How to survive the internet, photo sites and avoid GAS

I always rationalized my gear acquisitions over the years by noting that I always made more money from photography, even part-time, than I spent. Never mind the good use that money might have been put to without all the equipment trades and changes.

Then there was the film/digital dichotomy of several years back, which contributed mightily to my photographic instability. But, I will admit, it was fun and interesting!

All of this stopped when there appeared the perfect camera system designed, it seemed, specifically for me: The Fujifilm X-Pro1 with three lenses — 14, 35 and 60. I may at some time upgrade within the system if that seems desirable, but at this point there is the complete absence of GAS. A good feeling.
 
I suffer from a mild case of GAS, but in looking at my film photos, I've realized that the largest number of ones I'm really happy with are from, you guessed it, the first two film cameras I bought. I take this to mean that I've learned those cameras better, through longer use, than the more recent ones.

Somehow, I find this comforting, and a possible slight antidote to further GAS. Or, as others have said, "learn to shoot what you have". :)
 
rwintle said:
I suffer from a mild case of GAS, but in looking at my film photos, I've realized that the largest number of ones I'm really happy with are from, you guessed it, the first two film cameras I bought. I take this to mean that I've learned those cameras better, through longer use, than the more recent ones.
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As a tangent, I may have to agree with you about that. The first film cameras I really shot with were the Fuji Natura Black, and the Contax T3. I often look at the pictures I've taken with those cameras with a real sense of pleasure, more than the images taken with my Zeiss Ikon or M7.

For me, though, I don't think it was about longer term usage and skill. It was more about the exploration of a new (to me) format, and knowing that the images were infinitely more limited in number than digital. I had to make every shot count. That, and the juicy colours offered by film like Pro400H and Reala, engender a high level of satisfaction in me.

Ironically, given the subject of this thread, the Natura Black and T3 were bought after severe GAS attacks, upon viewing the many great photos by these cameras on flickr.
 
jippiejee said:
In my personal experience, the best cure for GAS is to not compromise. Just buy what you really need and want, and be happy ever after. I've wasted a lot of money on the detour to what I wanted in the first place.
:)
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Absolutely - a friend gave the same advice to me when pondering a Nikon F vs a Miranda (back in '67) - whenever I've deviated from it I've wasted time, $$ and gained only frustration. Yes one often has to wait saving $$ for what you need/want, but....
 
Just look at it this way. Your stimulating the economy.

Vickko said:
How can one survive the internet, photo sites and avoid GAS?

Stay off the internet? That isn't going to happen; too connected socially and for personal amusement.

Stay off photo sites? Maybe, but I do enjoy them.

Maybe stay off the gear-talk and FS parts of the sites, and stick with the galleries.

Are there photo sites that don't talk about gear? Seems like technique is often linked to gear, maybe inextricably linked.

Any other suggestions?
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For new gear I always find the negative product "reviews" the product received and extrapolate that review 100%. That deflates my GAS very quickly.
 
Look at forums of gears you already have. It'll inspire you to use your available gear and make better photos... in theory at least.
 
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