Help Me Spend My Money!

[macnorfin]

I just got my first paycheck as an adjunct professor and the money is burning a hole in my pocket! I am, or course, considering buying new equipment (what else would one do in RFF?), but what should I buy? Not seen in my sig is a new RD-1 and C/V 28 1.9 and C/V 35 1.7 and a tri-elmar, so the kit is rather complete.

I have about $2400 for the semester and it is basically found money.

Should I buy a summilux/summicron?

Should I buy a used MP/M7?

Should I buy a boatload of bulk film?

Should I buy some classes at the International Center for Photography over the summer?

Should I buy a trip to someplace to take photos?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[kmack]

4 & 6, You seem to have some nice gear already. I would get some film for that Speed Graphic and go on a trip somewhere and play photographer.

But that's just me :)

[BrianShaw]

Wow... what a great offer. Usually I stand back and watch my wife spend my paycheck; now I can help you spend yours. Whoopee!!

Here's what I would do if I were you (any of the following):

- buy a boatload of bulk film.

- buy some classes at the International Center for Photography over the summer.

- buy a trip to someplace to take photos.

Good luck with whatever you choose. :)

[ch1]

I agree with Kevin - if you have the time to do so - take a trip somewhere and use your gear!

I am now in my mid-50's. Because of "obligations" I have less free time now than I did when I was younger even if I am "better off" financially.

If you have time to travel - do so. CARPE DIEM!

[back alley]

classes!
i'd love to spend the summer taking classes at icp.

and then film.

joe

[John]

There is a used mint Leica MP black paint at Popflash photo for $2577. Probably a chrome one somewhere too. When will you have that much again? :D :D

[macnorfin]

classes!
i'd love to spend the summer taking classes at icp.

and then film.

joe
That's actually what I'm leaning toward. I would like to relearn wet printing and they have a week-long intensive large format class in July. LF is something I've always wanted to try, although it seems the opposite of rangefinders in a way. They have some other interesting classes as well.

[ch1]

There is a used mint Leica MP black paint at Popflash photo for $2577. Probably a chrome one somewhere too. When will you have that much again? :D :D

It'll cost a "buck three eighty" in November after the Leica digiM comes out! :D

[erikhaugsby]

Mail it all to me and I'll spend it quickly indeed.

otherwise buy film and a nice vacation.

[jcline]

I definitely say film and vacation! Though, I think whenever you have the chance to travel you should do it. Sometimes you have time, sometimes you have money, how often do you have time and money?

[clarence]

Now that you've proven that I can go into research and yet not be broke, I now have absolutely no doubt that my future lies in academia.

Thank you.

Clarence

[Benjamin Marks]

I think the classes at ICP have always been overpriced. How much darkroom printing will you do once the class is over? Do you have a darkrooom of your own so that you can keep your printing kung-fu at a high level? I think you are on the right track, though. Gear-wise (and I'm a fine one to talk) it won't be your kit holding you back. You've got some nice stuff in that collection and VERY capable of turning out world-class images. I would actually spend the money making the kind of images you like. If it's studio portraits, rent a studio for a couple of days and line up all the people you've ever wanted to take pictures of to parade through on the half-hour. If it's street photography, put yourself in some streets that are new and different (although in NYC, you'd hardly have to go far . . .). Or, try to use the money conceptually to craft a project that will teach you something or document something you find interesting. Because you seem to be in NY, you also have access to rental equipment that others might not have. Why not rent an 8x10, a lens and some film holders from Lens & Repro for a week? Gear can break, get stolen or become obselete, but an experience you buy with that found money will last forever.

Or: if you must buy a camera, get a used M6-classic for around $1,000 (IMHO, the best value/price point in Leica gear these days). Or buy Jorge's chrome Summicron for $900 bucks, spend the rest on film.

Let us know what you decide!

With a certain amount of good-natured envy,

Ben Marks

[pesphoto]

I could give you my address to send a check to. hehe

[Goodyear]

Either the classes or a bunch of film and a trip somewhere to shoot it - even if that's just down the road from where you live.

Of course, I can't say for sure I'd be sensible enough to make those choices... :D

[wtl]

richman syndrome...

travel, i suggest...

[fgianni]

Get a Noctilux and send it to me for testing, I'll give it back...honest.

[grantray]

With that same amount I spent two weeks in the Peruvian Andes in August 2000. Go take photos in places that you may not otherwise get the chance to explore. You already have enough gear.

-grant

[ERV]

Don't forget to save something for photo books!
Whenever I have a little extra cash, its off to the Strand to buy something for the library.
Its also an easy way to 'spread the wealth' with important people in your life.

[clarence]

Don't mean to be a wet blanket but you could give some to charity.

But please spend the rest on photography!

Clarence

[MP/CLE]

Travel and document the trip with photos which will increase your comfort level with your equipment which will make you a better photographer which will possibly enable you to make more money which will provide the opportunity for more travel... etc.

[anaanda]

Hi Macnorfin..
since you seem to have some good cameras already, maybe buying a camera for a young person who can't afford one and teaching them how to use it..would be a good idea...good karma!:)