Side effects of GAS

[Pieter12]

Over the years, I have accumulated and use a fair amount of photographic gear, analog and digital. I am sure there are others in the same boat. What I am curious about is how do you store and possibly take care of all your stuff? I have three closet shelves full of cameras, lenses and accessories, plus 4 camera bags ready to go, a couple of rolling cases and three hard-shell cases, all full of cameras, etc. And that doesn't take into account backpacks, tripods, stands, lighting or darkroom equipment. I know what I have and where it is, but I am looking to be a bit more tidy and centralized (the equipment is in three different rooms right now and unless I miraculously acquire a studio, that probably won't change much.) So how do others deal with this or is it just my compulsiveness?

 

[gary mulder]

I have managed to place a reasonable amount of gear with other enthusiasts who are now making meaningful use of it.

 

[loccdor]

That sounds like a bit too much.

I use clear plastic boxes of various sizes, silica gel, etc. and I try to sell anything that hasn't been used for a few years

Some of them go on a big shelf, others go under my bedframe. It helps but I still have too much.

 

[xkaes]

I'd start by doing an inventory -- which takes a lot of time. Keep a list and break it down into categories -- whatever works for you -- Lens, Cameras, AF, MF, darkroom, filters, accessories, etc. During the inventory you'll discover the stuff that needs to go first -- and that will keep you plenty busy, as long as you don't throw it in the dumpster.

List it here, and we'll help you out.

That will get you through the tip of the iceberg, anyway.

I picked up ANOTHER Seagull DF-300 (AKA, Minolta X-370) with a Minolta MD 28mm f2.8 -- in perfect shape -- for next to nothing. I'm going to sell the lens and keep the camera, and make more money than I spent to buy them both.

 

[mshchem]

Sell....what is this Sell??

 

[retina_restoration]

I agree; sell some of it. You won't miss it.

 

[mshchem]

I bought some nice old Leica caps, not perfect, don't need.

 

[4season]

Reorganizing can only do so much: Sometimes, I get rid of things, or learn not to acquire them in the first place. When I got back into film a number of years ago, I wanted to try all sorts of things, but I've calmed down a lot since then, and now have a better feel for what matters to me, and I've discarded most of the stuff which only briefly held my interest.

 

[mshchem]

I just paid my credit card. When I get an urge to buy something I go online and pay all my debts up to the minute great feeling. I got a couple nice fat checks for selling some stuff. Bought more film and paper.