This discussion brings to mind Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. The final stage is "self-actualization," and the Army slogan of "Be all you can be" seems to state it well.
My first Nikon (an "S1" or simply an "S") was a copy of the Contax in many respects. Nikon was able to distinguish itself with outstanding optics and solid manufacturing. I loved the feel of that camera, and it made me proud to shoot it and capture moments. Even winding the film to the next frame (there was just a knurled knob--no rapid advance lever) evoked in me a feeling of, "I'm doing something that satisfies me in a good and productive way." The S2, S3, S4, and SP bodies were refinements--both of the camera, and my feelings of accomplishment.
Then came the F, then F2, F3, etcetera. I still shoot an F5 (along with a D850 and D800, and with my 501CM). To me, that goes beyond GAS and definitely touches on the "self-actualization" button. I'm still passionate about capturing moments and spirit-exciting landscape images, and the cameras do not hinder my creativity--they enhance it.
My first Nikon (an "S1" or simply an "S") was a copy of the Contax in many respects. Nikon was able to distinguish itself with outstanding optics and solid manufacturing. I loved the feel of that camera, and it made me proud to shoot it and capture moments. Even winding the film to the next frame (there was just a knurled knob--no rapid advance lever) evoked in me a feeling of, "I'm doing something that satisfies me in a good and productive way." The S2, S3, S4, and SP bodies were refinements--both of the camera, and my feelings of accomplishment.
Then came the F, then F2, F3, etcetera. I still shoot an F5 (along with a D850 and D800, and with my 501CM). To me, that goes beyond GAS and definitely touches on the "self-actualization" button. I'm still passionate about capturing moments and spirit-exciting landscape images, and the cameras do not hinder my creativity--they enhance it.