When is a collection?

[GeneW]

I walk a fine line between owning a few good cameras and being a collector. When the balance tips too much towards the collecting side, I sell a few. Then I somehow fill in the blank places with something else. Thinking about this cycle got me thinking about 'what is a collection, anyway?' By definition, your cameras form a collection, but I don't mean quite that. I think, for me, a 'collection' is 'more cameras than I can easily and readily use on a regular basis' Note: nothing wrong with being a true collector, if that's your desire, but I don't think of myself as one. I like to think I'm just a user, except for the burgeoning number of cameras that seem to cling to me...

What is your dividing line between 'user' and 'collector'? Or, put somewhat metaphorically, when is a collection?

Gene

 

[back alley]

i am a user but i collect canon 35mm lenses.

(i'd have lots more if i could afford them)

 

[peterc]

I'd say a collection is when you notice dust collecting on your equipment.

Peter

 

[childers-jk]

I would second what Peter says. If you can see dust, its a collection. 😀 Unless you are very clean!!! If you have more cameras than you use, say you haven't used one all year, then its a collection. BTW is there a number to bet attained? I have a few, by no means a collection. 🙁

 

[rover]

I used to fight it, I would say that "No, I am not a collector."

Well, I am, no sense fighting it, but no sense not being one either.

Is there a line? I don't know, and understand that you don't either. We crossed it a long time ago and didn't notice.

I have a real desire for a Canon VT, or Leica M4, maybe an M2 instead. Why? I don't know, but maybe in the spring I will satisfy my urge.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Dust? That's why I have fitted cases... Even Some of the cases are collectible. Like the MIOJ Nikon cases...

 

[foon]

Dust? That's why I have fitted cases... Even Some of the cases are collectible. Like the MIOJ Nikon cases...

Well I think the cases can collect dust too 🙂

 

[sf]

It is a collection when you buy gear for WHAT it is, rather than what is DOES.

 

[ClayH]

It is a collection when you spend more time deciding which camera to use than you do taking the photo.

 

[Poptart]

It's a collection when you buy a camera thinking how other people will flip when they see it.

 

[ray_g]

IMO, it is when you have pieces of equipment that will do the same thing (backup excluded, within reason).

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

I collect what I use, and use what I collect. I think Peter summed it up nicely.

 

[jan normandale]

Every camera and lens are unique tools. I have household tools , ratchet drivers, skil saws, hack saws, counter punches, drills etc. If I have these tools and use them but infrequently compared to a hammer or screwdriver am I a tool collector? I don't think so.

If you have a special situation camera I don't consider that a 'collection item' ; as an example I have a Nikonos for UW photography, used about 4 mos a year. I don't consider that collecting.

However I do have one camera I consider a 'collection of one' I have an Argus C3 'brick'. But even it gets used. Cutting to the chase, collection or not a collection... I don't know 🙂 but I'm happy!

 

[Sonnar Brian]

> It's a collection when you buy a camera thinking how other people will flip when they see it.

You're a collector when you are the only one who flips over getting it and everyone else dies of boredom hearing about it...

 

[GeneW]

I'd say a collection is when you notice dust collecting on your equipment

Cutting to the chase, collection or not a collection... I don't know 🙂 but I'm happy!

Good, pithy summaries, gentlemen!

Gene

 

[Kin Lau]

hehe... depends on whether I'm trying to justify it to my wife 🙂

I think I'm a user with a collection... there are users, and also cameras, lenses and accessories that are acquired just for the sake of having it, or just to see what it's like.

 

[FrankS]

...lenses are acquired just for the sake of having it, or just to see what it's like.

Hey, I resemble that remark. (Garfield)

 

[reagan]

Oh my........ there may be another line to be crossed as well... 🙁

User >> Collector >> Pack Rat !!!

P.S. My wife says I'm already at Stage Three. 🙄