New Challenge 2021-2022 - Use it all!

Dante_Stella

Dante_Stella

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I will propose a new challenge for anyone who feels that they are being overtaken by Gear Acquisition Syndrome. Let's create a challenge that everyone can at least try to beat.

Challenge:
Shoot with every single piece of photographic equipment you own between Labor Day 2021 and Labor Day Eve 2022. Whatever you don't use, you can with good conscience sell or give away (preferably on RFF and not eBay...).

Proposed Rules:
0. Real shots, not "tests."

1. A roll of film for every camera body or film back

2. Twelve frames with every interchangeable lens

3. Twenty-four frames for each fixed-lens or digital camera

4. And at least one shot over the term with every:

  • Camera case
  • Cable release
  • Color of filter
  • Type of special effect filter
  • Grip/motor drive
  • Focusing screen
  • Accessory viewfinder
  • Closeup attachment
  • Teleconverter
  • Conversion lens
  • Flash
  • Prism
  • Data back
  • Tripod or monopod
And post your favorite shots from previously underutilized equipment on this thread!
 
P.S. I'll also suggest that this is based on whatever you own on September 6, 2021 and acquire before September 5, 2022.

P.P.S. If I can do it with a veritable warehouse of photo equipment, you can too!
 
Good plan! Easy! Though 12 frames with every LF lens seems excessive....;)
 
I love this idea! Especially calling out that if by the end of the year you haven’t used something, you can comfortably feel ok to sell it off.

This is healthy creativity.
 
It started somewhat unintentionally, but I did a modified version of this challenge from 2020-21. Instead of buying new gear, I decided to use cameras and lenses that I'd foolishly neglected for too long. I began with a roll of Kodak Tri-X in my Rolleicord V, my first medium format camera. The second frame from that roll (below) became my most faved photo on Flickr. I haven't gone through every piece of equipment I own yet, but I've made more memorable images with the Rolleicord since.

I hesitate to say that I'm cured of G.A.S. because those would surely be (in)famous last words. :D However, as of last week, a full year has elapsed since I bought a new camera or lens. The next steps in my process are to send off cameras that need CLA or repair, and then slowly start selling items I haven't used in far too long.


2021.02.06 Roll #269-05634-Pano-positive.jpg by dourbalistar, on Flickr
 
I have one firm rule: Something(s) has to go to fund a new trinket. Not a cure for GAS, but it does keep the total trinket count more or less steady. I fear that for some members, the trinket count might be so high that the process of meeting your challenge might not allow for anything else over the next year. Nevertheless, a fine idea!
 
This causes me anxiety and I only have about 6 cameras or so... I'd rather use what works best for my photography at the moment. All in good fun though...and I hope someone tries this challenge.
 
I should be able to let go to all of Nikon gear later on. Five or seven kilograms in my backpack currently. Empty shelf became occupied immediately with old Canon gear. I should let it go, some of it...

Our Labor day is in September. Using any film camera has became challenge recently. Life style changed, no time, power for film.
 
I like the idea, but would add that this should be with all pieces of equipment in sufficient operational state. I have two 4x5 cameras (SG and RBD) that are not really operational, and I am holding them. I have a few other cameras in hold states/borderline operational. I also have a few "back-up cameras". I honestly tend to acquire cameras with the intent to use them.
 
I just got rid of my Pentax KP, leaving me with... six working cameras? If you include the old Polaroid OneStep, and if you don't include the other two, newer instant cameras which I have for sale currently. I don't hoard, and I also use most of what I have fairly regularly.

- Voigtlander Bessa-T: just used it a week ago with Kodak 100 speed film, roll isn't full yet.
- Pentax K1000: used it about a week and a half ago with the Sears 80-200/4 on some deer that strayed into the backyard. Roll of Superia isn't full yet.
- Ricoh GR III: used it this week.
- Olympus EM5 Mark II: used it yesterday.
- Polaroid OneStep: it's been awhile, probably a couple months. Still has some color 600 film left inside though.
- Ricoh 500G: Okay, that one has been a little while, I think I last used it sometime during the winter. I did load it with Foma 200 hand-rolled, but haven't used it yet. I should soon.
 
Well, nothing like a challenge like this to remind me I have WAY too much gear. I think it's almost literally impossible for me to complete this challenge, even if I quit my job.

But I am trying to use stuff I've rarely or never used -- which is a lot of stuff.
 
Probably more rules than I could reasonably try to maintain, but I definitely try to ensure each camera/lens I own gets love (and at least a few rolls of film) each year.

I do have a D700 and Pentax 67 I plan to unload this year. Makes it a bit easier.
 
helenhill said:
Absurd...far too tedious as opposed to FUN

just my thoughts ... Apologies but count me out
Click to expand...

Helen, you strike me as the wild individual....but I have to agree. I'm by nature in some ways a generalist. I have no problems working with every camera i own in the next year (i would anyway) , but i won't be taking 12 images with each LF lens i have though.
Reminds me of Treasure of the Sierre Madre....loosely paraphrased:
"Badges? We don't need no stinkin' badges!"
 
Hmmm… with about 105 film cameras, I’d have to switch to the next one every 3.5 days.

I do use my cameras in rotation and have a massive spreadsheet indicating when last used, when CLA’d, serial number, mfg date, etc.

What I often do is plan that in the next several months I will, for example, use all my Exaktas, then the months after that all my Nikon F2’s, etc.

But I love them all, so none would ever be sold.
 
Helen always makes sense; she's a voice of reason here on RFF. But most of us are not all that reasonable about our photo stuff, myself included.
 
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