8x10 view camera also for studio and on-site portraits (Svedowsky)
Pack-film Polaroid for parties and events (Polaroid 110b converted to pack film)
Integral-film Polaroid for photo walks and Polaroid group events (Pronto RF)

film_man · May 5, 2015

I need a Canon 300 for the wife
I need a Leica R8 for photographing the kids
I need a Bessa R3A for travel
I need a Nikonos V for the sea
I need a RB67 for portraits
I need a Hasselblad H1 for when the RB is too big
I need a Fuji Instax for instant fun

Strangely all of the above seem to be in my camera bags. Now wait a minute...

Did I say I also need to get myself a Mamiya 7 for landscapes? Yes, I need to get one of those too. And I also need a Leica M6 or something because the R3A can't be used with anything wider than 50mm.

removed account4 · May 5, 2015

1 only need 1 camera, and my life would be much simpler with 1 camera
and eventually i will be down to 1 camera .. but i NEED all i have becasue i am on a mission
to use up all my film and paper, all different formats and sizes ... i even MADE cameras to
help me use everything up ...
soon, i'll have a yard sale .. and i know which one i am keeping ( i think ) .

bdial · May 5, 2015

Need?
Just one, and having just one served me well for a long time. Now I have several, and it's not been particularly advantageous, but it is fun.

mehguy · May 5, 2015

1. Electric, AF film camera

2. an Old manual film camera

3. Rangfinder

thats what i think atleast, granted, i only have 1 camera.

Rick A · May 5, 2015

I don't "need" any cameras. I do desire a couple cameras, my 11x14 Century and my 4x5 B&J Watson. I really only use them because I love to print, and they provide me the negatives so I can satisfy my "jones". I have been thinning the herd, only one 35mm(OM-1n) camera remains, no medium format(tho that may change soon). Life is so much easier without all the clutter and indecision as to "which do I shoot".

benjiboy · May 5, 2015

I could probably manage with three cameras if I had to, 2 of my Canon New F1's and my Mamiya C330F.

MartinCrabtree · May 5, 2015

Don't know. Not there yet.

DannL. · May 5, 2015

Three woodies . . . 5x4 Sands & Hunter Exhibition (Nadar's old camera), Seneca No. 9 5x7, and an Anthony & Scovill Champion 8x10. Without them I would simply shrivel up and die. ;-)

Alan Gales · May 5, 2015

Wehman 8x10 with 8x10 and 4x5 backs for my artistic needs.

Fujifilm X100s for family snapshots and ebay photos.

35mm Stereo Realist for fun.

I own more cameras but I probably don't need them.

Mustafa Umut Sarac · May 5, 2015

I took my best photos when I was young , feeling like an energy bunny. Now all the energy went , only I want sit down and think and get tip from the web. Wish I learned painting !

RalphLambrecht · May 5, 2015

Mustafa Umut Sarac said:
I took my best photos when I was young , feeling like an energy bunny. Now all the energy went , only I want sit down and think and get tip from the web. Wish I learned painting !

I will make my best photograph (I don't take any)tomorrow.

How many cameras do you need? (and why?)

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