So, Does New Equipment Ever Inspire?

[ktmrider]

I have too many cameras and unfortunately I want a few more. However, I realize I am at the point of diminishing returns. Now I do most of my photography when I travel.

I understand GAS and I love cameras (especially film cameras from the 1970's through 2000). Am getting ready to spend 90 days in Europe and will take an M9 but can't help thinking a 120 folder would be fun. We will be packing all of our gear on two 100 mile hikes so I do come up to a weight limit.

I keep hoping a new piece of gear would inspire but it seldom does. Guess I should just keep what I own or at least sell something if I buy something else. Does anyone ever get inspired by a new camera? I will say getting the M9 in Feb made me finally start manipulating images in LR so I can't say new gear NEVER inspires.

 

[back alley]

new gear can lead to inspiration but there are no guarantees…

for your trip…and this may sound absolutely nuts to you and does to me a bit…but…think about a fuji 100 and only a fuji 100!

 

[KenR]

Yes, it does for me. Especially when I get something very different, either in format or in focal length, from what I already have. I will then walk, drive or train it to both old and new locations with my new toy. I find the creative juices start to flow again and then will use the old stuff as needed to fill in any gaps. Recently I have been doing large format again, after putting it aside for 5 or so years, and am finding great joy in it. I have been photographing some abandoned buildings at a nearby psychiatric hospital with the big camera and really looking forward to going back to fill in some blanks in the project. My only worry is that they will watch me with the big camera and decide to keep me there permanently.

 

[cz23]

I'd say the Ricoh GR is among the most inspiring cameras I've used. I say that because it invites a wonderful free and spontaneous way of working, with its size, snap focus, TAV function, and one-handed capability. I think Sean Reid's description of it as a sketching camera is right on. I love that about it. I have other cameras, but picking up the GR is like slipping on a favorite pair of jeans. Everything about it is just right and encourages creativity. So, yes, new gear can definitely inspire, as well as keep the inspiration flowing.

John

 

[kuvvy]

Agree about the GR. I love I too. Recently bought a DP2 Merrill and liking that despite its quirks. Been out shooting with my Xpro today with the 18-55 I recently bought and hated it. Much prefer prime shooting so the zoom has gone up for sale.
Gear can inspire, if it works for you but it won't necessary make you a better photog.
Paul

 

[ktmrider]

Well, I have a Fuji X100 and it has been the only camera on recent trips to Thailand, Nepal, and Peru. I got the M9 in Jan, 2014, and it went along to Laos. Honestly, I could leave the M9 at home and just take the X100 but having spent so much, the M9 with 21/50/90 is on the list.

And up till purchasing the M9, I simply shot jpg's with the X100. With the M9, I have been starting to learn LR.

 

[Godfrey]

New gear always gets something going. I'm experimenting with my new Polaroid SLR670m by MiNT this weekend. So much to learn, so much to figure out. 🙂

G

 

[YYV_146]

If I want to explore a shooting style or format, I buy something that can make it happen. If I like the experience I keep what I bought, and if not it goes to the classifieds or eBay.

So yes, I think the occasional equipment indulgence is healthy for photography passion.

 

[hausen]

I think so. I have always wanted a 903SWC, which I finally got last Thursday. Never wanted a camera more, the anticipation immense waiting the 10 days for it to arrive. Have put 2 rolls through it and I can't wait until I go out again. Not sure all new gear would work this way but if it is something you truly desire and if the gear lives up to the GAS hype then you will be inspired.

 

[Mackinaw]

Cameras, no, an oddball lens, yes. Some lens that has a totally unique signature (like the Canon FL 58/1.2) can inspire me.

Jim B.

 

[Addy101]

I think this will help: Voigtländer Bessa II on Youtube. :angel:

Yes, new stuff can help, but also limiting oneself. The advice of taking one camera and one lens is a good one. I sometimes take one lens or a more or less limiting set of lenses. Just to challenge myself.

 

[icebear]

I don't buy new gear often. Until the MM I never bought anything new, only second hand.
The MM truly inspired me seeing in black and white again.
Just too many photos are taken that are just taken because there is a big swat of color in the frame.
Nothing wrong with that but if you take the color away is it still an interesting photo?
I for myself definately was guilty and after shooting the MM it made me realize this.
So, YES the MM is inspiring, every time I take is into my hand.

 

[oftheherd]

I think it can sometimes, but not always. I also think it can be either a new camera, new lens, or a combination. I got a twinge of excitement when I bought my Contax 167mt. I like my 50mm f/1.4, and the zooms from 18mm to 150mm. There are times when I grab it over my Fujica kit because it delivers well, and the kit is lighter.

As to your question about a folder, if you get a folder without RF, it will probably be pretty light. I have a Zeiss 6x9 that is very light, and the Zeiss lens delivers well. I have others as well, such as Fujicas and Weltas. They are good but tend to be a little heavier. One Fujica and one Welta also are dual formated at 645 and 6x6. I also have a Mamiya Six RF (the old, not the new Mamiya 6) which is a lot heavier but fun to have and use.

 

[aizan]

if you aren't inspired by new equipment, consider yourself lucky that you only find it in other things! 🙂

 

[rluka]

Refresh, excite and re-motivate, yes. Inspire, not really.
But getting motivated to shoot brings you closer to things that do inspire

 

[BillBingham2]

Inspire not so much

Inspire not so much

New gear makes me think about things differently. When I think about things differently sometimes I see things differently, so perhaps it does. I think it can open up new approaches, new perspectives. Inspiration for me is different, I think, though I could be wrong.

Great question.

B2

 

[noisycheese]

So, Does New Equipment Ever Inspire?

It does for me.

I would think that your upcoming 90 day Europe odyssey would be a great inspiration; it is - isn't it??

The 100 mile hike that you will go on should be a red flag about bringing too much gear and carrying excessive weight. Take only the essentials - the more gear you carry, the less photographs you will come home with, at least in my experience. Also, the more weight you must carry on your back, the less you will enjoy the hiking - again in my experience.

I would take one system - 35mm 120 or digital. A wide angle lens, a 50mm lens and a longer lens (90mm or another short telephoto) with two camera bodies and maybe a small flash unit.

You don't have to have an 8x10 view camera kit or a megadollar medium format digital camera kit, either. You can create exhibit quality prints with a modest 35mm camera kit and film. Anyone who tells you otherwise is either a camera salesman, spewing hogwash or both. 😉

 

[charjohncarter]

I totally agree with you, I got by with a IIIf, a Spotmatic, and a Rolleiflex for almost forty years now I am buying digital and bigger 120 cameras but I'm not really a better photographer (if I ever was a good one). Maybe I'm worse, at least I knew which way to focus with my three standbys.

But Alfa Romeo has reintroduced a new model for the USA. I can't wait to get one.

 

[Darthfeeble]

I heartily subscribe to the theory but it seems the inspiration is fleeting at best. I suspect if you need something new to inspire your art that there might be something lacking..... I do find that certain cameras lend themselves to certain photography better than others.

 

[Juan Valdenebro]

I feel like going out shooting right now when I receive new gear, and i think that's good...
Using equipment we like is nice and helps...
Cheers,
Juan