Some days I feel like selling everything…

[jakontil]

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20 hours ago, DefAtom said:

I can totally relate to your feelings. Currently, I own a Leica M6, 2 Rolleiflex cameras, 1 Rollei 35s, and several mirrorless cameras for video photography and macro photography. Wow, what a mess! When I go traveling, I only shoot with my Leica. After going through the posts, I'm contemplating trading in all the cameras except the M6 for a digital Leica. I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but I just feel like it's time to make some changes.

I went through that road before, now all the funds are in leica glasses and few M bodies digital n films, with hasselblad 503cw is an exception 

i can always go and buy others but always come back to M, learnt the lesson the hard way 🤣😂🤣

[Mikep996]

I have very similar feelings..

I just got back from a week on the Amalfi Coast.  Camera-wise I took: my M10R BP w/50 Summilux, 21 super Elmarit, and 90 Tele Elmarit; my Q2, and (of course); my iPhone (11 pro).  TBH, after many years of using Leica Ms (back in the film days and digital) I found it annoying to carry/change lenses!  Also, I found several shots with the summilux at f1.4 were very slightly out of focus.  That, of course, is NOT the fault of the camera or lens but the reality is that I mis-focused more times than is acceptable to me.  The Q2 was bulletproof and a couple of shots  were sharper from the Q2 with the image cropped to "50mm."  I am NOT saying that the Q2 will produce a sharper image cropped to 50mm than the M/50mm Summilux; I AM saying that with ME focusing the Summilux at f1.4, the Q2 cropped to 50mm produced a sharper image in several cases.

I guess what that means is that for me the consideration is not, "which is a 'better' camera," it is "which one produces better images in my hands."  In this case, I'd have to say the Q2 since it never had a focus error and, of course, there was no need of carrying/changing lenses.

What about the iPhone?  Well, it also never mis-focused, was extremely handy AND provides a time/location for every shot.  I find that very useful.  In fact, the M, which I THOUGHT I had set the date months ago showed all the pics shot this past week as being shot in May, '23.  Again, not blaming the camera - I didn't check the date before we left - but the iPhone doesn't require any attention.  And, if you sending pics to others, the M/Q2 are non-starters compared to an iPhone!  This was a big must-do on this trip since my wife's mom wanted frequent photographic updates.   I also really like the location info where you can see where you made the shot within a few feet on a map.  I spent many years on trips taking photos that later we looked at each other saying, "where was that?"  😆 

Further...no surprise here - On my 16" MacBook Pro, there is no useful difference in image quality between the three cameras (assuming I properly focus the M). 🙄   The DNGs are, of course, much more capable with post processing than the iPhone's JPEGs but using whatever 'smartness' it inherently possesses, generally requires little else than some minor cropping.  Deep cropping is a different issue but the three lenses on the iPhone allows it to punch well above its weight.  Note: I am not claiming the iPhone camera is the best of the smart phone cameras; it is simply the only one I have experience with. Further, my iPhone 11 is ancient technology in the cellphone world; I assume any current smartphone that includes a good camera can produce even better results.

So, as per the title of this thread, am I thinking of selling everything/anything?  Heck, I don't know.  The above is more an observation than any real conclusion but it does make me think a bit about all this camera stuff and the difference between the practical application and the theoretical capability!!  🤔  But selling my Leica stuff would be hard for me...🤢

 

 

[LocalHero1953]

I spent a very satisfactory week recently in the south of France with three independent camera systems:

• iPhone as a visual notebook for reminders and occasional immediate social media posts. 
• Q2 for photos of street, urban and crowd scenes. I don't need anything long for this.
• Leica MP and 75mm Summilux, with Portra 160, for posed portraits of people I met. I took the Elmarit 28mm asph as well, but hardly used it.

One bag was enough for two cameras, no spare lens, and a water bottle. I try to avoid carrying extra lenses when I'm out, and also try to keep my mind centred on photographic opportunities that match the kit I have with me i.e. no regrets for shots I might have got "if only I had the right lens".

[Ouroboros]

I have 12 film cameras and 5 digital cameras.  All of my film cameras are used regularly in an ad hoc rotation  at least 3-4 days a week, my most used digital camera these days is my M10-R, which is ok as digital cameras go but I'm unlikely to ever buy another Leica digital M camera.  As nice as the M10-R is, I bought it mainly for the convenience of air travel without having to worry about having films ruined by the new type of security scanners.  Otherwise, I actually prefer using my film MP and Barnacks to the M10-R.   

The other four digital cameras I have are Nikon dslr's and a Fuji X100F left over from my working life, which are mainly now unused  and are about to be offloaded onto Wex or MPB, depending on which gives me the best quote.  

I occasionally think about buying a Hasselblad X2D but it would be at the cost of my Fuji GX617 and lenses, GW/GSW690iii's and my two Hasselblad 503cw's and assortment of Zeiss CF/Cfi lenses, all of which I've had for years and  have made some of my most successful images with. 

It's still a step too far for me to part with those cameras and lenses for the sake of buying a new digital camera just yet, despite the continually rising cost of film photography which is responsible for my outlay on  film and chemistry now approaching £200 per month.

I balance that against the pleasure I always get from taking a freshly processed film out of the tank and holding the negatives up to the light for a first look. It never diminishes.

 

[Mikep996]

"I balance that against the pleasure I always get from taking a freshly processed film out of the tank and holding the negatives up to the light for a first look."

I agree with that!

 I began using my old M6 again when I became re-interested in film a while back.  However, now I pretty much shoot medium format film and only black and white which I develop/print myself in a darkroom.  Prior to the trip to Italy I thought about taking my Bronica SQAi as my only "real camera" and let the iPhone handle color pics but I didn't want to deal with film/airports.   IMO, the only way it is workable for me is to buy the film/have it developed where I was visiting then do the printing when I got back home.  I didn't check on that possibility beforehand so I don't know if 120 film/developing was available in/around Amalfi.  I'm guessing, "No," but maybe...

Both the M and the Q2 worked great but I wouldn't carry them both again; I'd pick one or the other depending on what my photo plans/expectations might be.  In this recent trip either the M with a 28 and a 50 or the Q2 would have been fine.  I had no need for both.  I had thought I'd make use of the isolation capability of the 50/f1.4 over what the Q2 could do but the real requirement for that never really came up.  However, shooting indoors in various places I did find that coming from years of using a 50mm Summicron, I clearly need more practice when focusing my recently purchased 50 Summilux at f1.4.  

 

 

 

Edited August 2, 2023 by Mikep996

[John Robinson]

On 8/1/2023 at 10:15 AM, Ouroboros said:

All of my film cameras are used regularly in an ad hoc rotation 

Totally agree.  Mechanical cameras like to be used and I have about seven or eight I try to use regularly in a rotation partially determined by choice of lens.  One of the pleasures of shooting film (apart from the results that always seem different from digital capture, even of the same scene with the same lens) is using the cameras from the 1960s, 70s, 80s etc that were the primary photographic tools for those of us who started out back then.  There is a tactile quality to picking a camera that was a favourite work tool--the feel in the hand, the click or clack of the shutter, the view through the viewfinder--that conjures up memories of old images or old journeys and produces a way of looking at the world that is subjectively different from that of some--not all--modern cameras.  There is also the technical challenge of using relatively simple cameras where most of the decisions, especially exposure, are a matter of judgement without much or any automation.

Back to the question posed in the OP:  is having "too many" cameras a burden that takes away the pleasure of photography?  I know that feeling and certainly have had a "clear out" from time to time until I reached the point of selling a camera because I wasn't using it but then regretting it when I found a use but no longer had the camera, only to discover that it would cost three times as much to replace it as I sold the original for.  So now I take the view that there is nothing wrong with having a collection of old cameras and a certain pleasure in keeping them maintained, putting a film through from time to time, even if they spend most of the time on the shelf because--after a lot of testing--I have narrowed down the choice of cameras for everyday use to a subset that are totally reliable with lenses that I know how to get the best from.

How this relates to buying and selling current- or late-model cameras (Leica M digital, Q etc) is probably a different question because electronic cameras can be very expensive and have such a short shelf life before losing their re-sale value.  My M9 and M9M are now three or four generations out of date and have gone well beyond the point where trying to "trade up" to later models would make any sense.  Soon they will reach the category of "old" cameras that are worth keeping for the memories they invoke.

 

[JoshuaR]

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I’m a classic over-equipped hobbyist: I have an M10, MP, Q2, Ricoh GR IIIx, Pentax 67ii, and Rollie 35S; for the M system I have a 21, 28, 35, 50, and 75 lenses. Basically it’s a small car’s worth of photo equipment on my shelf. Meanwhile, when I look through my archives, it’s crystal clear that my pictures were perfectly good back when I only had a Fuji X-Pro and 35mm-e lens. So I’m always thinking of selling things and simplifying.

The problem with selling digital gear is that you lose money through depreciation—and then if you want to re-buy, it’s expensive. My current Q2 is actually my second; I previously sold a Q2 because I thought I didn’t really need one. My MP is also a replacement—I previously had an M2 and an M4-P that I sold when I thought I wanted to go digital only. So I’ve vowed not to sell gear again unless I really have a very clear goal in doing so and am a hundred percent sure I won’t regret it.

To that end, I sometimes sit down, list out my gear, and actually write down why I own it and what I’m using it for. I’ll spare you the details, but I do find it helpful. I append to the list photos that could only have been taken with that particular piece of gear. This makes it concrete: instead of asking if I could do without a particular piece of equipment, I ask if I’d be fine if a certain kind of picture hadn’t been taken. My recurrent fantasy is selling all my non-M gear to buy an M10M. So the question really becomes whether I’d prefer to forego the photos I take with my whole range of gear in favor of the pictures I’d maybe take with an M10M. I’m pretty sure that I’d not prefer the switch—but I can’t rule it out.

[Pyrogallol]

I have recently traded in 33 lenses and 4 cameras, not all Leica, for 3 “modern” Leica lenses, two 35mm asph Summicrons and a classic 35mm Summilux. I keep a spreadsheet of cameras with the dates they are used so that I can tell which ones turn it is to be used next.

[BradS]

Yup, I definitely feel like selling all of them except one or two. I've been trying to do just that - I've been slowly selling off my collection. I'm now down to a dozen bodies and about three dozen lenses. Selling this stuff piece by piece on internet fora is nerve wracking and time consuming.  @Pyrogallol 's massive trade in is inspiring. Maybe I'll do something similar. I just cannot think of what I'd want in trade - other than cash of course.

[benqui]

Like most crazy guys here, I have several digital and analog cameras, for sure overequipped. Last time when I was in Iran, I only had the Q2 with me. I used it for portraits, architecture and landscape. And it was perfect. Do I need more cameras? No! Sometimes I ask myself too, why not selling all the stuff and keeping the Q2? But the problem is, I have the same thoughts when I use the other cameras too😄😄

Edited August 6, 2023 by benqui

[cesc]

I had the same feeling one year ago, and I should have posted my intentions here before. Doing so, I wouldn't be regretting (A LOT) my decision now. I started film photography 10 to 12 years ago with an M6 and a 35 KOB; back then, prices were really reasonable. I also got a Rolleiflex. However, I ended up selling everything - a decision I regret. I then bought an M3 with a 50mm Sonnar and an M2 with a Summicron 35 ASPH.

When I had all this Leica gear, I decided I could sell everything and buy a NEW Leica film camera, experiencing the feeling of being the first owner of a film M body. So, I sold all my gear again and bought an MP black paint with a 28mm lens. However, film was becoming expensive, and with two little girls, I made the choice to transition to digital. Last year, I bought an M10, and I also decided to stop shooting film (another mistake) so I trade the MP and I got a 35 FLE. This setup of the M10 with a 35 FLE lens led to many great shots; I truly loved it.

But in 2023, at the beginning of the year, I couldn't justify keeping this expensive equipment. This turned out to be a significant mistake. Now, I find myself without a camera, neither film nor digital. My free time is spent mostly on reading articles and browsing Leica stores in France, second-hand websites, and so on, all in search of a good deal.

I just wanted to share my regrettable decisions. It's clear I didn't learn from my initial mistake of selling my M6 with the KOB. If I hadn't, I might have had the M10 with the FLE by now. But mistakes are a part of life, and I'm confident that my Leica journey isn't over. Still, it's hard to shake off the feeling of regret that's stuck in my mind.

 

 

[newtoleica]

17 hours ago, cesc said:

 

But in 2023, at the beginning of the year, I couldn't justify keeping this expensive equipment.

…… that’s the issue that usually leads to selling stuff. Just use it.

 

 

[geoffreyg]

Too embarrassed to list it all. For travel and snaps, a CL, mostly with the 18-56. An M10M for a traveling "art" camera, a combination that works well. Would enjoy a Summilux for the M, but the 35 and 50 'crons are good enough, along with CV  35 Skopar, which is super small and renders well. So if you don't look deeper in the closet, there is a rationale in place. 

Edited August 24, 2023 by geoffreyg

[fotografr]

I've never had the urge to sell everything, but I have gone through periods where I've made serious attempts to greatly reduce my gear in order to just simplify my photography life. I'd love to be able to get down to one M body and two lenses: M11 plus 35 APO and 75 Noctilux. That's my dream kit.

[jakontil]

6 hours ago, fotografr said:

I've never had the urge to sell everything, but I have gone through periods where I've made serious attempts to greatly reduce my gear in order to just simplify my photography life. I'd love to be able to get down to one M body and two lenses: M11 plus 35 APO and 75 Noctilux. That's my dream kit.

Im at the crossroads of simplifying my photography life, i try to diminish the urge of selling so it’s kind of interlocking

not even i was able to offload my rarely used hasselblad.. may be used like once-twice every month in average, when i feel i rarely use it and the need to sell it, it will make me think im gonna miss it whenever i look at that bigger film format (compared to 135)

i still havent found my dream kits, as all i have right now is my dream sets, may be that’s why.. 

[Huss]

I feel the feelings.  I have too much stuff, know I have too much stuff, and know I really should sell most of it.  Especially since whenever I go out for a day of casual, fun shooting I only ever take one camera, one lens and a bunch of film.

[hepcat]

On 7/29/2022 at 1:06 PM, hepcat said:

Oh yes... in the past fifty years,  I've had four or five nice, complete sets of Leica M cameras; both film and digital,  three complete sets of Hasselblad, several collections of Nikon F gear, and now two complete sets of Kiev88CM cameras.  I've had a couple of sets of Mamiya C330 kits...  the list is lengthy.  😁

The FIRST "real" camera I bought in 1973 with my high-school graduation money was a Canon IIF outfit with 35, 50, 85, and 135 lenses and accessories.  It was stolen while I was in the Navy.  I had some of the accessories left, and I've carted them around with me now for fifty years.  Just YESTERDAY a really good friend gifted me a freshly overhauled Canon IVSB with a 35, 50, and Easy-up along with a slew of accessories.  This one is a keeper.   I'd always planned on buying another "some day" but just never got around to it.  I'm so fortunate to have really good friends.

Resurrecting this from my post in this thread a year ago...  how things change!  I continued to acquire Canon LTM equipment. I mostly bought everything for a song, and the values have skyrocketed (see attached photo.)  I sold my Phase One XF and Leaf Credo 40 back, lenses, and accessories.   I bought a Leicaflex two-body, six lens kit early in 2022 and have expanded that to include three Leicaflex bodies (Std, SL, & US Navy veteran SL2) and a few more lenses, all of which get used on my Lumix S1 and recently acquired S5 bodies.  I've acquired a pristine M3 w/DR Summicron and a like-new M5 with a v3 Summicron, all for ridiculously low prices.   I also, in the past two months, acquired a very low-click chrome M10-P body.   The M10-P may just well be THE quintessential Leica digital body.  It has enough of everything with nothing I don't like (so far.)  It has become my constant companion.   My Canon LTM lens inventory has become my go-to lens set for my M10-P also.  The quality of the lens barrels and the way that 1950s design glass renders on the M10-P sensor is just delightful.

I considered selling my P6 gear to fund the M10-P, but this being the third iteration of it I've gotten 'hold of, I've realized the folly of doing that.  I'll be keeping that as well.

For the first time in the fifty years I've been shooting, I am quite content with the gear, and the range of gear I have at my disposal.  I honestly can't think of anything I want for now.  That M10-P is my crown jewell.

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[Deejaybeephoto]

Sold all my Nikon Z gear inc zoom and prime lenses to buy a used M10- my first Leica. The Z6 and lenses in mint condition didn’t come anywhere near the cost of the M10 (!) but I’m really pleased with my decision to get off the GAS merry go round.  I’ve paired it with a new Voigtlander 35 f2 vintage for the first step on my journey. However, I hope to add Leica glass in future. I’m 70 now and have had cameras since I was a teenager so I should know what I’m doing by now 🤣

[Bikie John]

15 hours ago, Deejaybeephoto said:

I’m 70 now and have had cameras since I was a teenager so I should know what I’m doing by now 🤣

I'm not too far behind you. I have had cameras since I was a teenager and I still don't have a clue what I'm doing 

John

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[MarkP]

17 hours ago, Deejaybeephoto said:

really pleased with my decision to get off the GAS merry go round. 

However, I hope to add Leica glass in future. ... 🤣

...YOU'VE JUST BOUGHT INTO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL OF GAS...