In a way, this is a self-destructive thread - I expect those who have already 'retired' from photography are no longer reading these threads or even this site, and so won't be commenting. Those still involved in photography may wish to comment, if so, please do!
At age (almost) 72, I have decided that I have had enough of a lifetime of photography - since the age of 13 when I acquired my first TLR (Yashica D) camera, then a Rolleiflex, Nikkormats, Leicas in 1980 onwards, various other shooters in the '90s, Hasselblads (an ill-thought out investment for which I still kick myself), and finally digital from 2009.
Now, after almost 60 years of nonstop shooting, I believe I've had enough. It's time to hang up the cameras - and in fact sell them all - and devote the time I have left in my life to other pursuits. Other aspects of photography now demand my attention - 100,000+ negatives and slides to be checked, archived, captioned and keyworded. Boxes of old prints not looked at for many years, sorted out and those I no longer want to keep destroyed. Ditto many negatives. Over the years, I've shot probably thousands of images of our long-deceased cats - after I've floated away to cloud land, nobody in the family will be even remotely interested in these photographs, and the lot will most likely go into a rubbish 'skip' and taken away to the local dump for disposal, likely as landfill. Or burnt. So best I do it beforehand.
Throughout my life, I now realise, I've been far too focused on my photography, at the expense of other aspects of life meant to be enjoyed, but sadly neglected. To a point. I've still found time to enjoy many things in life, but time is now passing (too) quickly, and needs must. I want what time will be given to me, to be fully utilised, and I now feel I've 'done my dash' in photography over my lifetime. Enough is enough.
Yet for all that, I do not intend to entirely give up photography - let's say only 95%. My Leica and Nikon/Nikkormat collections, also my beloved Rollei TLRs, will be sold but in the not too distant future I plan to acquire ONE digital camera. Maybeone of the newer 'portable' Leicas*with a fixed lens or, if my budget permits, a late model M with one one lens, 35mm or 28mm. That will be it. To snapshot when I go traveling overseas or on road jaunts across Australia with my partner and our one remaining cat, ageing (like its owner) but who still enjoys being on the road with us.
In this I have the full support of my*partner, who recently commented, "I did wonder when you would get to making that*decision."
Has anyone else thought about this? It is, after all, a step we will all have to take at some time in the future, whether sooner or later.
And if so, how did you or will you or would you go about it? I feel the need to seek some guidance from others who may have valuable thoughts to share on what is to me, a life-changing decision.
Your input will be most appreciated. I intend to remain a rangefinderforum member for some time yet, and will respond to those comments I deem worthy of following up.
Over to you, please!
