What happens to your "stuff" when you're gone?

There are a number of Art Institutes around the country that I'm sure would be grateful for such a bequest for student use. I'm sure your local community college art program would also be a grateful beneficiary.
 
There are a number of Art Institutes around the country that I'm sure would be grateful for such a bequest for student use. I'm sure your local community college art program would also be a grateful beneficiary.

I'm not so sure... I went to community college and then art school and outside of lights or large format cameras, I never, ever saw them have cameras for anyone to borrow. Buying equipment in art school or photo classes is seen as the same thing as buying books for other classes. I haven't attended all schools of course, but generally speaking...
 
I'd have the missus sell/give away my stuff here. It's not much and it's not really expensive, but I'd want someone that really likes it to use it.
 
My family is filled with sentimentalists. I am sure my camera gear and guitars would be passed on to, I would hope, my kids.

Except my digital camera. They can toss that in the trash 🙂
 
Quite a depressing thread...*sigh*

Sorry about that, but you're misinterpreting the message. I'm not about to pop off; at least I hope not. I'm just doing some strategic planning. Need I remind folks that there are unscheduled events that may affect us deeply (like death), and over which we have little control? Think Boston Marathon.

And for that reason, my stuff is not for sale, although that could change if I decide to buy a Leica MM. 😀

HFL
 
I'm not concerned about it. If they don't realise there might be some value in it because they never took the time to visit me or take any interest in the rest of the family it is their loss. Not that there is any real value in it but there is enough to make it worth finding out. Maybe if one of them does he/she becomes interested. As good a reason as another. I'm more concerend about the books, organ and workshop than a load of bad photos.
 
I hope the OP's decision isn't his final one.
Circumstances change - RFF might be very different in four years time!
Why four years?
I guess if you have made a will you should revisit it certainly no more than four years from when it was made. You might feel very different from what you did four years ago.
And you can always add documentation to the basic will after it has been made. In fact some explanation of the intention of the will can often help in its interpretation. My wife and I have done this to our wills. At present there is no help on what to do with my camera 'stuff'!

jesse
 
I would say: if you are not using it and it has no emotional value, sell it. Keep the rest - your survivors will probably want to have something that you cared about - a camera does not take up a lot of room. They might decide to sell it if they are appraised of the value

I get calls from time to time asking me if my institution would be interested in accepting photographic and motion-picture gear (I work at a college). It depends on the equipment and its condition and most of the time I have had to decline. There simply isn't enough storage space. Video equipment (5+years old) is automatic no - no more enlargers unless they are better than the ones we have. On the other hand, I have accepted an old Zeiss Ikon 9x12 simply because I did not have the heart to say no (it is a conversation piece sitting on the desk). Working cameras (35mm and up) are usually welcome because we are able to distribute them on weekly loans to students - but again it depends on the camera.
 
My kids have all been involved with my photography, as models, chemical helpers, and such. They all enjoy photography now. The way I see it, they may look at getting some of my stuff for "free" that they can use, keep, or sell as a nice inheritance. But I only keep quality, I sell the junk right away. One kid will get the black Leica, one get the rare LF portrait lens...etc.
 
I would say: if you are not using it and it has no emotional value, sell it. Keep the rest - your survivors will probably want to have something that you cared about - a camera does not take up a lot of room. They might decide to sell it if they are appraised of the value

I get calls from time to time asking me if my institution would be interested in accepting photographic and motion-picture gear (I work at a college). It depends on the equipment and its condition and most of the time I have had to decline. There simply isn't enough storage space. Video equipment (5+years old) is automatic no - no more enlargers unless they are better than the ones we have. On the other hand, I have accepted an old Zeiss Ikon 9x12 simply because I did not have the heart to say no (it is a conversation piece sitting on the desk). Working cameras (35mm and up) are usually welcome because we are able to distribute them on weekly loans to students - but again it depends on the camera.
Exactly. It's a lovely fantasy, the idea of helping 'starving students', but fantasy is almost all it is. We're imagining how we would have felt, 40 years ago, being lent a Nikon F. But it's 2013, not 1973; today's students are not our 20-25 year old selves (rather more, in fact, are girls than was the case in the 1970s); and very few are interested in trying arcane equipment for the sake of trying arcane equipment.

Cheers,

R.
 
I think I would'nt give the most valuable items to charities or schools.
I will leave it go to my familly who will, probably, put it on Ebay. They will get cash and the gear should be acquired by real enthusiasts.

Maybe it is good to make different lots.. (usable, collecting grade..)
 
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