Do you own too many cameras?

[DownUnder]

This thread is turning into a group therapy session! Cheers, OtL

Agreed. On this cold Australian winter evening, a warm, purring cat on my lap, a glass of good red wine at my side, and a newly purchased Leica iiif with a pristine Elmar 50 3.5 (the red-scale version) to play with. My definition of bliss!!

The thought has just lodged itself my brain that much of what we are debating really comes down to what is the definition of "too many". In my case, it surely is one more camera than I own now...

 

[Steve Bellayr]

Here I go again. Just purchased a Nikkor 200mm f4 q.c auto non-ai for $13 in mint condition. Do I need it? Will I ever use it? I don't klnow. And, probably not.

 

[raydm6]

The notion of too many doesn't seem as severe if I think of being a custodian of the equipment until it is passed on to the next person(s) as I'm sure a lot of the mechanical cameras will outlast me in one form or another.

 

[kram]

There are a number of 'Medusa" cameras out there. You get rid of 1 and it is replaced by 2.😉

 

[Archiver]

The OP's degassing process sounds time consuming but rewarding. Knowing that you're sending good working gear out into the world, benefiting photographers and the environment, and being paid for it, is a good thing.

Interestingly, I've begun moving along similar lines, although without the glut of gear that the OP discusses. It would be good to minimize the number of lens mount systems: at the moment mine are Leica M, Canon EF, micro four thirds in digital, and Pentax K and Minolta MD in film. The 'problem' I have is in getting into a lens mount system that provides the best dynamic range, video performance and autofocus that is available, and hopefully use as many of my existing lenses as possible.

As I have Canon lenses, this means either Canon bodies or a system to which Canon can be easily adapted. Leica M lenses means either a Leica body or again, a system to which M lenses can be adapted. Adapting M lenses is problematic for most mirrorless systems with the exception for the Leica SL/SL2/SL2-S and TL/CL. Fortunately, Canon lenses are okay on micro four thirds with the right adapter.

I'm loathe to get rid of a system as each has its own benefits: Leica M means tiny high quality lenses with loads of character and charm. Canon means mainstream support and a good range of bodies. Micro four thirds means very portable gear with excellent video capabilities. But eventually I'm going to get a full frame mirrorless system, it just needs to make good use of my existing gear.

 

[DownUnder]

An update on my last-before post (#77).

I have bitten the bullet and drained my luxuries bank account for the iiif kit, which will come home to Daddy later today.

As a compromise, sort of, the Lumix GF9 and a few German folders may go to the sale market this weekend. Accent on "maybe". That GF9 does such nice color work, and the folders, well, they are quirky and unique film antiques all their own. Being me, I may rethink all this later. Who knows?

Now, having outraged all the principles I previously stated on this thread and most likely shortened my life-span on this planet if I cannot successfully sneak the new Weztlar baby into the house without SWMBO spotting it, I will say no more.

For now...

 

[analoged]

But eventually I'm going to get a full frame mirrorless system, it just needs to make good use of my existing gear.

Of course there are tons of Sony full frames available, but I just picked up an SL for a crazy price. Once I heard the shutter and fell in love with the minimalist feel, I sold my Sony. Mostly using my LTM, M and R but other adapters are plentiful. Will buy an SL2S once they get more reasonable on the used market.

 

[agentlossing]

Okay, my original post was about how I had just enough cameras and not too many (4), but I went and bought another one. Turns out it's just too hard being without something micro four thirds, so I picked up a used EM5 classic and a 1st gen 20/1.7 for around $280. My first time owning this particular body, but third time owning the excellent lens. Maybe an unnecessary purchase? But there are some times when it's very useful to have an EVF.

 

[Archiver]

Of course there are tons of Sony full frames available, but I just picked up an SL for a crazy price. Once I heard the shutter and fell in love with the minimalist feel, I sold my Sony. Mostly using my LTM, M and R but other adapters are plentiful. Will buy an SL2S once they get more reasonable on the used market.

Last night, I placed an order for a Panasonic S5, but canceled it this morning because we're in lockdown in Victoria and I'm a bit antsy about what will happen this month. Then my GAS fired up again and I'm looking at SL listings on eBay, despite knowing that the money is best at home right now.

I held a SL a few years back, and then the SL2 when it was released, and I do like the feel. When the SL2-S starts getting to better prices secondhand, I might get one. It has most of what I want in a stills camera. The Sony angle is that the system has video features which would be very useful for my work, it can adapt Canon lenses, and even some M mount lenses from 35mm upwards. L mount has this too, but the native lens selection is pretty sparse.

 

[maddoc]

My limit is my dry cabinet, which is full with lenses and camera bodies except for my Nikon F2 and Linhof Technika IV. Since Japan Post resumed EMS business starting from today to US and Europe, I am finally again able to more easily sell some stuff that I no longer need (Coolscan4000ED, possibly the one or other lens also).

I like switching through gear but when I start thinking more about what camera or lens to use instead of subjects to photograph, something is going wrong.

 

[Pál_K]

Since the 1990’s, every year I’ve made a list of what I hoped to buy at several of the regularly scheduled camera shows in Washington and Oregon. I’ve saved those lists and most of the cameras on that list I’ve since acquired. A few have eluded me, as well as lenses and other items. I actually look for 1970’s photo magazines as well. It’s fun to look at these lists, to see how they’ve grown, shrunk, and changed in character.

Anyway, I almost buy things in-person. I like the experience of camera shows.

So about a month ago there was a show hosted by a small camera store just northeast of Seattle. A quick and pleasant drive with moderate traffic on a nice day (see photo). At the show itself I didn’t find anything, but at the store I did find a clean old Canon FTbN in great condition.

 

[kram]

To quote Vicky Pollard "yes but no, but yes but..."

 

[JeffS7444]

I'll have three more cameras going to new homes next week! But no worries because the act of checking them out, detailing and photographing them has given me plenty of opportunity to reminisce. And it also paves the way for new acquisitions!

What am I looking to acquire? Not keen to pay eBay prices for a Ducati Sogno half-frame outfit, but a Mamiya Super 16 subminiature, I just might.