View Full Version : What do you do when your spouse catches you in the act?
As I am carefully studying the pictures of the M8 on the French site that Mackinaw has kindly pointed out, I am suddenly aware of my wife standing over my right shoulder...
Wife of Honus: "What are you looking at?"
Honus: "Oh, Hi sweetie, I didn't know you were in the room."
Wife of Honus: "What are you looking at?"
Honus: "Oh that. It's just some camera prototype. I'm not really interested in it."
Wife of Honus: "If you're not interested in it, why are you carefully measuring every dimension and drooling all over your keyboard?"
Honus: "Am I drooling? It must be because of the delicious dinner we had tonight!"
Wife of Honus: "Cut the BS. You're not thinking of buying that camera are you?"
Honus: "Why would I need another camera? (gulp)"
Wife of Honus: "Exactly."
Honus: "Of course, this camera would allow me to use my new Summilux lens on a digital camera. You know how much you like to email family pictures from digital cameras."
Wife of Honus: "What new Summilux?"
Honus: "I didn't mean new as in new. I meant old, but good as new. (sweat starting to bead on brow) Not that I would consider it, but I could probably sell the 'ol Digilux 2 for close to what I paid for it. (smiling)
Wife of Honus: "So this camera you're looking at, how much does it cost?"
Honus: "Nobody knows what it will cost because it hasn't been released yet." (note - although this statement is technically true, I am going to burn in Hell for this!)
Wife of Honus: "Well, if you can sell your Digilux and use the money to buy this camera, go ahead. But don't even think about spending any additional money."
Honus: "I might have to throw in an extra bob or two, but not to worry" (smiling really profusely)
Wife of Honus" "Humpf..." (walking away)
My question for the viewing audience is this: Can I be safe in assuming that I now have blanket approval?
ClaremontPhoto
09-07-2006, 20:55
I know it. Well-handled mate.
rogue_designer
09-07-2006, 21:01
"My question for the viewing audience is this: Can I be safe in assuming that I now have blanket approval?"
That depends... does your wife have a vindictive streak and a penchant for travel?
If no to both, then yes - it sounds like she's all for it. :D
Yes, that's what you have. Blanket approval.
In other words, you'll have her approval to sleep on the couch with a blanket if she catches on.
visiondr
09-07-2006, 21:09
My question for the viewing audience is this: Can I be safe in assuming that I now have blanket approval?
Ohhh, you have blanket approval allright... you'll need to take your own blanket to sleep on the couch for a few weeks if she finds out you bought that camera without the requisite spousal approval.
:bang:
Can you say "busted".
Ron
visiondr
09-07-2006, 21:11
Oops,
Jlw, it appears great minds think alike... (and fools seldom differ)
Ron
herbkell@shaw.c
09-07-2006, 21:12
Green light all the way
No would be much more emphatic
At least that's how I have chosen to read it from all of my wives :o
ClaremontPhoto
09-07-2006, 21:16
The M8 seems to be styled very similar to other M's. If you put black tape over the M8 engraving, and your other M too will she even notice the new camera?
Spouse,"Don't you think it would be nice if our cat had a playmate?"
Me (with allergies),"I think that would be great, and I'll get the $4000+ Leica to take digital photos of it."
Pause (crickets)
Spouse,"But I thought you liked using old cameras."
Me, "But I thought we agreed to having only one cat."
Pause (more crickets)
Spouse,"Well we did, but I just thought it might be better for the one when we are away."
We still haven't reached detente yet.......
The most amazing thing is that you paid the Digilux premium over the Panasonic :P
Wife of Honus" "Humpf..." (walking away)
My question for the viewing audience is this: Can I be safe in assuming that I now have blanket approval?
No, you're not there yet..
You need to take lousy pictures for a while. Not merely naff pictures, they need to positively stink.. Overexposed, underexposed, horrid flash, cut-off heads, anything goes. If you've got pets or kids that you can abuse, so much the better.. :eek:
When that registers with the missus, you'll be told to get a decent camera for a change.. Now, that's your golden moment.. :cool:
You can always start talking about the nice way your secretary looked last day etc. That is bound to take her mind off camera's....;)
Stephanie Brim
09-07-2006, 23:17
From a woman's perspective, I agree with jlw's response. :)
jmilkins
09-07-2006, 23:59
I use my blanket to hide my other 18 assorted picture making boxes....;) :angel: ;)
From a woman's perspective, I agree with jlw's response. :)
I'm sure, Stephanie, that YOU would not object to Hubby buying a new camera ;)
I doubt, however, that he would get to use it much....:p although this is digital:rolleyes:
you know what most divorces are about? $$$$$ :D
Stephanie Brim
09-08-2006, 00:24
I've gotten Adam away from the whole digital thing as well...in fact, I'm going to get him into the bath/darkroom with me when I'm printing to get him started again. He won't be as interested in cameras as me, but I bet within a year or so I can get him back to wanting to shoot and develop. ;)
Also, this is why I agree with Gene Simmons on marriage. I don't have to answer to anyone but the bill collectors about where my money goes. ;)
Honus,
You're really good at writing!! I enjoyed reading the dialogue. Post the end of the story one day... with the buying and the shouting :D
BTW, I experienced the same here, but for other reason:
- what's that darling?
- a ... Contax ... IIa
- and?
- just looking at it ... it's a beautiful camera, isn't it? and a very good one.
- but you're not seriously considering buying one, right?
- ooh no no no ... :angel:
- so why are you looking at this camera on eBay? are you looking for one?
- well, you know, maybe one day ...
- what? what's the matter with you I thought Leica was the best. You need some change? One day, it won't be a camera but a young bimbo : she's a beautiful girl, isn't she? and a very good one ... blablabla ... you men ...
And there, I'm sweating in silence ... :o
Best,
Marc
Yes, that's what you have. Blanket approval.
In other words, you'll have her approval to sleep on the couch with a blanket if she catches on.
like that on :D :D :D
greggebhardt
09-08-2006, 02:54
Looks like a "bright" green light to me!
greggebhardt
09-08-2006, 02:56
The most amazing thing is that you paid the Digilux premium over the Panasonic :P
Nice comment, just what this guy needs!
I bought the Digilux and never had a regret. The only regrets were from other jealous people!:eek:
Is there an FAQ somewhere on how to hide expensive hobbies from loved ones??
Chris Lynch
09-08-2006, 03:58
so me and my fiancee were at B&H last weekend, and i tried the EF 300mm F2.8L IS on my 1D.... after handing it to her to play with for a little bit, and explaining what all it can do, how/why i want it so much... and then she shocked me by telling me that it'd be just fine for me to drop the $3900 on it (when we can afford that), cuz she knows i want it and would use the heck out of it!
That cannot be a frail little lady you have there ;) A 2.8 300LIS on a 1D camera is quite a cannon! (pun intended)
SteveM(PA)
09-08-2006, 05:12
The one big problem with the M8, for you Honus, is that this thing is going to be in all the mags, promoted as the ultimate fashionable camera or something, with the price right beside it. In fact, I'd say the thrust of these blurbs will focus, sadly, on the price.:(
Chris Lynch
09-08-2006, 05:20
That cannot be a frail little lady you have there ;) A 2.8 300LIS on a 1D camera is quite a cannon! (pun intended)
haha she's 5'5", and certainly was overpowered by the combination! I just couldn't get over the fact that i was handholding 1/60th and getting sharp pics @ 300mm!
Michiel Fokkema
09-08-2006, 05:24
Well, I must be lucky.
My wife can't see the difference between a Linhof and a Leica CM.
I also tell her about all the stuff I didn't buy and all the stuff I will sell very soon.
Now and then I make sure to have nice pictures of the kids to hang on the wall and give to the grandparents.
Cheers,
Michiel Fokkema
Well, I must be lucky.
My wife can't see the difference between a Linhof and a Leica CM.
I also tell her about all the stuff I didn't buy and all the stuff I will sell very soon.
Now and then I make sure to have nice pictures of the kids to hang on the wall and give to the grandparents.
Cheers,
Michiel Fokkema
a.k.a. The Devious Dutchman :D
haha she's 5'5", and certainly was overpowered by the combination! I just couldn't get over the fact that i was handholding 1/60th and getting sharp pics @ 300mm!
Sorry, bit OT. Handheld at 1/30th, the 4.0IS version. Funny red cast, it is not in the original, RFF did that:confused: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/data/5918/Curious-Hyena.jpg
endustry
09-08-2006, 05:44
I've long thought that the only reason a $200 lens can sometimes sell for $250 on ebay is that it's easier to keep a clandestine paypal account than it is to keep one's wife from studying the credit card bill.
heh heh heh........
I am lucky; my wife: a) told me to buy the M6TTL 2 years ago, I think just to shut me up about Leica's; and b) hasn't got a valid argument about any gear I want since she went out and bought an X-Pan & lenses when they got discontinued.........
Chris Lynch
09-08-2006, 06:03
hahhahhaa that's AWESOME that your wife got an XPAN!
so me and my fiancee were at B&H last weekend, and i tried the EF 300mm F2.8L IS on my 1D.... after handing it to her to play with for a little bit, and explaining what all it can do, how/why i want it so much... and then she shocked me by telling me that it'd be just fine for me to drop the $3900 on it (when we can afford that), cuz she knows i want it and would use the heck out of it!
This is what fiancees generally say; its part of their training in how to aquire a husband. Once you are married it will be another story so stock up while you can.
:rolleyes:
Kurt M.
Flyfisher Tom
09-08-2006, 06:41
Can I be safe in assuming that I now have blanket approval?
I was sweating and laughing along with you as I read that conversation :o
I think the answer to your question is, paraphrasing our ex-president : it all depends on what the meaning of 'is" is ;)
Larry Kellogg
09-08-2006, 09:23
Of course, you might decide to get the camera and not mention the price to your wife but then this:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=55178#post55178
might happen to you! ;)
I think camera prices are like hurdles, you have to get your wife over each successive price increase until you can finally say:
"Oh, that Hasselblad with the digital back is only $35k, not bad, huh?! Think of the beautiful shots I'll be able to take while we're on vacation!"
Gabriel M.A.
09-08-2006, 09:24
You know what my gear peddler, I mean, shop dealer, tells me? "Be a good American, support the system: use your credit card! ::wink wink::"
Of course, I "stick it to Da Man" by using funds direct from my account or trading other gear. I think you've got blanket permission, mon ami. :D
Chris Lynch
09-08-2006, 09:28
This is what fiancees generally say; its part of their training in how to aquire a husband. Once you are married it will be another story so stock up while you can.
:rolleyes:
Kurt M.
haha i should've realized that
I've long thought that the only reason a $200 lens can sometimes sell for $250 on ebay is that it's easier to keep a clandestine paypal account than it is to keep one's wife from studying the credit card bill.
Oh yeah, I got me one of those (clandestine bank account). Everytime I go to the store for her I ask if she has any cash and then I sock the change into my account.
That is another reason I buy only used or antique equipment, When 'She who must be Obeyed' asks, "Is that a new camera." I can look her I in the eye and say "No".
WoW! I just got a 'pass' to buy TWO M8's.
I just told my wife how good it is and what a clever technique Leica are using to reveal it with the "dance of the 9 veils". I said every photographer around the world is going crazy over guessing what will be revealed next and that it is reported to be a 'stunner'. They will all sell like hot cakes.:eek:
She said: .... then you better buy TWO while you can.:angel:
Is she for real, or is this some plot?:rolleyes:
Bob Ross
09-08-2006, 17:43
She said: .... then you better buy TWO while you can.:angel:
Is she for real, or is this some plot?:rolleyes:
If you figure it out Erl, let me know, because mine is acting the same way:cool:
Bob
Oooh, I would be careful. If anyone gets a pass on two of them from SWMBO, then SWMBO is plotting to buy something really, really, REALLY expensive. Or make you pay for the "pass" forever. Don't count on make-up sex until, uh, forever.
My question for the viewing audience is this: Can I be safe in assuming that I now have blanket approval?
Honus,
I think you have just provided her with the exact thing she needs to hold over your head the rest of your life...:)
Bob
I think you have just provided her with the exact thing she needs to hold over your head the rest of your life...:) Ehhh, they gotta have somethin' to hold over your head. It might as well be an M8. At least it'll be worth it. :o
edit ~ In fact, right now my wife is holding 10 Zorkis and 10 assorteds over my head. If I hock our grandchildren and get an M8, she'll forget about the Zorkis. hmmmm... a plan is forming. :D
What do you do when your spouse catches you in the act?
This...
http://tinyurl.com/rv7w/tiptoe.gif
Ray Kilby
09-09-2006, 01:51
Hmmph, in female talk is I can decide later whether I approve or not, or whether I have given permission or not. It will depend on the moon my friend.
John Camp
09-09-2006, 15:36
I say it's the green light. Women have very subtle signals in matters like these, and I say you got the go-ahead. Is it your fault if her signal was so subtle that you misunderstood? That would be my story, and I'd stick to it. But I also think this might be the time to initiate a confusing round of sales, purchases and trades, even if you have to fake a few with your friends, to obscure the final price.
I've been married a very long time.
JC
SteveM(PA)
09-09-2006, 16:03
Or create a diversion somehow. Maybe a puppy.
I think the Konica Hexar is the ultimate husband camera, flying far below the fashion radar.
My mother allways demanded a mink coat when my father bought yet another mercedes, especialy when we had a 300SEC and a 230SL on the gateway and he was the only one with a driving license, she never got the coat and my father switched to Porsche 18 Mercedes later.
OTOH, cameras where allowed since they helped paying for the cars :)
Don't you people realize that the best way to get whatever it is you want is to stay young and single? :D
MacDaddy
09-10-2006, 17:16
My question for the viewing audience is this: Can I be safe in assuming that I now have blanket approval?
What you can safely assume is that she'll wrap you in a blanket when she disposes of your body after she finds out how much this rig REALLY costs if you buy it! Where do we send the flowers for your funeral? ;o)
NO spouse (anymore)--therefore my many cameras. When a GF asks "How many cameras do you own?" she's history.
kvanderlaag
09-11-2006, 09:31
NO spouse (anymore)--therefore my many cameras. When a GF asks "How many cameras do you own?" she's history.
+1!
Then, I bought my ex-lady friend her Olympus E-10, and she still has my 1951 Canonet that I brought back from the dead. =(
But if you can't handle the M2, CL, Zorki, Fujica, Agfa, and various SLRs staring at you from the dresser, you can bet I won't be there when you wake up!
Honus, a lesson I learned long ago is 'ambiguity'... it is key, whether you are not disclosing purchases or ... whatever. With cameras, the purchases were always "good deals", and one or two you are borrowing from friends to see how they compare to yours, and yours are those cameras somewhere over "there". Never leave all your beautiful gear out and in the same place, despite your desire to see it all layed out before you. This makes it harder to pin you down if/when the hammer falls. However, I was just told by my sister that my wife knows all about my camera fetish and apparently its no secret to her. All my best laid plans for nought? Do not test your wife's tolerance of your fetish... my sister has pulled some great tricks on me, so....
mikebrice@mac.c
09-11-2006, 17:15
I agree with Bill58.
Got rid of the wife, bought an MP and a Mustang GT
Bill: Now I'm really p#ssed. It doesn't bother me that you have more cameras than me, there are lots of folks who do. But you have more Olympus RFs than me, and that really, really bothers me. Even if I count my four (or is it five?) OM bodies, you may still have more Olympi.
Only one thing I can do... sell 'em all and buy an M8.
rpinchbeck
09-11-2006, 18:38
NO spouse (anymore)--therefore my many cameras. When a GF asks "How many cameras do you own?" she's history.
Excellent test of compatibility in a GF. No questions asked=life long fulfilling relationship. (At least until she finds the stash of gear)
Russ
pesphoto
09-11-2006, 18:51
You guys just need to find a wife/girlfriend like my wife who obsesses over cameras as much as I do.
Ronald M
09-11-2006, 19:34
Just tell here you don`t smoke or drink or chase other women and are entitled to a few toys. Unless you do, then add to excess. If you do it to excess, then maybe you better hide some of the toys. Then bring them back from a garage sale with appropiate price tags.
Explain boys love their toys. Without toys to occupy some leisure time, they tend to get in trouble.
All UPS shipments need to go will call at the local depot. That way the guy does not ring your bell.
Good luck. My spouse went for the first line unmodified. I hope you are so lucky.
ErnestoJL
09-11-2006, 20:00
The last time I gave ANY kind of explanation to a spouse was when I had one.
Now, life is easier.
Ernesto
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