Gear *Does* Matter!

Of course it does!
Anybody who says differently, is just a photographer. And not a gear lover. 😉

For me, gear matters, because it motivates me and inspires me.
That's why I shoot other images with my Leica M8 than with most other cams.

I have shot some very good pictures with an old Canon EOS 300D (with broken AF), but most of the photos I have taken with my M8, I would never have shot with that 300D.
 
Nothing is more frustrating than losing a great pix because of a gear malfunction.
That's why I test everything thoroughly until I'm confident of the results I'm seeing.
Sure it matters!
 
tumblr_m55q05Kh2f1rs27dzo1_500.png


That's all I have to say 😀
 
I disagree with your article on a few points, mainly this:

"Tokyo Camera Style, is in fact, about people"

No, it is not. It is the opposite. The style of the site is to photograph the camera in the hands of its owner - but not revealing their face, and almost never saying who the person is. The entire aesthetic of TCS and other similar websites is to separate the object from the person, and idolize (or in many cases, sexualize) it. Hold it on a pedestal like the camera's owner does for the blog.

Sure, the camera matters. You need a camera to make a photograph. Does it need to be a Leica MP with a $3000 lens? Not at all. Every camera has its flaws and strengths...I would rather work with a 8x10 than a Leica. And I know that because I've tried both of them, so that's definitely important. But once you get past that point, you shouldn't need to wallow in your own self pity of convincing yourself that you need something else, just because it works for another person. Use what works for you, and then work on making pictures. That's much more important than how you get there.
 
If a piece of equipment helps you to realize your vision and create art, then it matters.
Click to expand...

Exactly.

It absolutely does influence the images. I've done pretty direct comparisons between Nikon and Contax G lenses and the G glass allowed for larger prints at higher quality. That matters to me.
 
Of course gear matters & always will, even if the only "gear" you have are your brain & both eyes.

Nice article. To get back to your point, I think most people who are disdainful of gear talk are really making a judgment about the people making gear talk (e.g., insulting owners of brand X or users of toy cameras or cellphones), not so much the gear itself. I liken it to the fact that there are bands whose fans I dislike more than the actual bands or their music.

boomguy57 said:
Just put up a blog post about why I think gear does matter, and tried to examine the site "Tokyo Camera Style", which I'm sure many have heard of and checked out.

Why Gear Matters (or, The Curious Case of Tokyo Camera Style)

I'd love to hear feedback, and get a discussion started along those lines. I posted my opinion...let's hear yours!

-Trevor
Click to expand...
 
What does "self pity" have to do w/it? For many of us, cameras, etc. aren't just tools, they're also toys. I agree that making pictures is the main thing, but "how you get there" is an important, & enjoyable, part of the process, just as w/travel.

keytarjunkie said:
But once you get past that point, you shouldn't need to wallow in your own self pity of convincing yourself that you need something else, just because it works for another person. Use what works for you, and then work on making pictures. That's much more important than how you get there.
Click to expand...
 
You're right-- gear does matter. Without it, we would not be able to take photos. Other than that, it really does not matter I'm sorry to say. I have used all sorts of cameras and found that none change my photos for the better or worse. In other words, the $15 Minolta X-370 took equal photos (if not better) than my Leica M6!
 
filmfan said:
You're right-- gear does matter. Without it, we would not be able to take photos. Other than that, it really does not matter I'm sorry to say. I have used all sorts of cameras and found that none change my photos for the better or worse. In other words, the $15 Minolta X-370 took equal photos (if not better) than my Leica M6!
Click to expand...

You are a courageous person, and I really appreciate what you said there, but I think (I hope I am wrong) the sharks are coming for you . . . let's hope not, huh.
 
Good read.

Gear absolutely matters in as much as the tool (read camera) does what you need it to do. My RF's are not a great tool (for me) when shooting action sports, for example. Kinda like putting up drywall with the back of an adjustable wrench as a hammer...

For shooting pictures of your kids at the beach, or grandma blowing out her birthday candles, the type of gear you have on hand determines whether or not you get the shot you're looking for. Want shallow depth of field on that bright beach? Hope you brought that ND filter. Want to capture grandma by just the light of the candles? It'd be nice to have a fast 50mm for that.

Just my $.02, anyway.
 
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