If someone says you have too many cameras...

[JSteed#2]

Someone very nice and rational gently explained that she did not understand my hunger for ever more camera gear. My best response: "I don't understand why you don't understand."

 

[chuckroast]

Someone very nice and rational gently explained that she did not understand my hunger for ever more camera gear. My best response: "I don't understand why you don't understand."

You should have said you don't understand why women typically need so many pairs of shoes.

 

[Bill Blackwell]

If someone says you have too many cameras, ...

 

[Disappointed_Horse]

You should have said you don't understand why women typically need so many pairs of shoes.

And run.

 

[santino]

…and duck

 

[Bolo Kukus]

I had too many cameras. Somewhere between 300 and 500. Yes, you read that right. The majority of these were acquired in fully functional condition and I did make attempts to use my cameras. But....that was too many and I really used just a few systems primarily (Leica and Nikon mostly). When I realized that my collection was beginning to become non- functional due to non- use (stiffening helix lube, gumming shutter lubes) it was an easy decision to do a major purge. I put about 50 cameras up on Craigslist at a time. Invariably, I was swarmed with young enthusiastic people who were excited at the prospect of getting one or more of my cameras (98% were film). I priced low for them and they bought an average of 5-7 cameras each. It felt good to know my cameras were going to be used and loved -- I just couldn't do that for all of them. It was a satisfying release of guilt and angst. Those cameras deserved attention.
Now I have less than 50 cameras, probably about 20-25, and quite a bit of free space in my closet, spare bedroom, garage, living room shelves, etc. All I have left are my Leicas, Leica clones, ( and various Leica mount lenses), a couple Rollei's, two 4x5's, a minimal Nikon assemblage, and a few oddies such as Vito II or Agfa folders with Solinar lenses. Hmmmm.... perhaps still "too many cameras"???

T'ain't no such thing as "too many cameras" - that's one more than you have now.

Anyway, look at your situation with positive goggles. When you retire, you can open a used camera shop!

Another thought. If you can find a local wizard who repairs those analogue beasts and put them to work for you, you'll make a mint.

You're welcome...

 

[MISH]

When asked how many cameras I have, I always answer, "Just this one old, cheap one," so they don't get the idea of breaking into my house.
Then I ask them why I would need more than one camera; I can only hold one at a time.
That settles it.

Someone broke into my house once. They popped a screen and climbed through a window. There was was a finch feeder outside the window so they had plenty of birdseed on their shoes so you could see the path they took through the house. I foolishly had what were for me several irreplaceable cameras on display that they walked right by all they took was eighteen dollars out of my wife’s purse. I learned my lesson and now I keep my cameras locked up. I think that only someone that knew me pretty well would suspect I have more than one camera and then ask me about it. I am more worried that when I am out and about someone will notice I am carrying a rather expensive camera and will want to relieve me of it. My days of giving chase are sadly over.

 

[boojum]

<snip>

My days of giving chase are sadly over.

You are not alone. ;o) But we are still here.

 

[Alpsman]

. . . . But I still appreciate a finely crafted mechanical device that is built to last forever (with reasonable maintenance) and feels great in the hands. In that way, I find that my old mechanical cameras give me much the same satisfaction as my old revolvers and pistols used too.

Same for me.
Besides mechanical cameras I fancy single action revolvers.
In your words, for me, "fine crafted mechanical devices"

 

[Shadams]

I asked her, "Perhaps you have too many husbands..."

 

[Oren Grad]

...they're probably right

< sheepish 🙂>

 

[p.giannakis]

I'm more concerned when my cupboard says I have too many cameras...

 

[joe bosak]

... hmm yes, you may reach the point where there is no conceivable way to re-arrange things to fit in just one more. Time to think outside the box (or cupboard).

 

[Alpsman]

I'm more concerned when my cupboard says I have too many cameras...

Your cupboard talks to you?
😱

 

[Pioneer]

I gave up on the cupboard and am now on my second dresser.

 

[steveyork]

I live by the one year philosophy. If you honestly don't use a piece of equipment in a year or 18 months, get rid of it, Buy more film. Take a trip. Otherwise, keep it, use it and enjoy.

 

[Archiver]

I live by the one year philosophy. If you honestly don't use a piece of equipment in a year or 18 months, get rid of it, Buy more film. Take a trip. Otherwise, keep it, use it and enjoy.

Don't worry, everyone has lapses every now and again. You'll be back to hoarding collecting before you know it. We are here for you. 😉

 

[Leon C]

I'm more concerned when my cupboard says I have too many cameras...

Yeah but how many cupboards is too many cupboards....Or the boxes under the bed!!

 

[valdas]

I'm more concerned when my cupboard says I have too many cameras...

when you have 10 or so backpacks of different sizes then the cupboard is just the tip of the iceberg...

 

[ChrisPlatt]

Visitors to my home are usually not interested, so most of my cameras are kept out of sight in clothes closets.
An additional benefit is that this facilitates plausible deniability... 😉

Chris