To keep or to sell?

[MattKing]

I use knowledge I learned from my father every time I photograph. I still talk with him about photography.

I still have and use a couple of darkroom items that I got from him, and I finally finished that bottle of Photoflo he gave me )). I also have the old 616 folder he gave me when he first taught me about darkroom work (contact prints you know).

However, I don't think my father would really care if I used the equipment he used after he was gone, as long as I continue to retain and use the love and enthusiasm for photography that he has passed on to me.

Oh, he would care if I stopped using Kodak film .

Matt

 

[Steve Smith]

I don't need 30 guitars and 10 amps.

You're right. I would trim it down to just 24 or 25 essential instruments!

If you're not using that ES 330 you could send it to me!


Steve.

 

[goamules]

I've seen a lot of family squabbles at estate breakup time. Is it because they think some items are monetarily valuable? Or is it because they value the sentimental aspect? Either way, it seems selfish and isn't fun to watch. I've inherited a few valuable items, and I've sold a couple to get something I really want and will use. My dad would understand. I don't think it's expected that you keep everything you ever inherit. But if there is a prime artifact, items that my father was "known for", I would keep them.

I have many lenses, I don't expect my family to hang onto them when I'm gone. Sell them and use the money if they like...

 

[Sirius Glass]

I have many lenses, I don't expect my family to hang onto them when I'm gone. Sell them and use the money if they like...

I am planning on taking them with me.

Steve

 

[darinwc]

My parents have collections of things they think are valuable. But if they pass, i will probably sell most of it and keep only a few things that remind me of them.

Regarding online ads, most instruction books about ebay sales recommend including the reason you are selling the item. So I imagine people just make up things instead of "im selling this to make a profit from some poor unknowing sucker who could get it cheaper somewhere else".

 

[funkpilz]

Never ever ever. I will sell anything and everything, but never a present or hand-me-down.

 

[snegron]

An interesting thing happened today. I was speaking to my 8 year old daughter about the recent passing of an uncle of mine when the conversation turned toward the workings of inheritance. I explained to her how sometimes things are passed down to family members when someone dies and I used my photography equipment as an example.

I asked her who would want my cameras when I'm gone, and she said she would. I asked her why would she want the cameras knowing that she doesn't like photography, and she replied without hesitation " I would like the cameras because I know you liked them, and I would never sell them because they will always remind me of you."

Needless to say I was blown away by her response! Funny thing is that I have never discussed this subject with her, and she has no way of reading this post!

 

[Rick A]

There are some things that I sell, but not any items that represent family heritage. My youngest(daughter) is very concerned that anything that was passed to us remain in our family, and has declared herself as curator of our little museum. At eleven, she has documented most of our hand-me-downs, and makes sure they are kept up. She has already claimed ALL my tools, cameras, and fly fishing gear as her own. None of her older siblings care to dispute this, so its up to me to pass things to whom I decide now to avoid conflict. Maybe I shouldn't have babied her so much? Anyway, I know my gear will stay in the family.
Rick

 

[Paul Jenkin]

I've made specific provision in my will to allow my wife to dispose of my camera equipment (or keep it) however she sees fit. If she needs the money and the gear has any value, I won't need it anymore, so why would I care? Neither she nor I are particularly materialistic, so unless something has a continuing purpose, it can be dispensed with.

 

[dpurdy]

I inherited a Minolta system that my Dad used for years and promptly swapped it for a Nikon at a swap meet. I inherited some money when my mom died and bought a Rollei FX in her honor. A camera I would never have afforded with my survival money. I think that sentimental value inevitably gets weighed against monetary value if a person needs money. Sentimental value is a luxury that not everyone can afford.
Dennis