Equipment obsession, is it a bad thing?

Unless you start looking out for cameras that can be used in bars... :)
 
wlewisiii said:
I find it helps to try and channel the obsession
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I don't know if it helps, but it does at least limit the madness. I am currently on a Yashica bender. I have a GSN, 14e, J, YK, YL. I only hope I don't find one of the yashicas that use LTM lenses. I'd probably end up cashing out my 401k. :D
 
Hi Clever,

looked at your "Crappy Little site" I really like the "fish's eye view" . Anyway I'm sort of on a jag like that one you described; it's medium format that you can carry. So no Mamiya 67's or Hassies or ...

I think I just like the coolness of all this stuff. I have to focus and narrow it down, then I can't get easily sidetracked. I stop for shiny objects. I would have sold Manhattan for the glass beads too.

I just have to say focus , focus. It helps until I forget the mantra.

Jan
 
I think that's my essential problem, all of these toys are cool to play with. Of course, I could always dump everything and start over...
 
Clevername: It is called a "Yashica YK". (EDIT:::"YF"!!!) and was designed by Nicca, right before Yashica bought them out. Cool camera, like a Yashica "M3" in LTM.
 
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Hi Doug

Beats hanging out in bars??

I don't drop $400 bucks when I go into a bar. If I do go into one max $50 at the bar. Net result a hangover and I'm recovered the next day.

Go to a reputable and fair photographic supply and you don't get out for less than $50 and you're full of new ideas. Pain now or Pain later.

I can't figure this equation out. And I saw a nice camera body today, I could have one for B&W and one for colour. Ahhhh I give up. I may just do this and there's still a scanner I have to talk myself out of.

Gotta some focus on here

Jan
 
Jan, thanks for visiting, "fisheyeview" was a taken on vacation in Cozumel with an inexpensive waterproof camera. It was the most interesting of all my underwater shots.

Brian, actually, the LTM Yashicas are the YE & YF. I own a YK and after reading your post I almost tried to unscrew the lens:). I found a great page on the YF at CameraQuest and Yashica Guy has a little about the YE. I think my next quest may be for a M (minister), or Campus.

Doug, I take most of my photos in bars :confused:
 
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well now I'm surfing thru Adorama and what do I see not one not two but three cameras i have wanted for a couple of years! Camera obsession is definitely a bad thing. I am seriously considering the consequences of the upcoming divorce if I purchase another camera let alone three. What is the matter with me. I know it's a problem and I'm still going towards the brink. Somebody stop me! (joke) I've got it under control no problem.

however there is tomorrow....

Jan
 
It is only a bad thing if you obsess about obsessing which means you have not found the right justification/excuse to let your mind rest easy yet. I agree with Doug in that it beats hanging out at bars. At least you can see where your money went and enjoy it .

Bob
 
Two months and I haven't purchased a new camera yet... must be something wrong with me :)
 
The Elusive Carrot

The Elusive Carrot

Has anyone else had the experience of hanging a carrot out there that you never allow yourself to reach? For instance, a young lady was shooting professionally and making money with a Nikon FE2 and in her mind the camera to end all cameras was the Nikon F3; also she had convinced herself that she would never be able to afford one. My advice to her (I'm always better at giving it then taking it :) ) was that the ticket for admission just wasn't that expensive anymore, and if this is what she truly wanted she should by all means just go do it.

Now, I'm not so sure this is sound advice afterall -- maybe, maybe not. In photography my elusive carrot has been, for more than thirty years, the 100mm f/2 Kinoptik Apochromatic lens for the Alpa. I told myself that if I could ever be so lucky as to find/afford one that would be it -- no more haunting eBay and the classic shops, no more collecting; just go out, shoot and enjoy it. I did it: I found one and as nice as it is I must admit there's an emptiness now, like there is nothing left -- the hunt's over. I know, I can always create a new interest and obsession (it's one thing I'm good at!) but I held onto this particular one for more than thirty years and now there is a real bittersweetness to it all. Fact of the matter is I don't see another obsession taking the place of this one; I held onto it for too long and nothing else carries the import of this one. Make no mistake, I'm still ecstatic and will quite likely open a bottle of bubbly when it arrives, but I also know that excitement will wane.

My grandfather, and a few other gentlemen I knew from his generation, held Cadillac automobiles in the highest regard. A Cadillac was his carrot, he often proclaimed that some day he might be able to afford a Cadillac. He drove very nice Buicks his entire life and died with the ability to have bought his "dream" many, many times over. But, it was an elusive goal that he maintained as unattainable in his life, always something to look forward to. And now I'm left contemplating his wisdom.
 
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So maybe the key to happiness is not about fulfilling your dream but rather always one step behind your fantasy? Just like that girl that you always wanted to know in High School?
 
Peter said:
So maybe the key to happiness is not about fulfilling your dream but rather always one step behind your fantasy? Just like that girl that you always wanted to know in High School?
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Yeah, might be wise to have a "Plan B" too, another goal in place in case one is fulfilled (that girl could always call..). With eBay the timing is not always within one's control; I pretty much had to jump when I had to jump. As for the young lady with the Nikons; she took my advice (she seemed smarter than that :D) and I feel responsible for opening a "Pandora's Box" for her. She blew right through that F3 in no time flat and was off and running with F5's (later digital) and all new AF lenses! Ah, good old-fashioned "Obsession..."
 
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Thank the RFF for the Latest

Thank the RFF for the Latest

I just returned from making an espresso and I'll thank this forum, especially the European members (Roman, Pherdi, Denis et al.), for my latest obsession. I use to drink it occasionally, but after salivating over the cups of espresso in the "Camera and Coffee" thread I had to buy an espresso maker. Of course, it didn't stop there. I use to laugh at the thought of burr grinders; I thought "what difference could the type of grinder possibly make?" Now there's a burr grinder in the kitchen and the first espresso maker had to be upgraded to a pump model, and then of course I had to outfit a setup at work -- it just never ends! :D :D :D

I'm not sure how, or why, Karen puts up with me!
 
I'm not sure how, or why, Karen puts up with me!

because you have a really big...heart!

i too love espresso but make a lousy cup of it myself.
i had a nice electric maker and then bought the old fashioned kind where you put it on a burner. (just like dad had) but nothing works.
tastes like...

any hints?

joe
 
"because you have a really big...heart!

i too love espresso but make a lousy cup of it myself.
i had a nice electric maker and then bought the old fashioned kind where you put it on a burner. (just like dad had) but nothing works.
tastes like...

any hints?

joe"

Yeah, the heart -- that's it! As for the espresso, I can't drink regular coffee anymore.

"LOL Doug. Will you trade Contax for Coffee? "

I've got an extra Conatx I, your favorite model as I recall, that is available. With a collapsible f/2 Sonnar? Am I tempting you at all?
 
WHOOPS! What a difference one little letter makes! Still looks like an M3 with the flip open back. I still want one. I am an equipment junkie.

There is NOT one on the Camera and Coffee column. Buy one and be the first!
 
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