How to stop GAS???

[Lauffray]

High import fees 😀
My last 240$ border fee notice when buying from the US definitely calmed me down, the lens went from just affordable to holy crap

 

[k__43]

I found that not buying what I really wanted has been a major cause. If you want that M9, get yourself one. Instead I now have a Leica CL, D2, X1, M4-P, M6, M8... all fun too. But too much if you justed wanted that M9.

Ha, I know that .. I decided that a Leica 35mm would too much in last summer. Instead I bought a 50mm, 28mm and a Rolleiflex.

 

[noimmunity]

Observe your mind for a period of time. Notice which stimuli or actions increase or trigger the phenomenon. Notice if it has any cyclical qualities. Reflect on what your goals truly are. GAS is probably just a clue that something else needs attention. It might be photography-related, and then again, maybe not. Neither stopping it nor feeding it will help you find out what that truly is.

 

[Mcary]

I buy camera's to use them and since I can only reasonable use a certain number at any given time of something new/different catch my eye I simply sell something that I've not using or have grown tired of to help fund the cost of the new purchase. I've gotten to the point the I look at gear more as rental(s) rather then purchases. Example recently sold my M6 which end-up costing me about $10 a month in rental fees 🙂

 

[Turtle]

Shooting more.

Getting seriously involved in projects and becoming more focused on the results (meaningful results) tends to put GAS in its place. Otherwise its all chasing shadows and GAS is integral to those directionless meanderings.

 

[Sparrow]

... buy a camera, then use it ... it doesn't need to be difficult

 

[Gary Briggs]

For some time now I base anything considered to be bought to be based on actually shooting, so this new thing will do something that what I have can't do?
Of course we are so good at rationalization.

 

[muf]

The only way to relieve it is to stay off the internet and to not go to stores.

But those things are pretty much my life, summed up. Well, that and my family. I have the benefit of being able to combine the two. Take pictures of my kids and the two main things I love are done together! Still, I really do need to upgrade my digital SLR... HELP!

Paul

 

[taskoni]

Shoot more.
I usually have GAS for film only - never seems to have enough from it 😀

 

[noimmunity]

But those things are pretty much my life, summed up. Well, that and my family.

What a blessing to have your family with you!

But "internet + stores = life" ?

"The five greatest regrets of the dying": http://www.businessinsider.com/the-five-greatest-regrets-of-dying-2011-6

 

[shadowfox]

Put a cap on your GAS "tank"
Mine is $40.
Anything more than that, I'd better have 90% confidence that it'll sell more than what I pay.

 

[splitimageview]

The question I ask: why stop?

I enjoy it. It's better for me than drugs...it's legal...what's not to like? 🙂

 

[it'sawhat?]

I have 3 things I check. 1 , will I really use it, 2how many hours of work does it cost, how many groceries could I buy with that money? Thinking of something as costing say 20 hours of work tends to put a dent in gas or 1 to 2 weeks of groceries does the same at least for me.

 

[NaChase]

Buy one of each.

 

[River Dog]

Buy and sell a lot of gear to eventually end up with what you know works for you.

Bingo... great advice! I just need to work on the "selling" bit of that sentence. 😎

 

[jordanstarr]

Shooting more.

Getting seriously involved in projects and becoming more focused on the results (meaningful results) tends to put GAS in its place. Otherwise its all chasing shadows and GAS is integral to those directionless meanderings.

... buy a camera, then use it ... it doesn't need to be difficult

Couldn't have said it better myself


I think lots of people get GAS because they feel that better equipment will result in better photos. This is not the case. If you find what works for you and then just use the $#!t out of it and get better, you won't care so much about what you own. You should focus on what is important and why we do photography in the first place. If your focus is on buying and selling equipment then it's going to be less on the art of photography. You need to redirect your focus and priorities and set up some personal structure around photography to get you out more, shooting more, developing film/editing photos more and avoiding the RFF Classifieds. It's not hard if you have the will. It's not like quitting some chemical substance -there's no biological effects to or from it and you won't get the shakes or detox from withdrawal. It's weak and too much money that results in GAS. Just my opinion.

 

[Juan Valdenebro]

It stops by itself... Gas dies in two ways: a sad one and a happy one... When we care about the photographs instead of brands and IQ tests, and we think of our gear as different and equally valid tools, it's a joyful road... Gas needs great photographs, just like trees need sun and rain. If not, gas will become an empty habit... A sad one... And then it will have a bitter death.

Cheers,

Juan

 

[helen.HH]

Shooting more.

Getting seriously involved in projects and becoming more focused on the results (meaningful results) tends to put GAS in its place. Otherwise its all chasing shadows and GAS is integral to those directionless meanderings.

Brill... 😀

 

[35mmdelux]

From about 2003-2010 I had lots of the best Leica lenses. Then I sold almost all of it to help fund a big project. I did, however, keep an M7 and 21mmVC for the hell of it. For all intents and purposes I was out of GAS because of a heavy workload. The only caveat is that my gear be anchored with one great carry-all-the-time lens, and for me its the 35mm Summilux-M ASPH. As for the rest of it it doesn't matter because I don't spend the big bucks anymore.

 

[Rob-F]

Declare an occasional moratorium on selling or buying anything. Use what you have. Get to know your lenses better. Use it up, wear it out, make it do.