Paulus Posted February 15, 2015 Share #1 Posted February 15, 2015 Advertisement (gone after registration) Recently I read this: 10 Tips on How to Cure Yourself of GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) Might be helpfull for a lot of us.http://cdn.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/images/smilies/wink.gif Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted February 15, 2015 Posted February 15, 2015 Hi Paulus, Take a look here Nice article: Considerations before buying the next new digital M.. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
toyfel Posted February 15, 2015 Share #2 Posted February 15, 2015 The easiest cure to GAS is not having money. Anyhow, enjoyed reading the blog article. Has a lot of good common sense in it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BerndReini Posted February 15, 2015 Share #3 Posted February 15, 2015 Great article. I read through some of the comments after the article. Man, what a bunch of grumps you have to deal with on the internet. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bocaburger Posted February 15, 2015 Share #4 Posted February 15, 2015 You get to a certain age, your kids are doing fine on their own, you know you've got more birthdays behind than ahead, and you know even if you live to be 100 you're going to slow down at some point. So carpe diem. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
otto.f Posted February 15, 2015 Share #5 Posted February 15, 2015 Stick to one camera ok, but to one lens? Some of my best friends who don't have GAS have three or four lenses. And indeed, I bought most of my lenses second hand, digital bodies new. A System-camera is not meant for street-photography only, so let me like bo-keh and character of lenses please. The other day my son had a presentation with his MacBook with on his desktop a photo of a tram interior, kind of non-content sort of, but made with a Summicron 35 R. The public saw this before the powerpoint started and gasped: wow what a nice photo! It's not just GAS that drives us to nice lenses and not just love of gear either. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tookaphotoof Posted February 15, 2015 Share #6 Posted February 15, 2015 Considering a second MP (film) or M-A body, so nothing to worry about for me. About the article, I can find myself in some of what he writes, but then again I only live once. Strongly thinking about selling of all the remains of my Canon stuff though and keeping my M240 as my only digital camera. The only other camera I would like to keep next to my Leicas is my Hasselblad 501. I just love medium format! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted February 15, 2015 Share #7 Posted February 15, 2015 Advertisement (gone after registration) I've got far too much stuff, and not enough time to use it. I keep saying I should have a clear out and concentrate on just one or two cameras/systems. I even thought of selling everything to buy that new Rolleiflex I've mentioned in another thread! (well I won't sell my lllf or R3 for sentimental reasons). Decisions decisions…. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
IkarusJohn Posted February 15, 2015 Share #8 Posted February 15, 2015 Boy, there's a lot of truth in there! I bet he buys the MP ... I look back to the days of having one body, a 180mm prime and a midrange zoom, and I think how that camera went with me around the World. It gave me a lot of pleasure - I bought carefully and sensibly, and then never gave new gear a second thought. What I had did everything I needed it to do, and very well indeed. Obsolescence wasn't a factor in the world of film. I'm not dissatisfied with any of my Leica gear (and I have no intention of selling any of it), but at the moment I take less pictures than I used to (granted, I'm in a bit of a hiatus, and not just in photography) and I have 4 digital cameras (one AF zoom APS-C camera that takes video, one B&W, one CMOSIS and one CCD being repaired) and two film cameras (one 35mm and one 6x6) and a dozen lenses (all in the range 15mm to 90mm). They need to be used, as that's what it's all about, right? Whether you own one camera and one lens, or dozens of each, that next option will round things out nicely, and so it goes on. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted February 16, 2015 Share #9 Posted February 16, 2015 He left out the number one thing that keeps me centered (other than the obvious enjoyment from taking photos), and that's concentrating on making prints and, when a pic is worthy, doing my own matting and framing so that there is a tangible and self-sufficient result from the act of photographing in the first place. I'd much rather show off a beautiful print than a shiny camera or lens, which frankly nobody else cares about. This perspective makes it much easier to think of the camera/lens as a tool…a means to an end. Plus, I've found over the years that much more improvement in print results comes from the PP end, not the camera/lens (assuming these are adequate to start). There's of course some gear and expense involved on the back-end of the workflow, but relatively small compared to the front end….and not much reason for GAS. Jeff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vern Dewit Posted February 16, 2015 Share #10 Posted February 16, 2015 Or just realize that you only live once and don't over think everything... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paulus Posted February 16, 2015 Author Share #11 Posted February 16, 2015 Or just realize that you only live once and don't over think everything... " Realise that you're weak" was a sentence that interested me. I think the AA is pretty anonymous, but I suppose the whole gear gathering can get quite addictive too. Where's the difference between a gear -, GAS , -addict and " you only live once? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
otto.f Posted February 16, 2015 Share #12 Posted February 16, 2015 Despite the (would-be) powerfull writing, which reminds of Steve Huff a bit, I think the article has hardly any influence on potential buyers, not because they suffer from GAS, but because it's loaded with projections of the writer himself and because there are many more reasonable or rational arguments to buy a digital M than the writer addresses, mainly from the narrow view of streetphotography Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul J Posted February 16, 2015 Share #13 Posted February 16, 2015 Gear Acquisition syndrome. Hmmm. I have a feeling some people have guilt issues for spending money, or have trouble justifying it to their spouse, listen too much to other people (who think spending that sort of money is ridiculous) or are not looking at their own work enough to realise when they need to get on with actual picture taking. I'm going to buy what ever I need or want even if it's spontaneous. Life is too short. I like Eric Kim. I like how he handles criticism, I like how friendly and giving he is, it seems genuine too. He has the obsession, which I respect. But he is very self referential, and it tends to come across as fact. It's OK/great for a sense of perspective, but it's unique to him and his way of doing things: He's a new guy starting out and putting what he learns out there, but it's quite naive, at times, IMO. In this case I disagree with most points. But of corse, that is just the ways for me. I say - less talking, less thinking, more experience. That is: more shooting and trying new gear. It's a part of development and I think you're crazy to limit that and abstain. I will be the first to admit that there have been times when I have been *too* interested in the gear. But anyone interested in actual picture taking gets to the point where they see where their pictures are lacking which forces you to get on with it. So I think it's organic and part of the process. Try it of corse, but this whole "Gas" to the point of it becoming a guilt trip is just silly. I buy things if I believe it will make a difference (obviously, sometimes, I learn i don't need it) and I don't buy things if I can't afford them (I have in the past and learned the hard way!). It get easier as you get older and/or more experienced. Just get on with all and enjoy it. If you really want to take great pictures, you will notice when you need to work on the content. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rdash Posted February 18, 2015 Share #14 Posted February 18, 2015 This is a lesson I shall never learn. Please avoid any of the hobbies/pastimes listed below: Travel; Boats: Shooting; Cars; Hunting; Old houses; Wine; Wife, whose hobby is shopping. Photography involves more skill than I have, but the gear is fun and when serendipity dictates skill=quality of kit, it really comes alive. Shame in my case that is all too rare. I cannot say that I take better pictures now with Leica/Nikon/Fuji stuff than I did with a Zenith/original Canon F1/Olympus OM1, but it doesn't stop me trying. Regards Robert Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonoslack Posted February 18, 2015 Share #15 Posted February 18, 2015 I buy things if I believe it will make a difference (obviously, sometimes, I learn i don't need it) and I don't buy things if I can't afford them (I have in the past and learned the hard way!). It get easier as you get older and/or more experienced. Just get on with all and enjoy it. If you really want to take great pictures, you will notice when you need to work on the content. Excellent Paul I currently have 4 camera systems: M Rangefinder Sony A7ii Olympus E-M1 Leica T The rangefinder kit is my home, and what I love best, but I'm perpetually thinking that I should make up my mind and decide to have one other kit . . . . . but they're each good at different things, added to which I LIKE shooting with all of them. I don't think it's better to shoot with one camera - I think it's better to mix it about, it shakes you up and stops you getting stuck in a rut - Sure - I usually only take one system out at a time (often only one lens at a time). I think the whole GAS thing is a good joke - but if you can afford it and you use them, what's the problem? Personally I feel that: 1) Thinking/Talking about Gear and 2) Taking Photographs are totally distinct activities, and they only overlap in so far as I can use images I get from 2) in 1), and equipment I bought in 1) in 2). Right, the sun's shining, so I'm going to nip out for a quick walk by the river taking an M24, a 28 elmarit and a 75 'cron. all the best Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
zlatkob Posted February 18, 2015 Share #16 Posted February 18, 2015 The article would be better if he didn't steal all of those photos to illustrate it. That's just wrong. Also, there's something ironic about teaching others to resist gear acquisition after one has acquired two Leica M cameras. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
otto.f Posted February 18, 2015 Share #17 Posted February 18, 2015 And longing for an MP, which I bet he has within one year Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tookaphotoof Posted February 18, 2015 Share #18 Posted February 18, 2015 The article would be better if he didn't steal all of those photos to illustrate it. That's just wrong. Also, there's something ironic about teaching others to resist gear acquisition after one has acquired two Leica M cameras. Well, he might be trying to keep you away from making the same mistakes he made? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul J Posted February 19, 2015 Share #19 Posted February 19, 2015 Excellent PaulI currently have 4 camera systems: M Rangefinder Sony A7ii Olympus E-M1 Leica T The rangefinder kit is my home, and what I love best, but I'm perpetually thinking that I should make up my mind and decide to have one other kit . . . . . but they're each good at different things, added to which I LIKE shooting with all of them. I don't think it's better to shoot with one camera - I think it's better to mix it about, it shakes you up and stops you getting stuck in a rut - Sure - I usually only take one system out at a time (often only one lens at a time). I think the whole GAS thing is a good joke - but if you can afford it and you use them, what's the problem? Personally I feel that: 1) Thinking/Talking about Gear and 2) Taking Photographs are totally distinct activities, and they only overlap in so far as I can use images I get from 2) in 1), and equipment I bought in 1) in 2). Right, the sun's shining, so I'm going to nip out for a quick walk by the river taking an M24, a 28 elmarit and a 75 'cron. all the best Nicely put, Jono. That's a great point about getting in a rut with one camera. What I love most is when you find a piece of gear, that for some reason, just gels and it changes how you look at things, it changes your approach and brings something new to your work. Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change... Of corse, sometimes for the better, sometimes for worse, you need to stay objective about it. But it can be something you then inherit: For example, for me, years of working with Polaroid as a medium taught me so much about colour, that I've held onto today and working with polaroid cameras, that instant moment and carefree capture brought something new to my work as well, that balanced my work from being too constructed and considered. Working with Leica introduced me to another side of photography and has influenced me greatly, yet it still maintains what I learned with Polaroid cameras. It's something that will always remain with me no matter the camera i use now, it becomes a part of your work. This is always in mind when I'm considering new gear, it almost always starts from a need for something and when I do buy something it's because I really feel it's going to bring something new. Abstaining from that, to me, is holding back and potentially stagnating. Not the only cause, of corse, but IMO it's there. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MirekE Posted February 20, 2015 Share #20 Posted February 20, 2015 I am a bit confused. The article is about him resisting the temptation to buy Leica MP. But in the "What's in my bag" section he lists Leica MP. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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