Is there a lens you are scared to use?

[damien.murphy]

Lenses? Not really, but then I subconsciously do not buy lenses that cost more than I am comfortable with. Cameras definitely not, but then have gotten into the habit of buying used (film or digital), and also do not buy outside my comfort range. I guess my cut-off is something that could not be bought with a single months paycheck, after that I get nervous, and even if I could afford something like an M9, would be terrified or rather quite conscious and cautious walking around with that much camera.

These days the only thing that would make me nervous using is anything hotshoe-related that does not firmly lock into the hotshoe, and know I would lose things like external viewfinders/ hotshoe spirit level at some point, so avoid using them.

 

[bowieknife]

my Schneider Xenon 50mm/0.95, made 1967, transformed to LTM:
-rare
-heavyweight
-shallow DOF wide open

 

[j_newy]

I'm always reluctant to use my 80-400mm nikon lens. Though I do enjoy using it with a 3x teleconverter on my Nex5. Its the only expensive gear I own really.

I'm still trying to get a nice Canon 7 (then i'll be scared to use that haha)

I always make sure I use the appropriate camera gear. If I'm going somewhere a bit hairy, I pack a camera I don't mind hitting someone over the head with (in self defence of course).

 

[dtcls100]

Yeah, I get worried using expensive lenses with a bulging front element, particularly if no protective filter will fit. That's why I haven't used my Zuiko 24mm shift lens much either. I also find that I tend to use my cheaper and less pristine lenses more in more environmentally challenging conditions where one can get some excellent pics -- like in the rain or mist, at the beach with blowing sand, wading in lakes or rivers or the ocean, etc. Most of my more expensive lenses are in pristine condition as I generally don't expose them to such conditions, instead largely reserving their use for indoor photos or outdoor photos in good weather. It's frankly somewhat ridiculous, as the only justification for not doing so is to preserve their potential resale value -- but I have never sold a lens (or camera).

 

[bhop73]

Not really. My lenses are all just tools, although, the first couple times I took my Nikon 70-200 VR out, it felt a little worrying to be walking around the streets of L.A. with that much 'money' hanging off my shoulder. (body with grip included)

 

[jaredangle]

But what made you think a M4 is safer than a M6?

Well, the highly-watched "Hardcore Pawn" pawnshop show on the History Channel in the United States featured an episode where someone brought in a mid-90's SLR, I think it was a Rebel G or maybe a Nikon N8008, and the pawnshop owner explained that all 35mm gear is worthless and couldn't be sold to the pawnshop, and I think the camera owner tossed the camera in the trash.

So those potential muggers with a cable tv subscription will turn up their noses at puny 35mm Leicas, and be more concerned with the $20 in your wallet 😛

 

[paradoxbox]

a camera or lens too expensive to use after purchase is more useless than a canteen full of sand in the sahara

sell your useless gear or start using it, it's a horrible shame to have equipment like that and not use it