lynnb
Veteran
These things are happening now (mid-March 2020) because of coronavirus:
- supply chains for components/parts have been seriously disrupted and may take some time to regain former production levels. Reports that Chinese manufacturing is on the rebound are disputed by China-watchers. If there is a rebound, it may be more muted than suggested.
- economic activity is screeching to a halt as many countries go into lockdown, and people become worried about employment security and stop going out and spending. Total spending drops but the share of spending over the internet increases as personal movement is restricted.
- international travel is dead in the water. In some places non-essential travel is prohibited.
- older people with money in retirement funds may also have reduced income due to share market dive. They will be more reluctant to spend. These people are more likely to buy Leicas.
- camera companies are being significantly affected. Sales are down in what was already a declining market and supply-chain problems are an issue. Some companies are better placed (diversified supply chain and/or products, better financial health) than others to cope with supply chain shocks and lower sales. However there might be higher than average inventory due to actual sales vs forecast sales.
- I don't hear anything about international freight so if supply is increased it may still get to market - if people are able to get to stores (unless they buy on internet). However stores and distribution centers will have reduced staff due to illness. Hard to run a distribution center or store if staff are working from home or laid off. So probably delays for consumers.
- people with rare or critical skills eg service technicians run the same risk as everyone else of becoming ill. The older they are, the greater the risk.
Some thoughts on what all this may mean...
- New gear at the start of production, or only produced in small numbers and in short supply may be harder to get, so maybe better to order now than later.
- With projected overall reduced sales, new old stock (last year's models) still on shelves may be further discounted to move it. Look out for bargains.
- some smaller camera companies may become insolvent especially if they aren't diversified.
- expect delays with servicing. Heaven forbid if some highly regarded technicians become very ill or succumb to the virus.
- probably sensible to have 6mths+ processing chemicals on hand in case of supply issues.
Is COVID-19 likely to have any significant impact on your photography plans (apart from travel)? Is now the time to get that M10? Have you packed your camera off for service with fingers crossed? Your thoughts?
- supply chains for components/parts have been seriously disrupted and may take some time to regain former production levels. Reports that Chinese manufacturing is on the rebound are disputed by China-watchers. If there is a rebound, it may be more muted than suggested.
- economic activity is screeching to a halt as many countries go into lockdown, and people become worried about employment security and stop going out and spending. Total spending drops but the share of spending over the internet increases as personal movement is restricted.
- international travel is dead in the water. In some places non-essential travel is prohibited.
- older people with money in retirement funds may also have reduced income due to share market dive. They will be more reluctant to spend. These people are more likely to buy Leicas.
- camera companies are being significantly affected. Sales are down in what was already a declining market and supply-chain problems are an issue. Some companies are better placed (diversified supply chain and/or products, better financial health) than others to cope with supply chain shocks and lower sales. However there might be higher than average inventory due to actual sales vs forecast sales.
- I don't hear anything about international freight so if supply is increased it may still get to market - if people are able to get to stores (unless they buy on internet). However stores and distribution centers will have reduced staff due to illness. Hard to run a distribution center or store if staff are working from home or laid off. So probably delays for consumers.
- people with rare or critical skills eg service technicians run the same risk as everyone else of becoming ill. The older they are, the greater the risk.
Some thoughts on what all this may mean...
- New gear at the start of production, or only produced in small numbers and in short supply may be harder to get, so maybe better to order now than later.
- With projected overall reduced sales, new old stock (last year's models) still on shelves may be further discounted to move it. Look out for bargains.
- some smaller camera companies may become insolvent especially if they aren't diversified.
- expect delays with servicing. Heaven forbid if some highly regarded technicians become very ill or succumb to the virus.
- probably sensible to have 6mths+ processing chemicals on hand in case of supply issues.
Is COVID-19 likely to have any significant impact on your photography plans (apart from travel)? Is now the time to get that M10? Have you packed your camera off for service with fingers crossed? Your thoughts?
kshapero
South Florida Man
It seems to me that with all the uncertainty, I am only spending money on fixed expenses and bare necessities. That means photography will stay close to home. But no new purchases.
retinax
Well-known
I regret not having gone to a local shop to buy some film I need anyway before shops were closed here, they certainly could have used the business.
helen.HH
To Light & Love ...
I am Not worried re: getting the virus
As for purchases: maybe some developer/ fixer
and am glad I have a digital camera to my Life
More worried re: the Economic fallout Worldwide
will it be devastating for the middle & lower economic sphere
Unemployment, hunger, homelessness will be on the rise ..,
I think this will be More devastating than the Virus.
I suppose it’s the Wheel of Life turning... going up and down
We have had pandemics and Economic Catastrophes thru out history.
Unfortunately not at the level of the present population / too many people in the World, I guess that’s why we have hunger, greed, wars, pandemics
Man always seems to be able to adjust, re invent himself and Life
We all must Change, adapt, Love
As for purchases: maybe some developer/ fixer
and am glad I have a digital camera to my Life
More worried re: the Economic fallout Worldwide
will it be devastating for the middle & lower economic sphere
Unemployment, hunger, homelessness will be on the rise ..,
I think this will be More devastating than the Virus.
I suppose it’s the Wheel of Life turning... going up and down
We have had pandemics and Economic Catastrophes thru out history.
Unfortunately not at the level of the present population / too many people in the World, I guess that’s why we have hunger, greed, wars, pandemics
Man always seems to be able to adjust, re invent himself and Life
We all must Change, adapt, Love
robert blu
quiet photographer
Same here.
jarski
Veteran
now is also Olympic year, big camera makers count on that to boost their sales. its been suggested that Olympics should be postponed to next year.
exactly. panic about virus will be more significant than the virus itself, imo.
exactly. panic about virus will be more significant than the virus itself, imo.
lynnb
Veteran
Quite a sobering opinion piece in today's NYT about the economic impact. I'm not buying stuff either* - I already have the film and chemicals I need for many months.
*apart from books - this downtime seems ideal to read my existing library and order a new photo book or two
*apart from books - this downtime seems ideal to read my existing library and order a new photo book or two
Rob-F
Likes Leicas
This is not the time for unnecessary major spending. A little film or developer seems ok, although I think I have enough to get by until the crisis is over. It is a good time to spend time using what we have, getting to know our lenses better. Editing pictures. Mounting and framing. Assembling a slideshow. There's plenty to do with what we have!
retinax
Well-known
For those whose income isn't directly affected by things shutting down, I don't see the need to avoid spending. Either you believe this will lead to a major economic downturn, then you shouldn't hold onto cash because inflation will rise. Or you don't, and you don't. Spending as usual contributes to the economy staying afloat. And our creative outlet will contribute to keeping us sane. Let's not let fear rule our behavior.
Brian Atherton
Well-known
This virus will bring out the best and worst of us, as we have seen in the last few days. I can only hope that a sense of community and coming together, altruism and love will conquer greed and selfishness.
With regard to photography, I have everything I need… and probably only use a third of the equipment’s capabilities. So, no, no new purchases for me. Stores must be feeling the downturn as in these last few days I’ve been bombarded with discounts and offers.
Our trip to Budapest today has been cancelled as night last Hungary closed it borders to non-nationals, and the UK is advising no unnecessary travel.
I would like to get out and document my local area and town response to the coronavirus but increasingly we’re being urged to cut out all unneeded travel and contact. To reject this advice would be foolish - it might now be an opportunity to explore still life photography and home projects!
Keep safe everyone.
With regard to photography, I have everything I need… and probably only use a third of the equipment’s capabilities. So, no, no new purchases for me. Stores must be feeling the downturn as in these last few days I’ve been bombarded with discounts and offers.
Our trip to Budapest today has been cancelled as night last Hungary closed it borders to non-nationals, and the UK is advising no unnecessary travel.
I would like to get out and document my local area and town response to the coronavirus but increasingly we’re being urged to cut out all unneeded travel and contact. To reject this advice would be foolish - it might now be an opportunity to explore still life photography and home projects!
Keep safe everyone.
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Within the past few months I bought an APO 35 Cron-L and a SL2.
No remorse in my case as I have been waiting years for this gear and prepared for the purchase. They at this point are capitol goods that I need as tools moving forward.
Know that my gal is a fashion blogger and her income exceeds mine. If I had to, I would buy these today despite the almost certainty of a world recession.
Cal
No remorse in my case as I have been waiting years for this gear and prepared for the purchase. They at this point are capitol goods that I need as tools moving forward.
Know that my gal is a fashion blogger and her income exceeds mine. If I had to, I would buy these today despite the almost certainty of a world recession.
Cal
Veggies
-
Whelp, when a mod downplays this situation and the actual virus and its devastating affects, that's an out from this ****ty community for me. ****ing morons abound. Good thing is, Helen is old and probably will die from it. Actually most of this aged community too. ****ing boomers. Can't wait for the wealth transfer from your ****ty generation.
helen.HH
To Light & Love ...
Oh dear
You are very upset...
I am not Old ., in good health
Perhaps too grief stricken losing my husband suddenly this past September
But have no ill will to You or anyone
Be well , Be safe , and MODS please leave his post
It does not offend Me . It ‘s just another facet , view someone has on Life and ‘Veggues’ has his right to speak his mind.
Ko.Fe.
Lenses 35/21 Gears 46/20
Took first March break, but all is closed. I have some free time, sometime, I'm trying to use it to take pictures of way too much of the photo gear I don't use. Film cameras and lenses.
Will post in classifieds.
Will post in classifieds.
raid
Dad Photographer
I am on the conservative side here; it is not the right time to spend money on any photography related items or activities. We do not know what the near future will look like,. Things seem to be changing a lot each week.
raid
Dad Photographer
Such words should not be said here to anyone. You are being gracious, Helen. Stay safe.
Darthfeeble
But you can call me Steve
I'm getting a lot of keywording done. Next will be a revamp of my filing non-system.
benlees
Well-known
I reorganized and condensed my negatives (anyone need some binders?). Going through the last 10 years or so (I don't actually take many photos so this was not a huge task!) revealed some new keepers. And so it goes...
People close to me will be unemployed soon so buying cameras, or any non essential, is not even on the radar. Even beer has been relegated...
). Going through the last 10 years or so (I don't actually take many photos so this was not a huge task!) revealed some new keepers. And so it goes...People close to me will be unemployed soon so buying cameras, or any non essential, is not even on the radar. Even beer has been relegated...
zuiko85
Veteran
Don’t have to worry about it. Already have too much gear and way too little talent.
Time to stay home, catch up on backlog of developing and several camera projects.
Time to stay home, catch up on backlog of developing and several camera projects.
sepiareverb
genius and moron
Currently the US, UK and France are on track to be hit like Italy and Iran or worse. We will all lose people we know and love to this unless the threat is taken seriously. 1? 5? 15? more?The number of hospital beds in this country (US) is nowhere close to what we will need if people ignore their responsibility: there might not be enough beds even if we do everything we can starting today. We are already too late in taking this seriously, acting like an ostrich will only kill more people.
The Italians are trying to warn us, and I hope we can get our collective heads out of our a$$es and heed their warnings.
The Italians are trying to warn us, and I hope we can get our collective heads out of our a$$es and heed their warnings.