I used to have quite a lot of gear that just sat in my box never actually shooting but just getting played with once in a while. In the end I thought what’s the point? maybe it goes up a little in value maybe not but I’ve only ever bought to try and if I haven’t liked then sell. Thanks to Leica mainly I have managed to use many different types of lenses and bodies and actually spent very little if anything over the last 12 years. I don’t think I’ve made much but I certainly didn’t lose anything.
I’d always say buy what you like using and if it holds or makes you a small profit then great but if it costs you some then you’ve still had the pleasure of using.
I’m finally down to 2 Nikons, a D700 and my F6 plus 4 lenses, aCanon S100 and a Yashica T5. I feel liberated from GAS finally. I have no wish or need for any more cameras.
As for film cameras increasing in value I really don’t see it. Yes the usual Leica suspects seem to fluctuate a bit but some of the prices I see here and the bay are in dream land. Realistic achievable prices are a lot lower in a lot of cases. I still see M2’s at 400-500 euro, M6 at 600-700 and realstic MP at 1700-2500, Nikon F and F2 at cheap prices. For users the real cost is a decent service on top of your purchase so I’d always go for serviced items as this you never get a return on. If you can buy at good prices they’ll hold and the use of nice gear has been free..