Too many cameras??????

stradibarrius · Jul 16, 2010

I klnow some of you will say you can never have too many cameras but, I have a Mamiya M645 1000s, M645 and three great lenses for these bodies.
I also have an RB67, 4 lenses , 3 back, left hand grip and the Mamiya hard aluminum case.

I am trying to decide do I need both of these kits and wondered how some of you might think this through.

Q.G. · Jul 16, 2010

Is there any camera among your very small collection that you never use?

If so, you might want to consider beginning to use that one too.

Brian Legge · Jul 16, 2010

In what situations do you use each camera?

tkamiya · Jul 16, 2010

I, too, have duplicates though not in medium format. I came to conclusion that I like gears. I like using different gears. I like how each one is different. Do I need all that duplicate to take great photos? Perhaps not. Do I enjoy using different gear as part of image making process? Yes.

I think, there is a point in future, things can get out of control and have simply too many. I think, that point is, when I forget I had a certain camera. I'm not even close to that.

I realize, this is my hobby. As such, I enjoy it the way I see it fit.

I don't know if I am really answering your question but I think, the only person who can really answer it is yourself....

stillsilver · Jul 16, 2010

IMHO you do not have a problem. Use the 645 for portraits. And the 67 for your other work.

You also need a 6x6 TLR and several LF cameras.

Mike

Thomas Bertilsson · Jul 16, 2010

I think you're doing better than most!

I've been trying to trim my camera arsenal for years, and have arrived at:
1. Hasselblad 500 system with two lenses
2. Pentax KX 35mm system with too many lenses (only need the 35, 55, and 100 really)
3. Minox 35GT
4. Holga
5. Pinhole 6x6
6. 5x7 Century that I never use, but it's really nice to look at!

I use them all extensively, so I'm happy. Don't need anything else. But I am mighty tempted to invest in a Leica system in the future, even though I really don't need one.

- Thomas

Rick A · Jul 16, 2010

He who dies with the most toys--wins!
Need I say more?

Jeff Kubach · Jul 16, 2010

You don't have enough cameras!

Jeff

k_jupiter · Jul 16, 2010

It does seem to me that the OP is somewhat camera deprived. Perhaps I can send him a couple?
I didn't see any 127 format cameras there!

tim in san jose

eddym · Jul 16, 2010

stradibarrius said:
I am trying to decide do I need both of these kits and wondered how some of you might think this through.

I would assume you have two different format systems because you shoot different types of work with each one. If that is the case, then of course you do need both systems. If not... that is, if you shoot the same kind of work with both formats, then you may have a point. Decide which format suits your needs best and sell the other.

JohnArs · Jul 16, 2010

You should sell your Stradivary so you can buy much more kameras and use film;--)))

Cheers Armin

fotch · Jul 16, 2010

stradibarrius said:
I klnow some of you will say you can never have too many cameras but, I have a Mamiya M645 1000s, M645 and three great lenses for these bodies.
I also have an RB67, 4 lenses , 3 back, left hand grip and the Mamiya hard aluminum case.

I am trying to decide do I need both of these kits and wondered how some of you might think this through.

Too many cameras? Are you joking?

Mark Fisher · Jul 16, 2010

I'm the last one to tell anyone that they need to pare down. Unless you use them the same way, keep them unless you really need the money.

2F/2F · Jul 16, 2010

You do not have too many cameras. I have too many cameras.

P.S. I do use most of them, though some of them very rarely. There are a few "projects" that I don't use (old cheap Polaroids that I intend to convert to pinhole some day, some Brownies that I haven't shot with yet, and a Rollei Wide that needs a shutter service.)

As for your particular case, whether or not you should keep the M645 depends on what you use it for. If you never use it for things for which you cannot also use the RB just as easily, I guess there is no need to keep it.

Me personally? I have an M645 kit (two bodies, three lenses) and an RZ kit (one body, one lens, and six backs, plus I usually have a borrowed kit from a friend that has another body, two lenses, prism, and four backs). I use them both for different things, and usually bring both on a trip. It would be hard for me to pick one or the other...though if I had to, it would be the RZ.

BradS · Jul 16, 2010

I only count...three.....in what alternate universe is that too many cameras?

erikg · Jul 16, 2010

I've almost always regretted selling gear. I've replaced stuff that I once had. This isn't a particularly smart way to go. I'd suggest putting away the stuff not in use so it doesn't weigh on the mind and wait until some project comes up that calls for it. Always seems to happen eventually.

MattKing · Jul 16, 2010

This is not the place to ask how many cameras one should have .

(He pauses, and then a smile slowly appears on his face).

Unless, of course, one intends to share the result of the "poll" with someone else, like a spouse.

eddie · Jul 16, 2010

Have you used them both within the last year? If so, keep them. If there is one which you haven't used, you can get rid of it. Realize, though, that as soon as it's gone you'll want it back.

brian d · Jul 16, 2010

stradibarrius said:
I klnow some of you will say you can never have too many cameras.

Nope...you can never have ENOUGH cameras

NormanV · Jul 16, 2010

I have got too many MF cameras. 2!. I only want one but the RB67 is not all that portable in my hand and the Fuji GW690 does not produce pictures of the same quality as the Mamiya but is easier to carry,. There is no simple solution so I will just have to keep both and enjoy an occasional fondle.

Shawn Dougherty · Jul 16, 2010

The RB neg is almost twice as big as the 645 neg. Use the RB when you can and use the 645 when the other would slow you down or inhibit your work. That's not too many cameras, brother. And you can tell your wife I said so! =)

All the best.

Shawn

mopar_guy · Jul 16, 2010

Too may cameras?

No.

Now, lets tally the votes.

Too many cameras... = 0
You need more cameras = 20

:rolleyes:

flatulent1 · Jul 16, 2010

"I have too many cameras" sounds like bragging to me...

I only have one MF kit, an M645, usually used on a tripod, but also works well handheld. Somebody who is large and burly could perhaps handhold an RB or RZ, but I wouldn't want to. So that's perhaps where you find different uses?

agfarapid · Jul 16, 2010

You know you have too many cameras when you spend more time deciding which one to take on a shoot than actually shooting! Personally, I have a wide range of MF from TLR (Mamiya C33), RFDR (Fuji, Nettar & Zenobia folders) my Mamiya 645 and finally my RB. They all get a good work out during the month. Each camera has a particular "gift". I love the RB for close ups and landscapes with it's resulting beautiful renderings. My folders are great when I wish to travel light but still want high quality. I find that my 35mm cameras tend to stay at home the most but they see a fair amount of use. Bottom line, use them & enjoy; don't sell ANYTHING unless you must! (I once sold a mint rare Canon black 6L (think of a VIT with lever advance). I saw one once for $7,000! Just enyoy your hobby and shoot!

Sirius Glass · Jul 16, 2010

NormanV said:
I have got too many MF cameras. 2!. I only want one but the RB67 is not all that portable in my hand and the Fuji GW690 does not produce pictures of the same quality as the Mamiya but is easier to carry,. There is no simple solution so I will just have to keep both and enjoy an occasional fondle.

That is easy! Trade the two in for a Hasselblad. You wil be glad you did.

Steve

Too many cameras??????

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