Have I lost my passion for photography?

raid

raid

Dad Photographer
Local time
10:37 AM
Joined
Nov 2, 2005
Messages
36,601
Location
Florida
View My Gallery
Since a few days, and after my M9 failed, I have set photography aside. I really have no interest in going through my travel photos, and I am quite disappointed with how fragile the M9 is. Money does not grow on trees, and the tought to spend money on repairing a digital unreliable camera is making me just not want to think of it.

I feel like emailing the CEO of Leica a letter in which I tell him how I feel about this piece of unreliable equipment that is being sold at premium prices.

Maybe if I go back to film cameras, I will forget this exprtience. I only used the M9 for one year.
 
Hi Raid,
It's only been a few days, it's OK to take a break from it.

Obviously your M9 experience has been frustrating, but that's more about frustration with a camera, not photography.

If the money is a problem, and I know it would bother me to foot a repair bill like that, then get it fixed, sell it, and move on. M9s still get decent money used, but it'll only go down.

It's only been a few days, it's only a camera, and it's only money. Maybe see if Leica will do you a deal on a repair, get it repaired (it's worthless broken), and sell.
 
You are right, and I am maybe making too much out of this all.
I will take a break from using digital cameras. They have disappointed me.
I also once had an EP2 die for no reason.
 
Raid, you are probably overreacting. Any of us would be let down if our M8/M8.2/M9/M240/ME conked out. 😱 Have you sent it in to Leica yet? The report of its death may be exaggerated! You can still shoot your M8.2, and you can still shoot film. Or distract yourself in another way; spend time with your girls, for instance. The earth will keep turning, the sun will come up, you will feel better, and you will get back to photographing! 🙂
 
Funnily enough, I don't think I've ever had a digital camera die for no reason, but I have had a film one do so (Fujifilm Klasse S), just one day, dead as a doornail. Fujifilm fixed for free though, even though it was a grey import, so credit to them.

I only use film now though, and don't miss digital all, except maybe when I'd like good, small, waterproof options.
 
If you still have a film M then load some film into it and enjoy real photography once more. 🙂

Sorry to hear about your M9, though. At that price-tag I would expect those cameras to hold up better...
 
I must admit that when I have had equipment failures or accidents I have lost my passion for the art for a time. It plays on the mind. And it is only natural. I would go so far as to suggest that when such events occur one must go through at least some of the multiple stages of loss and grieving - denial, anger etc. Sounds overblown compared to say when one loses someone important to them through death or relationship breakdown (its no where near of the same consequence) but never the less I think it to be true. So for my part I would not say you are over reacting. I am the same as you in this regard. And I would say you need to let the process take its course and in time its likely that your passion will return if that's what you want. it is a sad truth that digital equipment is no where near so reliable and robust as older mechanical cameras which can still work perfectly after over 50 years. That however is something that must be accepted.
 
I will send it out soon. Maybe I am just exhausted from the 16 day trip with the family, followed by teaching courses one day after our return. I will relax this weekend.
 
M9 belly up

M9 belly up

RAID,
Sorry about your M9. Do you think the way you feel might be due to extended jet lag. Sometimes being tired or fatigue can have a negative affect.
A letter or email or both to leica president could make a difference especially being a loyal user. Seems as though their needs to be accountability on their side.
Can't speak for everyone here but, I've been following your photos of your girls, wife, beach scenes as well as your comments and wisdom.
Watching your family grow through your photos has been priceless. I was lookin forward to seeing your Oslo images. Still are.
Take your time let leica know your situation and when you're ready to shoot, you'll know. In the meantime, I and others (think I can safely say) will be waiting for your incredible work and insights.
 
Thanks.
Yes, the jet lag is getting to me after I received two phone calls just after 4AM 2 days ago from Hertz, checking on their car that was broken into. We lost all our luggage then. The wake-up phone calls got me off a cycle by which I was OK with respect to jet lag. I am just tired and I need some good sleep.
 
There is a direct correlation to my posts on RFF and my camera failures. When my camera breaks, I move onto other interests, and post in other forums. When the camera is repaired, it is hard to come back.

So, I'd say your frustrations are normal. But the cost of shooting film versus digital makes me think the repairs are worth it, unless you invest in a different digital camera.
 
It sounds as though a number of bad things have happened to you recently (M9, luggage), plus some exhaustion... enough to put anyone "off" for a while.

I do agree with those above who are suggesting picking up a different camera... maybe an old favourite, maybe an oldie mouldy you'd nearly forgotten you had, maybe a point-n-shoot that someone else in your family owns. Shooting a roll or two (or the digital equivalent) with an unfamiliar but fun old box might be just the trick.

And as for sleep - it may be a cliche, but everything does look better in the morning. Get that rest. And all the best. Your mojo will return one way or another.
 
raid said:
Since a few days, and after my M9 failed, I have set photography aside. I really have no interest in going through my travel photos, and I am quite disappointed with how fragile the M9 is. Money does not grow on trees, and the tought to spend money on repairing a digital unreliable camera is making me just not want to think of it.

I feel like emailing the CEO of Leica a letter in which I tell him how I feel about this piece of unreliable equipment that is being sold at premium prices.

Maybe if I go back to film cameras, I will forget this exprtience. I only used the M9 for one year.
Click to expand...

I've paid more for repairs to film cameras in the past year than to any digital cameras ever.

Eh, you're frustrated, take a break. No big deal in that.

G
 
Hello Raid,

Sorry to hear about your troubles. I thought about getting a digital Leica but opted for the Fuji X100S. It does everything I need and looks a lot like my M4-P. Film cameras are definitely more rugged and easier/possible to repair. Leica has a lot of competition in the digital world but hardly any in the film market. I'll stick with Leica for film but other brands for digital... I can buy six X100S for the price of an M-E and a used Summicron 35mm! Sure the Leica is better, but is it $5K better? Not when I consider how many hours I need to work for make up the difference... The Fuji does not have a reputation of being unreliable either. There are some pretty beat-up X100(s) out there...

Gil.
 
If you camera is so expensive that if something goes wrong with it you're discouraged from taking pictures you have too much invested in your gear. I appreciate the fact digital Ms are beautiful and unique cameras, but It sounds like you're putting the cart before the horse.

I think about cameras from the perspective that they can and will break, and that the better use I make of them the faster they are to do so. With that in mind I never buy anything I can't afford to replace or repair.
 
This has happened to me many times, especially when something frustrating has just happened.

Give it a rest, clear your mind - it will come back. In the meantime, enjoy the time to do other things!
 
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=143084

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=143084

First get over jet lag, roughly one hour per day.
Sun helps but tanning is bad!
Use sunscreens.

You have other cameras..
these days a film replacement is peanuts.
Do a roll or two or use an inexpensive compact digital.
i make images as much as possible.
i cannot afford the digital M, nor would want one as a gift.
i use as you know point and shoot digitals.

Traveled to South Africa, with one, spare cards and batteries.
No Leicas nor SLR, no film.
All stayed home..
Write to Kaufman or higher up..
Best of Luck.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom