Cutting down your collection: the hardest thing to do

[pixelatedscraps]

Am reconsidering keeping the Petri, it's just a tricky camera to keep in good working condition. I've had to return it twice to the repair guy to fix the infamous sticking film advance lever problem.

Hmm: Decisions, decisions...

 

[Vickko]

I just sold a Nikon F2 Titanium, and immediately rebought a chrome Nikon F2 DE1, at the local used camera store.
So, the size of the collection doesn't diminish.
Anyway, it is the only Nikon SLR I own.

Vick

 

[barnwulf]

I mentioned earlier that I wanted to downsize the number of cameras that I owned by a significant number. I have started and have sold two and one more is about to go and that is fine with me. I started to write up some descriptions and prepare some photos of a couple of my Leicas and the anxiety is starting to build. I am not sure I am going to be able to stick to my original plan. Actually, I will not be sticking to my original plan. I have grown too attached to my Leicas and several others. I will be selling a few duplicates but I am going to do as several of you have done and rotate through the cameras that I have. I do want to keep them all exercised and functional and enjoy them. Jim

 

[sara]

It was actually yesterday that I had to do this 🙁 because I just bought a Hasselblad, many of my cameras had to go to compensate for the funds used :'( But I'm sure when I get a job and am a millionaire, that I'd buy everything back again 🙂

 

[Vickko]

sigh

So today, I added to "the collection" by one Nikon F chrome, with eye level finder.

I'm supposed to go the other way.

Still haven't sold the Noct-Nikkor nor Canon 7s with 50/0.95, and I'm thinking that I don't want to sell them.

Reducing a collection is hard hard hard hard....

 

[shyoon]

I can't even fathom having 10 different cameras, let alone 50! I'm satisfied with just having 2 cameras - 1x 35mm and 1x 6x7.

 

[peter_n]

I never had a problem with camera gear until I bought my first Leica in 2003. The problem with Leica is too many little variations, especially lenses. Do I like this look, that signature, this color, that contrast... I had to try them all. I never had this problem with my Nikon SLRs, but luckily a couple years ago I finally acquired a good small set for B&W film, and a set of modern ASPH lenses in case Leica ever builds a decent digital M. I've sold everything off I don't need but still have about 10 Leica lenses which is ridiculous really. The one bit of sanity is that I use a Nikon-based DSLR with just two lenses; all you really need.

 

[shadowfox]

Dear Will,

How does having lots of cameras stop you taking photographs? I lost count of how many I have, years ago, but I don't care, because quite a lot of them are bloody awful cameras as cameras, and I bought them for a particular article, or out of technical interest, or just because they look pretty. Some, I've never used, like the Ultra Fex Himalaya on my desk as I write this.

Many people say, 'Cameras are made to be used'. Yes, they were, once, but plenty were of limited usefulness decades ago and are even more limited now (the Ultra Fex takes 620, for example). Today, they may be just interesting curios. I must have well over 50 cameras, but it doesn´t make me particularly unhappy.

Cheers,

R.

Roger,

My Olympus collection did not stop me from taking pictures. But it did occupy my attention enough that I end up not putting the effort necessary for me to improve as a photographer.

But you are correct, having several unique or historical cameras for show is nice. And I still have those, but I am much happier with just a few, instead of 50.

 

[Shane]

Right now I have 4 cameras.

7D
Bronica Sq Ai
Canon 650
And a point and shoot.

I'm happy with them at the moment. But eventually I want to get a Hasselblad 500CM, A large format camera and a rangefinder. Then I'll be set, although I'll probably find something else that I want.

 

[Dralowid]

Over the last few months I've sold 11 ltm cameras and plenty of Visoflex kit all on the pretext of saving up for an M9, which I can now, at last, afford.

The problem now is the M9. I just can't face or justify spending that kind of money...a couple of flights to Aus seem way more rewarding!

Michael

 

[pixelatedscraps]

I'm up to 122 cameras right now. With a ballooning credit card debt from taking one too many holidays, it may be time to offload some cameras...oh the pain...

I'm keeping:

Mamiya 6 full 3x lens + all accessories kit
Leica M4 + 35/2.8 Summaron
Kodak Retina IIC (my grandad's camera from when he was a paratrooper with the 1st Airborne in WWII)
Yashica T4 Super
Olympus XA4

 

[FrankS]

I'm setting my OM SLR's and lenses free. See the RFF classifieds. I'm "concentrating" on Leica M and ltm RF gear, Nikon 35mm SLRs, various MF gear, and a couple of LF cameras.

 

[Vickko]

Ha ha, I saw my own update.

Okay - latest progress:

- sold off a bunch of Nikon F stuff, that I felt was excess to my "wants"
- sold a Leica lens and an Xpan, to pay off some credit card debt
- unfortunately lusting for a Hasselblad SWC, which could wipe out all my gains

.... Vick

 

[maddoc]

I am amazed by the fact somebody having space to store 55 cameras in his home ... 😱

This week I went three times to the post-office to ship cameras / lenses / VISOFLEX kit that I had sold to raise funds for my recently acquired XPAN - 4/45 kit. If it wouldn`t have been for this purpose I would not have sold anything due to pure laziness (taking the photos of the stuff, writing the ad, packing everything carefully, going to the post office and explaining to the staff that the term "camera" does not mean "battery included" ... :bang🙂

Now, I enjoy the new camera, gained free space in the dry-cabinet and hopefully the buyers enjoy what they have bought from me.

 

[Mudman]

I sold most of my extraneous stuff and built out a hasselblad kit. Why have 10 35mm cameras? They all do the same thing. Kept the ones that were gifts or that I enjoyed using. Sold the rest.

 

[pixelatedscraps]

I'm setting my OM SLR's and lenses free. See the RFF classifieds. I'm "concentrating" on Leica M and ltm RF gear, Nikon 35mm SLRs, various MF gear, and a couple of LF cameras.

That's funny, that's almost exactly what I intend on doing as well. I've got a big bunch of OM and M.Zuiko gear which I'm going to be letting go of soon. Keeping my M4, a great MF system (Mamiya 6) and a smattering of small, pocketable 35mm cameras. Also looking at a Nikon SLR system again.

 

[kossi008]

I've never had a collection. I use most of my cameras, and what doesn't get used I don't regret selling.