2012 GAS Challenge

[bensyverson]

For 2012, I set a challenge for myself. I decided not to buy any more cameras. And all the money I wanted to spend on cameras this year, I decided to spend on art.

So far, I've avoided buying a new Zeiss Ikon (USD $1600) and a used 35/2 Biogon (USD $1000).

With a portion of that $2600, I've already commissioned an artwork from one of my favorite artists. She's a legend, and getting an original piece from her is more thrilling than any camera or lens.

If you feel like joining my anti-GAS 2012 challenge, post here. It's okay if you slip up and buy gear, but I'd love to hear about the art you buy!

 

[Mr_Flibble]

Well, so far I've not succumbed to my regular GAS attacks this year. Not for lack of trying though, I've just been outbid on all of the camera's I've bid on 😉

I wish you good luck!

 

[thegman]

I feel similarly, in fact, I'm going to be selling all of my gear except for one 35mm camera, and one medium format camera, then that's it.

I think.

 

[NaChase]

Well, so far I've not succumbed to my regular GAS attacks this year. Not for lack of trying though, I've just been outbid on all of the camera's I've bid on 😉

I wish you good luck!

I hear you, I have missed out on some cool stuff too. The $300 Rolleiflex that got away...

 

[nighstar]

awesome idea, bensyverson! i soooo would like to join you on this challenge, but i already have a major gear purchase that i am saving up for.... once i buy it it is my goal to not buy any more gear for the rest of the year! ......and even as i type that i'm laughing at myself because i know how weak i am against temptation. 😱 i am going to try, though! i really want to focus on improving my photography with the gear that i already have/am soon to have. i would spend my saved money on art as you are doing, but right now i really need to save/use that money for more pressing matters.

best of luck to you with your challenge!

 

[Robin Harrison]

It's been a year of austerity so far. I've sold 'the big boys' - the Leica MP and M8 - and only picked up a couple of cheap 'bargains' as way of balance. And in the last few months of last year I spent more on photos than on camera gear, which is rare indeed. Today I'm letting go my RF645. On Saturday I'm meeting someone who's interested in my Contax TVS. We all know how good it feels to fondle and shoot with that new light-tight box that arrives magically in the mail, but sometimes it feels just as good to let gear go, to reduce excess, to make positive choices of what to keep and put film through.

 

[jesse1dog]

I seem to have a camera that suits what I do - Panasonic Lumix FZ5 - and have a spare in the cupboard if it packs up on me. I might buy a few filters - I might! The idea of the art is a very good one but I've decided to try to get decent sized prints of my photos to hang on the wall, and discovered that good frames and mounts don't come cheap!
My other idea is to take myself off on a '1 to 1' photo course with an established pro photographer, so I'm making enquires in that direction.
jesse

 

[hipsterdufus]

I'm not really going to promise not to buy anything this year. Most of the stuff I buy is bargain bin fare anyhow (at least to Leica-philes). However, I am going to attempt to restrain myself a bit more. Particularly, I would rather spend my money on things that create photographic opportunities, such as vacations and the various items I use in my "art" projects.

 

[Mark Pope]

I didn't buy any new photographic gear in 2011, so the desire to get something this year is very strong indeed...there could be a Leica M9 / M9P with my name on it, funds permitting...🙂

 

[n5jrn]

My "cure" for GAS is having to pinch pennies as a result of being unemployed. On the plus side, I do have time to play with what I already have.

 

[benlees]

As far as photo equipment goes I think I may reduce numbers this year. Haven't bought anything since August. This is mainly because I want a new bicycle!

 

[Penny Lane]

Well... It's not likely going to work out like that. I have a Pentax SV sitting here, and I've wanted to shoot with it for ages. Problem is, the shutter no longer goes over 1/125th... I've wanted to get it serviced, but I've noticed that I can get a perfect working example for less than half of what a shutter overhaul will cost. I know, I know, that's how these old beasts get rare. But I think I'll still get me that replacement... Look at it this way: if we keep 'em all, how are we going to get spare parts? 😀

Also, there are always little odds & ends I find a need for. So even if I'm already off getting into more systems & off buying things I've already got good working example(s) of, a complete cure is not going to happen this year... Again :bang:

Derk

 

[Borghesia]

As far as photo equipment goes I think I may reduce numbers this year. Haven't bought anything since August. This is mainly because I want a new bicycle!

He...same as me, I was saving for a new roadbike last year. Since I got it, I saved for a light wheelset. Now that all is complete.
By the change of focus of interest my camera gas disappeared, and I gained more value for the camera's I have.

 

[codester80]

I find GAS is really a way of avoiding doing what we should really be doing: taking photographs. I've vowed not to purchase any new gear until I wear out my current gear. We all have more gear than we could possibly use in a lifetime but I think most of us would agree we don't have enough great photographs in our files. I plan on spending my money and my time on really understanding the gear I have and what it's capable of producing and then getting to work on producing some outstanding photography. There will always be stuff to buy but once a moment passes it can't be had again.

 

[randolph45]

It's only Febuary

It's only Febuary

To late for me Canon 7and M6 are in the mail 😱

 

[Jimbot]

I feel similarly, in fact, I'm going to be selling all of my gear except for one 35mm camera, and one medium format camera, then that's it.

I think.

I like that idea. Out of interest which 35mm and which MF cameras do you think you will keep?

 

[kode]

I bought a Leica and a couple of lenses for it this year, so I have bought camera gear this year. I'm pretty content at the moment though, so it's not unlikely that I can refrain from buying anything but supplies like film and developer for a couple of months at least. Will probably try to sell some cameras, though. I don't really need that many rangefinders, for example, the M4-2 and the Polaroid 600SE will suffice.

 

[fuwen]

Too late for me also. Just received my ZM 25/2.8, after placing order with my friend who is running a photography shop, for almost 2 years hahaha

 

[kuzano]

I am going down the same path.....

I am going down the same path.....

I feel similarly, in fact, I'm going to be selling all of my gear except for one 35mm camera, and one medium format camera, then that's it.

I think.

however, I need to buy a few more of each, before I can make a fully tested and informed decision of the two I am going to keep.

 

[Eric T]

Personal austerity is bad for the worldwide economy. So to be a good citizen of the world, I have purchased three cameras this year: a Leica R8 (with two lenses), a Zeiss Ikon SW, and a Fujifilm X-Pro1 (ordered).
This has nothing to do with GAS.