The One Man, One Camera Focus Hocus Pocus

[RezaLoghme]

In this anonymous GAS self-help group, I have to confess: I'm not a "one lens, one film, one camera" kind of person.

I have a deep love for certain cameras. They remind me of specific moments in my life and evoke powerful memories. Sometimes, I catch myself wandering around my home, simply looking through one of my cameras. I even find joy in assembling and disassembling my Hasselblad. Right now, as I sit at my desk, I'm gazing at one of my cameras, dreaming about where and how I might use it.

I've always wanted a Hasselblad, but they were out of reach when they were new.

I adore the Bauhaus design language of the Leica M Digital, and the old black R series takes me back to the wonderful 1990s, a time of great industrial design, like the BMW E32.

The Rolleiflex TLRs bring out my inner Helmut Newton, making me feel like that slightly weathered, super-cool fashion photographer whose world is all about black, white, and silver.

At this point, I almost have everything I've ever wanted. But - An M2, silver and sleek like a cocktail shaker with beads of condensation. A Rolleiflex SL66 for the chest-haired 1970s photojournalist with a white 350SE with black "MB Tex" leatherette. Something Japanese—perhaps a 124G or C330—for the inner mid-century architect-cum-IBM-executive in me.

But after that, I promise, I'll be done.

 

[BrianShaw]

“But after that, I promise, I'll be done.”

You are amongst friends who understand your personality type. Do not fear. Admitting who or what you are is step one. But please don’t be dishonest… you’ll probably never be done. You know it, and we know it. LOL

https://ianbfoto.com/downloads/Brochures/Medium%20Format%20Buyers%20Guide%20Feb%201993.pdf

 

[MattKing]

Perhaps a 12 Step program of some sort is in order ......
He says, while intentionally facing away from the shelving unit which has most of his camera selections resting upon it.

 

[RezaLoghme]

“But after that, I promise, I'll be done.”

You are amongst friends who understand your personality type. Do not fear. Admitting who or what you are is step one. But please don’t be dishonest… you’ll probably never be done. You know it, and we know it. LOL

https://ianbfoto.com/downloads/Brochures/Medium%20Format%20Buyers%20Guide%20Feb%201993.pdf

Thank you, Brian. interesting document, the Rollei is more expensive than the Hasselblad...but the journo only comments on Hassy's price.

 

[4season]

"The GAS is strong in this one"

I liked Rolleiflex SL66 lots when I had it, mostly used it for macro photos. But always thought it's quality seemed uneven, like the designers had missed too many deadlines, and management put the unfinished product on the market.

 

[GregY]

Perhaps a 12 Step program of some sort is in order ......
He says, while intentionally facing away from the shelving unit which has most of his camera selections resting upon it.

"A 12 Step program" .....is that a collection of 120 cameras?......

 

[RezaLoghme]

"The GAS is strong in this one"

I liked Rolleiflex SL66 lots when I had it, mostly used it for macro photos. But always thought it's quality seemed uneven, like the designers had missed too many deadlines, and management put the unfinished product on the market.

It is quite agricultural compared to the 500CM, yes. But I like its frontal aspect, the logo, its Mercedes 600-ness.

 

[RezaLoghme]

Gear Acquisition Syndrome (GAS) can sometimes lead to disappointments (like my R6.2 one-hit-wonder). New gear can occasionally serve as a negative reference point, reinforcing the love you already have for the cameras you own.

When I returned the R6.2, I briefly considered trying out an M4. But then I realized I'd be starting the whole cycle all over again: Which lens should I get? OEM or third-party? Silver or black? Does the rangefinder need servicing? What other challenges or surprises might a new (old) camera bring?

While at that dealer, I also looked at the new DSLRs on offer; Sonys and Nikons that sell for thousands of Euros. And I just realized that I never had it so good, to quote Macmillan.

My medium format cameras, though weathered with age, were the pinnacle of their field 30 years ago, and they still exude a certain charm. Meanwhile, the two digital Leicas are impressive in their own way—sleek, Bauhaus-inspired design icons paired with both vintage and contemporary superb lenses.

While the R series is nice, it's not irresistible. So, what's next? Should I open a new chapter with the M rangefinders? That would be like opening a proverbial can of worms—another system, another world of endless lenses and options. The one box I haven't ticked yet is a TLR, and we've discussed this in Adorno-esque detail in this forum. A TLR is a standalone camera, with its own glory and charm.

So, an idea could be to start building a vertical TLR collection, contrasting with the premium portfolio of Hasselblad and Leica cameras I already own. Maybe I should finally scratch the GX itch instead of settling for a beat-up 3.5E. A GX, a couple of masculine blacked-out 124Gs or C330s—a Three-Twin-Lens-Reflex Pavilion, perhaps?

 

[Don_ih]

Could always get a Kodak Duaflex. All that TLR coolness without the hefty price or need to focus or adjust shutter speed.

 

[4season]

My enthusiasm for film and film cameras is maybe 20% about the equipment and taking photos with it, and the other 80% is the "vibe" that I get from it.

One result is that I collect photo-related ephemera such as vintage advertisements and catalogs. And when I do shop for vintage cameras and lenses, I'm generally shopping at the bargain end of the price spectrum.

And in the case of Hasselblad V, I may favor older versions, which have less synthetic materials (they don't always age well), fewer painted-on markings, and more engraved markings. And while it's true that many of the updates made for a better shooting experience, it's also true that I can simply jump forward a few more decades and reach for my digital camera instead.

I've had plenty of Leica M (film and digital) in the past, and have had my fun. M2R and M4 would be tempting "at the right price", but do I really want to spend 1K+ USD on a M-body in 2024? Not so sure.

 

[GregY]

Gear Acquisition Syndrome (GAS) can sometimes lead to disappointments (like my R6.2 one-hit-wonder). New gear can occasionally serve as a negative reference point, reinforcing the love you already have for the cameras you own.

When I returned the R6.2, I briefly considered trying out an M4. But then I realized I'd be starting the whole cycle all over again: Which lens should I get? OEM or third-party? Silver or black? Does the rangefinder need servicing? What other challenges or surprises might a new (old) camera bring?

While at that dealer, I also looked at the new DSLRs on offer; Sonys and Nikons that sell for thousands of Euros. And I just realized that I never had it so good, to quote Macmillan.

My medium format cameras, though weathered with age, were the pinnacle of their field 30 years ago, and they still exude a certain charm. Meanwhile, the two digital Leicas are impressive in their own way—sleek, Bauhaus-inspired design icons paired with both vintage and contemporary superb lenses.

While the R series is nice, it's not irresistible. So, what's next? Should I open a new chapter with the M rangefinders? That would be like opening a proverbial can of worms—another system, another world of endless lenses and options. The one box I haven't ticked yet is a TLR, and we've discussed this in Adorno-esque detail in this forum. A TLR is a standalone camera, with its own glory and charm.

So, an idea could be to start building a vertical TLR collection, contrasting with the premium portfolio of Hasselblad and Leica cameras I already own. Maybe I should finally scratch the GX itch instead of settling for a beat-up 3.5E. A GX, a couple of masculine blacked-out 124Gs or C330s—a Three-Twin-Lens-Reflex Pavilion, perhaps?

If i could suggest... get by the G.A.S. Take some photographs. Process some film... make some prints... get excited about what those cameras are able to give you in tangible results....

 

[RalphLambrecht]

In this anonymous GAS self-help group, I have to confess: I'm not a "one lens, one film, one camera" kind of person.

I have a deep love for certain cameras. They remind me of specific moments in my life and evoke powerful memories. Sometimes, I catch myself wandering around my home, simply looking through one of my cameras. I even find joy in assembling and disassembling my Hasselblad. Right now, as I sit at my desk, I'm gazing at one of my cameras, dreaming about where and how I might use it.

pride of ownership and a love for technical marvels and optics is perfectly normal and healthy in my view.

 

[mshchem]

I don't own a Corvette. I feel like Hasselblads and Leicas are a reasonable alternative.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

I don't own a Corvette. I feel like Hasselblads and Leicas are a reasonable alternative.

also works in addition to it!

 

[foc]

Ah..... the Lubitel 166U at £22

As the author says, "Titter ye not - this budget twin-lens reflex works. And takes remarkably good snaps in the process. At the price of four rolls of film"

 

[koraks]

pride of ownership and a love for technical marvels and optics

The latter, yes. The former, I never really understood that so well. How does one derive pride from owning something? I understand the joy of being able to use something when and how you desire, yes. But being proud that you own something? IDK, it doesn't add up. What does it mean, in the end? I get the pride of being able to create, build, repair or modify something - that's an accomplishment. But what accomplishment, competence or knowledge is reflected in the ownership of an item?

Does it have to do with being able to select "the best" item in its class? If it's that, isn't it so much about having learned about how certain things work and what relevant selection criteria are, rather than actually owning something? Is it about being able to afford something and taking pride in that - but if that's the case, isn't the pride about the monthly paycheck instead?

Mind you, I'm not saying you or anyone shouldn't enjoy the pride of owning something. I really mean what I said above, that I simply don't understand it. For me, owning something is more like a necessary evil that I have to accept in order to have something at my disposal. The act of owning it as such feels more like an embarrassment than something to take pride in, to me. I own lots of stuff, so it's not like I'm a monk in this sense.

 

[Don_ih]

How does one derive pride from owning something?

That suggests you've never been poor.

 

[benjiboy]

I found from bitter experience that constantly buying more and better photographic equipment didn't improve my photography nor my relationship with my wife and children or my feelings of guilt in ignoring their needs.
Thankfully I realised my error many years ago before it was too late ,and that concentrating on my photography, selling equipment I could live without,and spending the money on my family until my gear made sense, and not constant acquisition of more stuff did improve my pictures , and my state of mind.

 

[koraks]

That suggests you've never been poor.

That's a different matter though, that I can relate to:

Is it about being able to afford something and taking pride in that - but if that's the case, isn't the pride about the monthly paycheck instead?

 

[Don_ih]

This:

the pride about the monthly paycheck

is not the same thing as pride in owning a particular something, especially if you were for a significant time in a situation when you could barely pay for food. People who have always been sated often feel pride in their pay cheque.

 

[koraks]

But taking pride in being able to afford something is quite different to me from taking pride in owning an object. I find that if I try to unpeel what hides between the latter, there's always an ulterior motive that's not about owning as such. Mind you, I don't mean this in a normative or judgemental way. I just try to understand how the dynamic works, based on my own reflection of what it means to me to own something.

 

[Don_ih]

But taking pride in being able to afford something is quite different to me from taking pride in owning an object.

That's essentially what I was saying.

Taking pride in owning something can occur if the object is meaningful beyond its utility - possibly being symbolic on a personal level. In that instance, it's far more than the ability to afford (pay for) something.

But people can have all kinds of feelings about all kinds of things that defy explanation, anyway. So, it's not outlandish someone would feel pride in owning something for no particular reason (or at least none that anyone else can discern).

 

[koraks]

if the object is meaningful beyond its utility - possibly being symbolic on a personal level.

Yes, I can see that, that's an interesting angle. I hadn't associated that with camera gear, but I see what you mean now. A bit like an amulet of sorts.

So, it's not outlandish someone would feel pride in owning something

No, it isn't, and I wouldn't deny it either. It's just something that has puzzled me when it comes to modern tools/equipment like cameras, cars etc. We relate to these things, often, and it's interesting why and how we do that.

 

[MattKing]

I believe "pride in ownership" has parallels in the collector mindset.
Somehow though, that makes more sense with respect to something rare and hard to find, rather than readily available on the new or used marketplace.
I'm sure as well my long experience with a world where Hasselblads were everyday encountered, commonly used tools of a trade, has an influence on my appreciation of them which is different than the appreciation enjoyed by someone who is experiencing them now anew.
Last weekend our local "Sunfest" celebration included a car show - 300 different "collector" cars. They were all parked on a large grass field and the crowd was able to wander amongst all the displays, talk to owners and enthusiasts, and otherwise enjoy the experience - all for free!
It was interesting to observe the variety of reactions of the crowd. Kids who were just impressed by the strangeness, young people who were becoming interested, older people who were doing a lot of "that was my first car" reacting and older grey haired guys (mostly) who either had something on display, or wished they did.
All reacting differently to exactly the same object.

 

[Sirius Glass]

I had GAS for years. APUG, Photrio's predecessor, perfected GAS and moved me from 35mm Minoltas, to Nikon AF cameras, back to Medium Format, to Hasselblad, to 4"x5" Pacemaker Speed Graphic and Graflex Model D, setting up a black & white and color darkroom and into digital photography again. I first did digital photography on Voyager I and II including designing and programming the two Jupiter Approach movies and the two Red Spot Movies. My GAS subsided and has rarely stirred once I purchased most of my Hasselblad lenses. Now I can come to Photrio or visit a camera store and not feel GAS.