How many unused cameras do you have?

How many unused cameras do you have?

  • None! I've used all my cameras!

    Votes: 212 30.7%

  • 1

    Votes: 64 9.3%

  • 2

    Votes: 51 7.4%

  • 3

    Votes: 41 5.9%

  • 4

    Votes: 27 3.9%

  • 5

    Votes: 42 6.1%

  • 6

    Votes: 26 3.8%

  • 7

    Votes: 15 2.2%

  • 8

    Votes: 12 1.7%

  • 9

    Votes: 9 1.3%

  • 10

    Votes: 12 1.7%

  • More than 10

    Votes: 179 25.9%
  • Total voters
    690
I have two Minox 35 ML and an Olympus mju II that I thought I would always have me ... but in reality, when I want to take pictures, I take my Leica M4 or Mamiya RZ67 with me. I'm not a spontaneous "snapshot" kind of guy, I guess.
 
At the minute, the unused cameras I've got are:

1 Nikon F301, 1 Welta Perle 6x9, 1 Welta Weltax and 1 Gevaert Gevabox 6x9.

All but the Weltax have films in them and will be used fairly soon. Before I use the Weltax I'd like the viewfinder's 6x4.5 frame sorting out and I need a rangefinder in metres. Once they're sorted (I may just 'muddle along' with the slightly malfunctioning frame) I'll shove a film in and use it.
 
Personally, I find something that is broken to be incredibly annoying. I won't rest until it has been corrected. Thus, I never have any non-functional cameras. In this way, I've done my bit to keep Don Goldberg, Gus Lazzari, Henry Scherer, Sover Wong, Frank Marshman, and many other skilled repairers in business.

If I still can't get along with the camera even when it is 100% functional, then it gets sold.

What I have left is a collection that I use. I will admit that some cameras are my favorites, and get more use than others. I also get into little waves. I'll use all my Nikon SLRs at a go. Then I'll switch to TLRs, and so on.
 
I have a Zorki 1 that is in true "excellent +" condition. I have shot 1 roll of film to test it when I got it, none since. I exercise the shutter occasionally. I think of it as a back-up to a Leica IId that I keep full of film.
I may sell it, or keep it, it only cost $139 (shipped) including a Jupiter 8 with perfect glass. It is neat to think that a very good camera and lens can cost so little now-days.
 
If I don't use something in a year, it gets put on that big auction site.

I like to have at least 6-7 working cameras at one time, having been in a situation where I had to scrounge for cameras before a trip.

I like to have to have 4 or so totally different cameras for variety. Bored easily.
 
I don't use any of my analog film cameras anymore, they are 4. My still film cameras all get aired. I have a few at service since they broke and a few that waits for repairtime but as they come back they will get a tour with film and light.
Recently I loaded some 16 mm and 9,5 casettes. My 1936 Contax was aired today.

Shelfcameras is not my style.
 
Define "unused".

Seriously though. I have a bunch that are unused. Some because they're actually broken, some because they're "acting up", and some because of poor ergonomics. And some just because I have a lot cameras and it takes a while to get around to them.

My current crop of cameras is the result of both active collecting and passive accumulation (I'm gifted a substantial number of "old cameras" by well-meaning people). They are 98% film cameras.

I once derived satisfaction from collecting cameras partly because I could use these cameras as well. I still think that's fun, but I don't have the time to really do that in the way I originally intended. So, now I'm reducing the "collection" to a carefully curated number that is practical for my life and lifestyle.

At one time I had it in my mind to try to collect one example of main camera types: So one stereo camera, one TLR, one MF SLR, one plate camera, one German RF, one Japanese RF, one "spy" camera, one Box camera, one MF folder, one 35 folder, and I could obviously go on and on.

I need to say, I'm no longer an active collector. Any further acquisition of photo gear is motivated by usage. For example, I may pick up a 75mm lens for my Leica kit because I'm interested in using the focal length for portrait work. I am not interested in tracking down a Hecktor 73/1.9 to complete the focal length range of LTM lenses in my cabinet. Of course I would not refuse one if someone were to gift it to me.
 
rfaspen said:
...I'm no longer an active collector. Any further acquisition of photo gear is motivated by usage. For example, I may pick up a 75mm lens for my Leica kit because I'm interested in using the focal length for portrait work. I am not interested in tracking down a Hecktor 73/1.9 to complete the focal length range of LTM lenses in my cabinet. Of course I would not refuse one if someone were to gift it to me.
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You could sneak around the Hektor by getting the current CV Heliar 1.8/75mm, as it looks to have the same optical formula. M-mount though.

Last year I donated a Pentax dSLR to the high school photo program, so that's one down. I have several dozen film cameras no longer used, all serviced as needed, so I need to figure a disposal program. I never actively collected, they just accumulated!
 
I have nearly 4 cameras

Hasselblad
M6
Xpan 2
Nikon m5

They are just doing nothing and for few years they are just loaded with films and my other working ( using ) cameras are M digital. and I always go into Digital and that is why I am less concern with the Negative cameras.
 
Doug said:
You could sneak around the Hektor by getting the current CV Heliar 1.8/75mm, as it looks to have the same optical formula. M-mount though.

Last year I donated a Pentax dSLR to the high school photo program, so that's one down. I have several dozen film cameras no longer used, all serviced as needed, so I need to figure a disposal program. I never actively collected, they just accumulated!
Click to expand...

I didn't know there was a possible relationship between the CV lens and Hektor. The Hektor is rumored to be a decent performer; not only for its era, but even now.

I'm really very casual about picking up a 75 though. Its only likely to happen if I stumble across a good opportunity. Basically, I have a mental list of "wants", but I'm definitely not actively looking for anything these days. Acquisitions are chance luck opportunities.

As for paring down the "collection". I too have donated cameras to folks who have indicated an interest in film photography. Unfortunately, I've learned that some of the younger people aren't as serious as they appear at first. I've gifted some quite nice cameras and lenses that I fear have been lost (possibly even trashed 😱). On the other hand, the cashier at my local grocery store is very appreciative of the Canon EOS system I gave him several months ago. I've been warned that prints are coming......to be honest, I can't wait.

"Passive accumulation." That describes the process nowadays. I don't seek or ask, but the cameras still find me. Goes with the reputation I guess 😎
 
The only camera I don't use is an Olympus OM4, which is a backup to an OM4Ti, which has never given me a problem. I more frequently use my OM1 which I will never part with. The OM4 has been CLAed and is in excellent condition, but is still hardly worth the time and effort to sell. I am actually pretty lean, with only a Minolta Autocord and a Linhof Technikarden in addition. I am not a collector. I suspect there are quite a few people with unused camera that they picked up from time to time thinking they were interesting or for a project that are now not worth the time and effort selling so they accumulate.
 
Down to two unused film cameras -- now largely displays: Pentax PC35 AF film point-and-shoot and a Fujica Compact Deluxe fixed lens range finder.
 
I have never been a collector of cameras preferring to use whatever I had. The most I have had at anytime is 4 - a pair of Olympus OM-4, a Yashica Electro35 GS, and a Yashica 124G. Loved my OM-4 bodies (although I did sell them in favor of autofocus for Nikon F100), the Yashica I will always keep as it once belong to my dad, and sold the 124G as I could never figure out how to shoot "vertical" (lol) with it. Today, I have only two - the Electro35 GS and a Fuji X100S since I retired.
 
Peter Wijninga said:
As long as I have more unused shoes than unused cameras, I'm not worried.
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Then I'm in serious trouble. I have two pairs of shoes: a dress pair, and an everyday pair. Looking down, I can see that I need a new pair of everyday shoes....

*rock-climbing shoes don't count, do they? I have plenty of those.
 
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