DownUnder
Nikon Nomad
A two-word introduction suffices. Who doesn't?
When I retired in 2012 I did a head-count of my gear and was amazed at what I found. I had 60+ of the beasts. Also lenses, brand-name bits and pieces and TWO darkrooms with THREE enlargers.
My first thought, all this whatever the hell for?
So, not wanting to be a one-guy camera shop, I downsized. A difficult task. Each camera had to be taken out, dusted off or fully cleaned, checked for loose bits and missing pieces, and tested with film. All of which was fun (at first), but ate up a lot of time.
Nine years later, I'm down to about 15. I say "about" as there may be one or two lurking quietly in unpacked boxes. The garage is an unexplored treasure-trove (some will say a minefield) for hidden treasures.
The darkrooms were severely culled. An ancient Durst 66 went to a camera club. My Leitz Ic with Multigrade head was sold last December after 24 years of mostly gathering dust. Every boy needs a toy, so I kept an LPL 7700 with all the bits and pieces. Boxes of other darkroom items sold or given away. I still have too many film tanks as we all do, yes?
Cameras. Film first. Two Nikkormat FT2s with 50 (2), 55 macro (2), 35 (1) and 28 (3) F mount lenses. Yes, three 28s. Don't ask, please. Five Nikon polarisers. Nikon B&W filters, bought new for small fortunes, sadly little used.
Four Contax G1s with 21-28-35-45-90 Zeiss lenses. Why four? Darned if I know. Two bought new when I had the credit if not the cash. Two when G prices hit the floor in the then-new digi craze. Two will be sold when I've had time to test them. I used a G1 yesterday on a country trip - I took 28 images on TMax 100. Now off to the darkroom...
Four Rollei TLRs. Two Ts, a 3.5 E2 I got new in 1966, a Rolleicord Vb. With boxes of 'bits' Also too little used.
Two Nikon N65s (= F65s), one autowinder, two 50/1.8 Nikkors. Ideal for candid/street work.
One Zeiss Nettar (1954) and a Voigtlander Perkeo I (1952). German made so flawless if basic. Taken out now and then on country walks.
Digital. One Nikon D800. The best digital Nikon I've ever used, and likely my last digi camera. Or maybe a Df. A Z6. Whatever.
Two Nikon D700s. Monsters, but they make unique images. Again I seldom use them as I find them too heavy to easily carry. Age does weary us.
Ten Nikon D lenses. One zoom, an ancient 28-85 worth nothing but a good image maker on a D700. In my day I had six Nikon zooms, now sold.
Nine Nikon D prime lenses. Two 28/2.8 Ds. Why two? I do ask myself that.
A Panasonic Lumix GF1 with two lenses. An impulse buy, cheap. An ideal replacement for my too-heavy D700s.
I THINK that is the list. I may have missed one or two or three, but after almost a decade of Ebay listings I no longer live in hope about this, in fact I find myself hoping AGAINST hope - I know you all understand this.
The tarot cards read more Ebay sales in my future...
When I retired in 2012 I did a head-count of my gear and was amazed at what I found. I had 60+ of the beasts. Also lenses, brand-name bits and pieces and TWO darkrooms with THREE enlargers.
My first thought, all this whatever the hell for?
So, not wanting to be a one-guy camera shop, I downsized. A difficult task. Each camera had to be taken out, dusted off or fully cleaned, checked for loose bits and missing pieces, and tested with film. All of which was fun (at first), but ate up a lot of time.
Nine years later, I'm down to about 15. I say "about" as there may be one or two lurking quietly in unpacked boxes. The garage is an unexplored treasure-trove (some will say a minefield) for hidden treasures.
The darkrooms were severely culled. An ancient Durst 66 went to a camera club. My Leitz Ic with Multigrade head was sold last December after 24 years of mostly gathering dust. Every boy needs a toy, so I kept an LPL 7700 with all the bits and pieces. Boxes of other darkroom items sold or given away. I still have too many film tanks as we all do, yes?
Cameras. Film first. Two Nikkormat FT2s with 50 (2), 55 macro (2), 35 (1) and 28 (3) F mount lenses. Yes, three 28s. Don't ask, please. Five Nikon polarisers. Nikon B&W filters, bought new for small fortunes, sadly little used.
Four Contax G1s with 21-28-35-45-90 Zeiss lenses. Why four? Darned if I know. Two bought new when I had the credit if not the cash. Two when G prices hit the floor in the then-new digi craze. Two will be sold when I've had time to test them. I used a G1 yesterday on a country trip - I took 28 images on TMax 100. Now off to the darkroom...
Four Rollei TLRs. Two Ts, a 3.5 E2 I got new in 1966, a Rolleicord Vb. With boxes of 'bits' Also too little used.
Two Nikon N65s (= F65s), one autowinder, two 50/1.8 Nikkors. Ideal for candid/street work.
One Zeiss Nettar (1954) and a Voigtlander Perkeo I (1952). German made so flawless if basic. Taken out now and then on country walks.
Digital. One Nikon D800. The best digital Nikon I've ever used, and likely my last digi camera. Or maybe a Df. A Z6. Whatever.
Two Nikon D700s. Monsters, but they make unique images. Again I seldom use them as I find them too heavy to easily carry. Age does weary us.
Ten Nikon D lenses. One zoom, an ancient 28-85 worth nothing but a good image maker on a D700. In my day I had six Nikon zooms, now sold.
Nine Nikon D prime lenses. Two 28/2.8 Ds. Why two? I do ask myself that.
A Panasonic Lumix GF1 with two lenses. An impulse buy, cheap. An ideal replacement for my too-heavy D700s.
I THINK that is the list. I may have missed one or two or three, but after almost a decade of Ebay listings I no longer live in hope about this, in fact I find myself hoping AGAINST hope - I know you all understand this.
The tarot cards read more Ebay sales in my future...
agentlossing
Well-known
Nope, I don't. I have one digital system camera, one fixed lens digital compact, one film system camera, and one fixed lens film compact. I think it's a good balance.
... oh yeah, I do have an Olympus OM-1, but I've already decided it needs to go. I'm at the point where using a new camera quickly convinces me why it's unnecessary, or else needs to replace something I already have. I am really trying not to expand past where I am now. Rather, I'll refine and replace as I go and identify things that would make life easier or results more easy.
... oh yeah, I do have an Olympus OM-1, but I've already decided it needs to go. I'm at the point where using a new camera quickly convinces me why it's unnecessary, or else needs to replace something I already have. I am really trying not to expand past where I am now. Rather, I'll refine and replace as I go and identify things that would make life easier or results more easy.
Horatio
Masked photographer
My wife would say yes, but I don’t own a lot of shoes, or boxes of yarn...
Pál_K
Cameras. I has it.
I need just one more camera.
My serious problem isn’t cameras - it’s looking through 50+ years of photos and wanting to display so many. I need to make photo books.
My serious problem isn’t cameras - it’s looking through 50+ years of photos and wanting to display so many. I need to make photo books.
I have 4 digital cameras and 3 film cameras... I believe.
Fujifilm X-Pro3, X100V, X-E3 (4 lenses)
Sony A7C (2 lenses)
Intrepid 4x5 MKIV (one lens)
Voigtlander Bessa R2 (no lens yet)
Olympus XA2
I will add a GFX-50R and 50mm 3.5 whenever I'm allowed to go to the USA again. This site always makes me feel ok about what I own.
Fujifilm X-Pro3, X100V, X-E3 (4 lenses)
Sony A7C (2 lenses)
Intrepid 4x5 MKIV (one lens)
Voigtlander Bessa R2 (no lens yet)
Olympus XA2
I will add a GFX-50R and 50mm 3.5 whenever I'm allowed to go to the USA again. This site always makes me feel ok about what I own.
presspass
filmshooter
I really don’t want to count them or the lenses that go with them. I would like to lighten the load but I don’t know how. Sale to a dealer is not the answer and, after watching my wife sell antiques on Ebay, I’m not willing to go through the hassle. Maybe, just maybe, I really don’t want to sell them.
zuiko85
Veteran
This post seems similar to the one about de-gassing.
And both OP's have high value items. I still have a lot of cameras and lenses but if I sold everything, and got good prices for them all, I doubt the total would be over $400, maybe $450. With such low value photographic equipment, having too many play pretty's is no big deal.
And both OP's have high value items. I still have a lot of cameras and lenses but if I sold everything, and got good prices for them all, I doubt the total would be over $400, maybe $450. With such low value photographic equipment, having too many play pretty's is no big deal.
Ko.Fe.
Lenses 35/21 Gears 46/20
Yep. I sell off periodically and then trying new ones.
Currently I have few LTM cameras. Purchased different made in Japan, just strictly for curiosity to see if they as good as it was declared by some.
Will sell them, maybe will keep Nicca since it is after recent service. But I have Leica IIIc and it is really only additional LTM camera for family FED-2 which makes sense for me to keep.
I have EM and Nikkormat and they are totally awesome. Especially with non-Nikkor lenses with focus in the right direction But honestly I have no use for film these days. Will sell them to some Nikon enthusiasts, once C is over.
I have M4-2, good times, but it is sitting with same roll of film for I forgot how many months.
It is in constant need of parts and service. I have paid for it several times already. Meh, it works as is and once elegant retrofit for FF sensor is available...
I have two folders from my Belgium relatives.
One of our adult child is playing hipsta with few other film cameras. They are loaded with same film for a while and just like I do. Wearing them as part of hipsta outfit. I met some hipsta in Toronto with Zenit. He never has it loaded with film even once.
Most common question in Torono before C was "is it film camera?".
The funny thing, ALL digital cameras I have purchased, got over sixteen or so years are just working. On original batteries. De facto digital cameras are much more reliable than many film ones. Except, digital M-E 220 which went to new sensor cover before Leica Camera AG cowardly ditched end users.
I have tiny Lumix with fast Leica zoom. I have E-PL1 and 500D from decade + ago. They are working. We got heavily used, second shutter 5D MKII from another our adult child. This thing works on same battery indefinitely.
And I got RP for light and advanced AF FF camera.
With large family and all kind of interests, activities I'm evolved I already cut on film. It used to be my daily media, but I just don't have enough time for it now. I like to load camera with short load from bulk loader or get C-41 film from the store, but at this moment here is absolutely nothing to shoot. I still like to waste some darkroom paper once in a while.
My next rotation after selling cameras, is going to be some small digital build in prime lens cameras. I have my list already. But selling goes first.
I think, with all of my heavy participation in film, darkroom in the past, I purchased, CLA'd and sold dozens of film cameras. No regrets. If camera has no sentimental value, no use, it goes on sale or given away.
Currently I have few LTM cameras. Purchased different made in Japan, just strictly for curiosity to see if they as good as it was declared by some.
Will sell them, maybe will keep Nicca since it is after recent service. But I have Leica IIIc and it is really only additional LTM camera for family FED-2 which makes sense for me to keep.
I have EM and Nikkormat and they are totally awesome. Especially with non-Nikkor lenses with focus in the right direction
But honestly I have no use for film these days. Will sell them to some Nikon enthusiasts, once C is over. I have M4-2, good times, but it is sitting with same roll of film for I forgot how many months.
It is in constant need of parts and service. I have paid for it several times already. Meh, it works as is and once elegant retrofit for FF sensor is available...
I have two folders from my Belgium relatives.
One of our adult child is playing hipsta with few other film cameras. They are loaded with same film for a while and just like I do. Wearing them as part of hipsta outfit. I met some hipsta in Toronto with Zenit. He never has it loaded with film even once.
Most common question in Torono before C was "is it film camera?".
The funny thing, ALL digital cameras I have purchased, got over sixteen or so years are just working. On original batteries. De facto digital cameras are much more reliable than many film ones. Except, digital M-E 220 which went to new sensor cover before Leica Camera AG cowardly ditched end users.
I have tiny Lumix with fast Leica zoom. I have E-PL1 and 500D from decade + ago. They are working. We got heavily used, second shutter 5D MKII from another our adult child. This thing works on same battery indefinitely
.And I got RP for light and advanced AF FF camera.
With large family and all kind of interests, activities I'm evolved I already cut on film. It used to be my daily media, but I just don't have enough time for it now. I like to load camera with short load from bulk loader or get C-41 film from the store, but at this moment here is absolutely nothing to shoot. I still like to waste some darkroom paper once in a while
.My next rotation after selling cameras, is going to be some small digital build in prime lens cameras. I have my list already. But selling goes first.
I think, with all of my heavy participation in film, darkroom in the past, I purchased, CLA'd and sold dozens of film cameras. No regrets. If camera has no sentimental value, no use, it goes on sale or given away.
back alley
IMAGES
I have 2 xpro3 bodies
and one xe3 body and the little masterpiece x100v
along with 12 lenses (one has yet to surface yet, the 18.1.4)
I could handle more gear and that surprises me somewhat...
and one xe3 body and the little masterpiece x100v
along with 12 lenses (one has yet to surface yet, the 18.1.4)
I could handle more gear and that surprises me somewhat...
madNbad
Well-known
I've lost track of all of the different gear bought and sold over the years. For me, I've hit just the right balance:
Leica M4, Voigtlander 21 4.0, Voigtlander 35 2.0 Ultron ASPH (V1) and a Voigtlander 250 Anniversary Heilar 50 2.0 collapsable
Sony A7II, Zeiss Loxia 21 2.8, Loxia 35 2.0, Loxia 50 2.0 and a Micro-Nikkor 55 2.8 AiS that is used for scanning.
Kodak Retina IIa 50 2.0 Schneider, because it's little, pocketable and fun to use.
Leica M4, Voigtlander 21 4.0, Voigtlander 35 2.0 Ultron ASPH (V1) and a Voigtlander 250 Anniversary Heilar 50 2.0 collapsable
Sony A7II, Zeiss Loxia 21 2.8, Loxia 35 2.0, Loxia 50 2.0 and a Micro-Nikkor 55 2.8 AiS that is used for scanning.
Kodak Retina IIa 50 2.0 Schneider, because it's little, pocketable and fun to use.
Rayt
Nonplayer Character
I use too many formats. 8x10, 5x7 and will soon have a 4x10 back made. Next acquisition will be one of those 3D printed wide angle 4x5 for a 47mm lens. It’s not the camera but the lenses and accessories like film holders, tripods, darkroom tanks, etc that make up the clutter. I also shoot Rolleiflex TLR and have a range of cameras. They are all at least 60 years old and having a few spares is good insurance policy. For 135 format I have already moved to digital with Leica Monochrome so have sold off the R, M and LTM bodies and only kept a few lenses.
raydm6
Yay! Cameras! 🙈🙉🙊┌( ಠ_ಠ)┘ [◉"]
Yes, more than enough.
Any new acquisitions will be limited to sub-$100 antique store finds.
Happiness is coming across one or two in the closet you forgot about.
Any new acquisitions will be limited to sub-$100 antique store finds.
Happiness is coming across one or two in the closet you forgot about.
LukasB
Established
Yes. Absolutely.
If you don't try count the countless point and shoots I've gathered for the purpose (mostly) of re-selling, among a few other cameras....
I've got Nikon FM, FA, several lenses (though nothing that interesting)
In terms of rangefinders, which I ALSO do not need, though enjoy; Nikon S2, Leica M2, Leica M3, small assortment of lenses for the Leica.
I have an RB67 ProS that I have owned for months and not found a good reason to use yet. I'll probably end up selling that some day.
Digital? Sony A7 that I most adapt aforementioned lenses to. I have the 28 FE. I bought the system thinking that I would like to "grow into" it, but I don't particularly care for the digital workflow. I can't seem to get the hang of making my images look as I want them to. Mostly unused...
In short, it's surprising how much crap one can amass that they don't even slightly need.
If you don't try count the countless point and shoots I've gathered for the purpose (mostly) of re-selling, among a few other cameras....
I've got Nikon FM, FA, several lenses (though nothing that interesting)
In terms of rangefinders, which I ALSO do not need, though enjoy; Nikon S2, Leica M2, Leica M3, small assortment of lenses for the Leica.
I have an RB67 ProS that I have owned for months and not found a good reason to use yet. I'll probably end up selling that some day.
Digital? Sony A7 that I most adapt aforementioned lenses to. I have the 28 FE. I bought the system thinking that I would like to "grow into" it, but I don't particularly care for the digital workflow. I can't seem to get the hang of making my images look as I want them to. Mostly unused...
In short, it's surprising how much crap one can amass that they don't even slightly need.
DownUnder
Nikon Nomad
Many interesting responses so far. I like it!!
Me too. I want a Leica Q. I can afford it, sort of, barely just, if I can find a good used one - but I've been put on warning that if I come home with one, I'll be killed...
Yup, that's me. Posting threads like this is part of the de-gassing angst. I am in my own way, working towards a final resolution of my 'problem' (I use this term entirely and purely as a personal opinion). Whether or not it will lead to any de-gas, who knows?
This poster certainly has the right idea and I envy him. If only I had realised this years ago, and put my money into a good (select your preferred choice of camera) system, I would be laughing now. And rich.
Agree entirely. In fact, I could have written this, ha!! 'Sentimental value' was the comment that most struck home with me. My Nikkormats, Rollei TLRs and Nikon E65s now mostly sit on shelves in my camera cabinet, but when I think about selling them my thoughts go to, I would rather pull my own teeth with pliers than part with them. I also do not need the money to buy any more gear at this late time in my l ife. So I postpone my decision to offload and just hang on to them. In due time, they will be someone else's problem. If they end up in a dumpster or are given to charity, I will no longer care. But for now, just to be able to take them out of the cabinet and play with them gives me so much satisfaction...
Me too. I want a Leica Q. I can afford it, sort of, barely just, if I can find a good used one - but I've been put on warning that if I come home with one, I'll be killed...
Yup, that's me. Posting threads like this is part of the de-gassing angst. I am in my own way, working towards a final resolution of my 'problem' (I use this term entirely and purely as a personal opinion). Whether or not it will lead to any de-gas, who knows?
This poster certainly has the right idea and I envy him. If only I had realised this years ago, and put my money into a good (select your preferred choice of camera) system, I would be laughing now. And rich.
Agree entirely. In fact, I could have written this, ha!! 'Sentimental value' was the comment that most struck home with me. My Nikkormats, Rollei TLRs and Nikon E65s now mostly sit on shelves in my camera cabinet, but when I think about selling them my thoughts go to, I would rather pull my own teeth with pliers than part with them. I also do not need the money to buy any more gear at this late time in my l ife. So I postpone my decision to offload and just hang on to them. In due time, they will be someone else's problem. If they end up in a dumpster or are given to charity, I will no longer care. But for now, just to be able to take them out of the cabinet and play with them gives me so much satisfaction...
Dogman
Veteran
When I realized how little other people value my used cameras, I decided to hang onto them. Film cameras I paid $600 for new were going for $30 in really good condition at the time. Depressing. Same happened with digitals. At first I sold older cameras to buy an updated model. But as more used cameras hit the for sale market, prices tumbled. So I kept them and moved on to something else. Today I take advantage of the second hand market and buy older, high quality gear that serves me as well as the newest. I've given away cameras I don't want rather than try and sell at insultingly low prices. So, yes, I have too many cameras.
valdas
Veteran
Yes, I do. 30+ currently but I am down from 50+ so directionally I am improving. I’m all film except for Fuji XE-1.
raid
Dad Photographer
Do I own many cameras? Yes.
Do I own too many cameras? It depends on how you define “too many”.
Do I own too many cameras? It depends on how you define “too many”.
lxmike
M2 fan.
In sum Yes!, (according to the wife), have a trio of Fuji, x100, XE-1 and X-Pro 1 coupled with XF 18/2 and 35/1.4, film wise, a Rollei 35, Rolleicord, Rolleiflex 3.5, Hasslebald 500cm with 80/4. Finally a Leica M2 and CL, with 35/2 and 50/1.5. ( a few more here or there, including a Nikon F801 with 24/2.8 Nikkor. Yes too many and if I get the time I plan to thin a few down.
Godfrey
somewhat colored
I don't know how to measure "too many cameras."
I have tons of them, more than I can visualize in my head easily, but eh? Who really cares? I enjoy them, and they amuse my friends when I bring out another interesting camera and show it to them.
I do make a lot of photographs with them. That's what matters to me.
Yellow Bollards - Santa Clara 2021
Polaroid Go
enjoy!
G
I have tons of them, more than I can visualize in my head easily, but eh? Who really cares? I enjoy them, and they amuse my friends when I bring out another interesting camera and show it to them.
I do make a lot of photographs with them. That's what matters to me.
Yellow Bollards - Santa Clara 2021
Polaroid Go
enjoy!
G
"There are just as many cameras as I require, neither more, nor less."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6_eqxh-Qok
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6_eqxh-Qok