New Challenge 2021-2022 - Use it all!

[Larry Cloetta]

I’ve got “too many cameras” to be a pragmatist.. but since I’m more of a Romantic than a pragmatist, even though I understand the bean counter mentality that worries about having the correct number of cameras or lenses, or causing offense by having one too many of anything, I don’t ascribe to it when trying to live a full life.
I use a different one every day, most days, anyway, but I’m not anal about it.
This project just seems like an industrial grade fun sucker to me, modeled after a Soviet era struggle session. Too much hint of masochism or self loathing involved, or something along those lines. But, sure, beat yourself up for a year about your possessions if that’s satisfying in some way. I’m just not one of those, LOL.
I’ve got I don’t know how many screwdrivers in the toolbox. When disassembling something I root around for the easiest one to use for that spot. Substitute “screwdrivers” for cameras and lenses and pledge to keep track of how many times you use each one for a year, and screw the same number of screws with each one, and keep track of that. That’s fun too!
Yeah, no.
But sure, be my guest. Submit your findings here in a year for approval or quiet derision. Discuss with your doctor. Worry about it if you are insufficiently guilt ridden to…… change! But, above all, have fun!

 

[Retro-Grouch]

Larry always makes sense; he's a voice of reason here on RFF.

 

[JonB]

After brief consideration, I think I’m going to take up a variation on this challenge: logging the contents of my photo bag. I’m already looking for a convenient-enough way to log exposure info, so additionally logging everything that goes in the bag should be easy enough. I can then also make a second log of kit used for each print to see how my photo-tool hobby serves my photo-making hobby.

I’m thinking this is a good idea for me because my skills are dull from disuse over the pandemic, so slowing down and thinking through the basics will be a worthwhile exercise, and because my intent in photography is shifting, so being mindful of what I do habitually versus purposefully will also help me better realize my ambition.

Now my photo-tool hobby is going full steam ahead: what kit should I use to track what kit I use?

 

[Larry Cloetta]

Larry always makes sense; he's a voice of reason here on RFF.

Many will strongly disagree with that, I'm sure.🙂 30% reasonable man, 70% gadfly, probably more like it. But, it's always sincere, even when it's wrong.
But, thanks!
Still not charting out my lens and body usage on a spreadsheet this year, though.

 

[Dante_Stella]

Larry always makes sense; he's a voice of reason here on RFF.

Here, I find the visceral negative reactions to this idea interesting. Contrary to how I have seen it read, there is only one hard and fast rule ("shoot it"), and no method is prescribed for getting it done. Although a spreadsheet was suggested by one reader, you could shoot your way through the largest collection by simply grabbing a body and three lenses at a time and going out for a day with them. Equally interesting is the way people see "rules" as "limiting" or "joy kills."

It's a consensus among people who have studied the effects of constraints that mild to moderate ones actually impel people to think more creatively. Does someone want to argue that dictating the subject matter is a smaller constraint than dictating the use of tools, at some point, for something?

In my own experience, I can make any tool work to take a picture I want to take (save for shooting color if the film or camera I have is monochrome). Or I can find something to do with any new tool. But if I am not motivated by the subject matter, that's the buzz-kill.

By the same token, it would not surprise me if the real reason G.A.S. exists is that people enjoy the novelty of a new tool and the constraints it introduces (like a fisheye, for example). When that dopamine rush of hitting the top of the learning curve wears off, things go in closets. And if you can't think of a way to make them interesting again, maybe they need to go.

And no, cameras are not like screwdrivers, even Bergeon screwdrivers. Also, unlike screwdrivers, cameras do not magically disappear five minutes before you need them for a project. Looking at you, Wiha metric micro blade driver set.

Dante

 

[Rob-F]

I'll be doing something along these lines very soon, mostly with lenses. I'm bringing more lenses to Colorado this coming week than I'll really need, just to see which ones I most like shooting with. It won't be a test, because I will only shoot pictures I intend to keep. But the idea is similar: to see which gear I will want to keep, and what can go in order to fund something else.

This is a good idea that Dante has suggested. It can be modified to suit individual needs. think a good modification of the rule (for me) is to not include some items that I know I'm never going to part with, unless I'm sure I will need them for this photo trip. So for instance my M2 could stay home, but my M4P should go with me. I'll try taking shots in Silverton with both my 40mm Rokkor, my 35mm Summicron and Zeiss Biogon. Then I'll know if I really need to keep that 40mm just because the framelines of the MP are a little bit reduced in size compared to the M2 M4P and M5.

The Shady Lady and Artistic Blacksmith, Silverton
Leica M9, 28mm Summicron

 

[kram]

Surely if you have Leica WATE lens, or zoom lens you should use it at different focal lengths. Eg, for a 35-70, at 35, 50 &70?

 

[rumbliegeos]

Is there an app for this?

 

[Dante_Stella]

Surely if you have Leica WATE lens, or zoom lens you should use it at different focal lengths. Eg, for a 35-70, at 35, 50 &70?

Simple answer is: up to you.

Realistic answer is that no zoom lens stays at the same FL between separately focused shots, right? And the WATE is a fetish item, not a lens. See? Problem solved. 🙂

Dante

 

[KoNickon]

"Looking at you, Wiha metric micro blade driver set." Or rather, looking FOR you....

Sorry, couldn't resist.

 

[Pál_K]

…Although a spreadsheet was suggested by one reader …

Actually, I did not suggest anyone use a spreadsheet. I merely noted that I keep a spreadsheet for my collection. Along with manufacturer and model, my spreadsheet provides information such as serial number, manufacturing date, when bought, what battery might be required, when last CLA’d, when last used, whether I have the manual, and any issues that need to be addressed.

As for the year-long project, I think it’s a great idea - especially if it lets someone use a single camera for a few weeks or more exclusively.

 

[Noserider]

Now that is a challenge! Well done for such a creative and thoughtful challenge.
I personally do not feel I will be able to even attempt this one, but I will follow along with amusement and encouragement.

 

[JeffS7444]

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...).

I shall be watching from the sidelines with interest. I like to think that my own peak GAS years are behind me, and think I've gotten lots better at stalling tactics aimed at letting myself grow bored with my new toys without ever purchasing them.

My most recent flurry of de-cluttering activity happened in 2020 to mid-2021 but I've reached the point where the more obvious clunkers have been cashed in.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

When I retire- it might be possible.

As it is now- I use every computer in the house except the one that runs CP/m. The high-voltage power supply for the monitor blew out.

 

[DownUnder]

In a word - hm!!

At first glance, this is an interesting idea, and so far a stimulating thread. We all need new ideas and projects to keep us sane in this insane times we are struggling through, and as I see it, this is as good a project as anyone could ever come up with. So kudos to the OP for having put his thoughts into so many good words.

When I retired in 2012 I had 75 cameras. I'm now down to 15. Since the C19 pandemic struck I've bought two, a Lumix GF1 kit I lucked into at a good price and a Leica iif a friend sold me at a reasonable if not exactly cheap price.

I have enough film left to just about do this project, and it would be a good way to check out my cameas, use them one more time before I dispose of a few of them as I want to do in the not-too-distant future, on Ebay, if the market is sufficiently good to bring me the quite reasonable but not dirt cheap prices I want for them - they are good cameras after all, and I don't believe in giving away good gear to resellers who will then relist and make easy money at my expense. Fooi! to them, says I.)

I have four Rollei TLRs. I've not really used them enough in the last few years, and it's time they were taken out and given a good run-through to keep those ancient oils flowing and the gears meshing properly. I tend to compose more carefully and shoot much less with roll film cameras anyway.

I've reached the age where I no longer have the need to hold on to so many things in my life, and there isn't any immediate family I care to leave my collection to after I'm gone. So it's best they go to new homes to be used.

In my case, I'll do a project, and try to photograph the subjects (architecture) in varied ways with different camera and lens combinations. I may not stay with the rules the OP has "suggested" as I prefer to go about using my cameras, lenses, bits and pieces and films in my own way - surely he is not so dogmatic as to insist on blind obedience in what really should be a creative pastime anyway.

As a (retired) architect I think in grids, and while most of my images would not necessarily please those who are more action-oriented than I am, my work is appreciated by my fellow architects, planners and lovers of beautiful buildings. Which is enough for me.

Again, thanks to the OP with what could be an interesting project with ample scope for new creativity - and a lot of fun. Which is badly needed in these sad times.

 

[JeffS7444]

For me, it's not limited to cameras: I often ask myself

"What else could I be doing with my time/money/space if I liquidated my stuff?"

Having said that, I make some allowances for items that I simply enjoy having around. But I don't kid myself into thinking that they're investments: I figure that the people who make real money in vintage cameras know how and when to let things go.

 

[zuiko85]

Your kidding….right?
Besides regular cameras, from a Minox IIIs through several Minolta 16 models on to 35mm half frame and continuing to full frame and an old Kodak Tourist modified to feed from a 120 spool and then on to about 20 homebuilt cameras using 4x5 holders with a bunch of oddball lenses shooting on photo paper.
Holy cow man, it would be hard to tally this mess, much less use it all.



But….. I guess I’ll try anyway.

 

[PaulDalex]

I started something similar for film cameras more than a year ago but not as systematic as proposed here.
Simply I buy rolls (of Provia) and I load them in different cameras (each camera of a different system) in batch of three at the time.
I was driven by nostalgia, but the reality has been not so idyllic as I thought.
To much a troublesome life, with a fading health and too little free time left for photography.
And cameras too, most of them have their own ailments.
It is different from the old times when those cameras were brand new.
in addition, I am misled by digital and I have lost the flexibility and efficiency of old times to get the most from each system.
I trudge and go on. So far 3 rolls plus one almost finished.
So if I can offer my two cents as humble forerunner, the final outcome and moral of the story is that soon I started to desire to choose a single system as the best one and get a like new camera of my dreams in that system and let the others become collector items.
And here comes the next conundrum.
I am absolutely incapable to decide which one I should use.
Oh well in the meanwhile I have a nice pursuit, stimulating me to get out and shoot.

 

[markjwyatt]

I am actually basically doing this already, just not with strict rules or a timeline. I will continue it (likely without the timeline, but given that I only have a couple/few operational cameras to go, I may still make the timeline). And I will count past usage.I do not feel I have GAS, nor that I have "too many cameras", but I do not want to start acquiring a bunch of cameras for the sake of acquisition, either.

 

[zuiko85]

…………..When that dopamine rush of hitting the top of the learning curve wears off, things go in closets. And if you can't think of a way to make them interesting again, maybe they need to go.
……………

Dante

Amen to that! I’m 72 and most probably will not survive the missus. I really do love her and the thought of her having to deal with the detritus of my lifelong hobby makes me want to clean out as much as possible before I exit stage left.