About March Madness (or No More Equipment)

[Stephanie Brim]

For some of us, going cold turkey isn't going to be something we can do. I need darkroom stuff and I had planned to buy at least one lens in March (cheaply, if possible) with my tax return. I have to buy film because I'm out of stuff that isn't expired. I propose a slightly different March Madness that may be easier for everyone: you're challenged to post at least five new shots per week. They have to be shots done in March. They can be on any theme you want, for any reason you want, with any camera you want. As long as you're shooting, it doesn't matter. I also propose that we do have a theme each week in March to inspire all of us to get out and shoot. I think that it *is* important that we remember that it isn't all about the equipment, but to me, telling everyone to completely stop buying isn't going to really change anything. A lot of times I find that it's after I get something new that I shoot the most.

I propose this in addition to the March challenge of not buying anything for those of us who really do want to keep buying things for no other reason than we found them, it was a good buy, and it will complete/help complete/add to our collections. 🙂

Any thoughts?

Also, original thread is here: clickie!

 

[kaiyen]

I'm a bit confused as to how your lens and/or film purchases are relevant to putting up 5 shots per week but...I think it's a fine idea. I can't possibly hit that number, though - I shoot enough, but I only soup once a week and scanning takes second seat to stuff like work and eating dinner with my wife. But it's always good to challenge (might be a better word than "require" 🙂 folks to do something like this

allan

 

[Stephanie Brim]

Well yeah, I don't mean require as in you have to do this, but I challenge you to. Oh yeah...and if someone wants to link to Raid's original thread so that the context of this is more understandable...I just haven't searched for it yet.

 

[raid]

Stephanie: The March Challenge was not meant to stop you from buying equipment or supplies that you need. It was more meant for many people here, like myself, who colelct and take photos, and who seem to be buying and buying equipment without any sight of ending this long term buying spree. If a sensational offer is made during March, then it should be fine to consider break the "March Committment", but if it is a buy that was not necessary nor is it really a great buy, then maybe it is better to go Cold Turkey. I hope to be strong enough during March and to stay away from any type of camera or lens purchases.

 

[Stephanie Brim]

I kind of mean for this to be in addition to that, really. Something for those of us who KNOW we can't go cold turkey or don't want to stop buying yet do want to take more photos. I'll rewrite the original post, perhaps...

 

[kaiyen]

It's kind of crazy that people who know they want to take more photos...aren't able to take more photos.

allan

 

[raid]

Sometimes the life you lead makes you slow down with most of your hobbies. To me, family and work have to come before photography, even though I absolutely adore photography. It gives me satisfaction and calmness.

 

[kaiyen]

Raid - you're right, I worded my post poorly. What I should've said is that it amazes me that people who want to take more photos but aren't currently because they are instead choosing to do something else that is actually photo-related - like buying more camera equipment - need something such as this to actually go and take photos.

That was a poorly written sentence, but perhaps more accurate to what I meant.

I won't edit my earlier post otherwise it would make yours a kind of non-sequitor.

no offense intended.
allan

 

[Kim Coxon]

All you need is for for some more people to send you lenses to sort. Plenty of test rolls then. 😉

Kim

If I quit buying equipment, I'd quit shooting test rolls.

 

[raid]

Shot a roll testing out the Prominent I model 3. Think that inner shutter finally succumbed to several days of flood cleaning. Works great now. We Took Nikki to a Puppet show and Italian restaurant afterwards. Gave the Nokton a real workout, as well as the slow speeds on the camera.

If I quit buying equipment, I'd quit shooting test rolls.

Brian: I bought here a Konica camera and its shutter does not open. Is there an approach for an amateur like me (who does not do any camera repair) to clean the shutter so it works again?

 

[Kim Coxon]

You could speak to the G'Man. Failing that, you need to remove the front so you can remove the front elements and then gently clean the blades with Ronsonol until they start to open again. If you need more help, I would start a thread in the repair notes forum and I am sure either Dave or I can help.

Kim

Brian: I bought here a Konica camera and its shutter does not open. Is there an approach for an amateur like me (who does not do any camera repair) to clean the shutter so it works again?

 

[back alley]

'Raid - you're right, I worded my post poorly. What I should've said is that it amazes me that people who want to take more photos but aren't currently because they are instead choosing to do something else that is actually photo-related - like buying more camera equipment - need something such as this to actually go and take photos.'

i'm not sure how to word this so i don't sound like like a f*ing jerk, but this perception is starting to annoy me. i know you guys mean well but i think some of the assumptions being made are faulty.
FOR ME, yes i like buying gear but it does not stop me from taking photos. and yes, i like hanging out on the forum but it does not stop me from taking photos.
what stops me from taking photos is the cold temperatures here and my arthritis.
i live alone, have no significant other or family who demands my time. i get up early and go to bed late. i have the time but not the circumstances available for street shooting, which is what i do.
ok, i'm not looking for an argument here but some open minded understanding that just cause i like metal & glass does not mean i am not out there shooting.

ok, rant/lecture/sermon over.

i'm here till sunday...🙂

btw, this is not directed at any one individual i used the quote as a frame of reference only.

 

[raid]

'Raid - you're right, I worded my post poorly. What I should've said is that it amazes me that people who want to take more photos but aren't currently because they are instead choosing to do something else that is actually photo-related - like buying more camera equipment - need something such as this to actually go and take photos.'

i'm not sure how to word this so i don't sound like like a f*ing jerk, but this perception is starting to annoy me. i know you guys mean well but i think some of the assumptions being made are faulty.
FOR ME, yes i like buying gear but it does not stop me from taking photos. and yes, i like hanging out on the forum but it does not stop me from taking photos.
what stops me from taking photos is the cold temperatures here and my arthritis.
i live alone, have no significant other or family who demands my time. i get up early and go to bed late. i have the time but not the circumstances available for street shooting, which is what i do.
ok, i'm not looking for an argument here but some open minded understanding that just cause i like metal & glass does not mean i am not out there shooting.

ok, rant/lecture/sermon over.

i'm here till sunday...🙂

btw, this is not directed at any one individual i used the quote as a frame of reference only.

Joe: I am sorry if I have somehow offended you in either of the threads that certainly were not aimed at anyone particular. I fully understand where you are coming from. When I was single, I enjoyed buying equipment as much as photography. Now, I still would enjoy it, but I can't afford to anymore as in the past.

 

[back alley]

it's not really a personal thing raid.

it just feels like if someone enjoys the gear it's like they automatically enjoy the photography less.
that was my concern in essence.

 

[kaiyen]

I wrote a reply which was pretty angry. Then I edited that down to something that was merely confrontational. Then I just deleted it. Then I wrote a new reply, and now I'm editing that down to nothing, too.

Just forget it. I'm upset. But who cares.

allan

 

[remrf]

I think you should buy anything you want whenever you want. If you could not "see" a good shot before you bought the new gear then you won't see it with it either. If you don't have an rf with a normal lens then get one. If you have one or more then pick one and use that. Shoot film. Be happy. 😀

 

[Stephanie Brim]

Hold on, guys.

I want everyone to note that this is not a jab at anyone...this is just something I thought up that we could do for the month of March that may get us all taking more photos. Lots of us have been buying gear lately and that's good. That means we're all getting new stuff and we're excited about it. I just want to see what people are getting out of the new gear. That's all. I don't like the idea of a month where we don't buy anything because I know I couldn't do it. I like shiny new things as much as the next computer/photography geek. I'm not going to give up getting shiny new things.

I don't want anyone upset or offended by anything I've said or done. So maybe we should just consider this matter closed. I suppose this could be considered a wrong time.

 

[raid]

Stephanie: Nobody is bound to anything here; it was just a simple suggestion, and I was quite surprised how many accepted the suggestion. This is a free world, so anyone can buy/sell/trade and nobody gets hurt.

 

[unohuu]

Anyone mind if I use the SLR? I am dying to shoot the 85mm Rokkor!

 

[Stephanie Brim]

Since the challenge is no longer open to just RFF (I have some friends in the chatroom I go to who want to do this, too), you can use whatever you want. 😉