Are you able to let go?

[Xax]

Do you sometimes also have the feeling that you don't want to sell an item although you don't really use it?

I have this Summicron DR which is really a gem of a lens, but since I have no hood for it and mounting the goggles sometimes is tiresome, and I have used it for a few pictures only, and now I could sell it, but somewhere deep inside me there is something that tells me not to sell it :)

I have a Canon 50mm f1.2 coming my way anyways, but then I wouldn't have a Leica lens anymore!!!

Half a year ago I was dreaming about one Leica, now I have three and had three lenses already (one stolen, one sold again, one I DONT KNOW!!!)

Please tell me that I have not gone crazy and that there are other people out there that are so emotionally attached to their gear :)

regards from Vienna, Xax

[Artorius]

Welcome to Club Leica, as well as other brands. There are many here in the same boat, myself included. There are some things you just don't want to let go of. I sold my DR, and still regret that sale. I am back on track now, but I still don't want to let go.

[Chris101]

I have never sold a single lens, camera or other photographic item. Sometimes I use them until they drop, or someone helps themselves to them, and I was recently moved to generosity when I gave away a $2000 lens. But sell them for mere money? Never!

[projectbluebird]

When I first started learning photography, I had one lens, and one camera. After that, I started branching out into other lenses, different types of camera, and different formats.

I stopped counting after 30-some cameras, and that was many, many cameras ago.

Occasionally I entertain the notion of selling some of the less frequently used cameras to fund the acquisition of another. To this date, I have sold exactly: two. I just can't seem to part with any of the rest.

[noimmunity]

A timely question, for sure: I have a few lenses that I like very much (like a ZM Planar 50/2) but for one reason or another don't use that much (anymore).

So, I can see it both ways. To keep is good; to sell is good. There is no rule or principle.

But every time I have sold a lens, it was always at a loss, economically, photographically, and spiritually.

Now, if I were living in North America, Japan, or Europe, the economic side of the deal would be easier for sure. As anyone from outside these areas trying to sell on RFF knows, it is always a bit of an uphill battle.

I just came very close to losing my ZM 18/4 that way. Fortunately, people seem to be holding their breath (and money) for the Photokina and I came to my senses!

I don't think the Canon 50/1.2 is going to be a replacement for the Summicron DR. Sometimes that close focus ability is really welcome.

[Spyderman]

I've got similar problem.

Recently I bought CV 28/1.9 and was planning to sell the 28/3.5, but no, I can't do that. The 1.9 is so huge, and the 3.5 is so tiny... I have to keep both. They're like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde ;) The small one for everyday carrying, the big one for low light work (as a special purpose lens)...

[Doug]

Xax, I think the problem is fairly common, so you can relax. I have "too much" stuff, as it just accumulates. I'm not much interested in selling, since I may in future have an urge to use that unused gear... :o

[Tom A]

There is a simple rule - the moment you have sold it, a shot crops up that could only been taken by that lens! You instantly start chasing down an another one and there are absolutely none available in a/ the condition the one you sold was and b/ prices just went up exponentially to what you sold it for!
I hate parting with lenses and I only do it if I have a duplicate of it!!!!!!

[Ray Nalley]

The gear is just more fun to buy than to sell. Let it accumulate. The kids can dump it when we're gone. ;)

[hans voralberg]

I have 14 50mm lens, Leica and what not, cant sell any of them. Yes I even have duplicate lens but I still couldn't sell any. Just keep them.

[Rayt]

The problems is once you sell it you'll itch for it down the road and then pay more to get another one.

[Keith]

I get a little stressed at the thought of selling something but once I actually make the decision and sell it I generally have no regrets or recriminations.

There's always something else to buy! :p

[__hh]

As long as I buy more than I sell, I'd be happy :)

Whenever I sell something, it's usually because I need to get money to put it towards something else.

[BNF]

I buy and sell my photography gear like a commodity broker. ;-)

I buy, sell, wait a few years, rebuy and so on. My decision to sell is mostly influenced by the "dust" factor: if I haven't used it in 6 months to a year, I start to think "it's got to go".

Then, I start missing my gear and take another few months researching what to buy again: even though I just end up buying what I had in the first place!

Photography is a hobby for me, something fun, something to dabble in. It's cyclical.

I have decided to go with a VC route now. I spent a lot of money earlier this year on Leica and Zeiss gear, just to ultimately decide that the price difference vs quality difference was not acceptable.

So, I hope (kind of hope!) that a VC set will cover me and end the madness. ;-)

[Roger Hicks]

Think hard about what you are attached to:

Faster (21/2.8)? Smaller (21/4)? A unique look (50/1.5 C-Sonnar)? Sentimental value (I can't imagine selling my first Leica)? Not worth enough to bother to sell it (50/1.2 Canon)?

Then think hard about the last time you REALLY wished you had that lens with you, but didn't. Or when you were REALLY glad you had it with you.

If there's no real reason for keeping it, this test should reveal it.

Cheers,

R.

[Uwe_Nds]

I get a little stressed at the thought of selling something but once I actually make the decision and sell it I generally have no regrets or recriminations.

There's always something else to buy! :p

Generally, I can't agree more!
Although, there are a few Items I do miss sometimes.


Best regards,
Uwe

[alan davus]

I have 14 50mm lens, Leica and what not, cant sell any of them. Yes I even have duplicate lens but I still couldn't sell any. Just keep them.

Hans, you must be like the opera lover who was asked why he had 29 different recordings of Mozart's "Marriage of Figaro." Because there isn't 30.

[noimmunity]

I have decided to go with a VC route now. I spent a lot of money earlier this year on Leica and Zeiss gear, just to ultimately decide that the price difference vs quality difference was not acceptable.

VC = Very Cool ;) !!!

So, I hope (kind of hope!) that a VC set will cover me and end the madness. ;-)

Did you lose money selling the Zeiss and Leica gear you bought?

[Vickko]

A few years ago, I swore to stop buying, because I was planning my entry into fixed-income, no-more-salary retirement. My collection grew by 15%, as a few "once in a lifetime" items popped up, and of course, I didn't sell anything substantial.

One scary thing is to count up the "investment". :-o
Don't do it :-)

In any case, in my financial planning, I've allocated becoming my own camera store in about 10 years. I hope all my film gear is actually worth something then. And it will be an activity that might be entertaining (for me), and I will save my survivors the burden of getting rid of it.

For the next 10 years, I do plan to not acquire more, and to use every item. Actually, what usually drives me to sell something is having a disappointing shoot with an item. I may try it a second time, but if the results aren't there, away it goes.

....Vick

[back alley]

i like selling as much as buying.
and i really like buying.

it's just gear not some magical glass and metal.

[Ray Nalley]

Cameras are terrible investments over time. You might want to rethink your strategy, Vick.

But they are great fun to buy and use!

[gavinlg]

I treat my cameras as tools. I don't really get emotionally attached to them, and if I find something suits me better I'll buy that and sell what I have. There are exceptions of course, like my bomby old nikon fm2n, which I won't sell. My girlfriend bought it for me.

[kevin m]

I just "let go" of my beautiful M2 because I realized it was a nostalgia purchase, (my first Leica was an M2) and I really wasn't using it much. I feel better knowing that the person who bought it is excited about it and plans to put it to use, and that I no longer have to feel "guilty" for letting it collect dust. :D

I really can't abide collecting or clutter, though. If I'm not using something, it's gone.

[tbarker13]

I have no attachment whatsoever to any of my gear.
I have been a frequent buyer/seller over the past two years, with very few regrets. I've had as many as 12 rangefinder lenses at one point. But I find that I'm happier with a smaller kit. (Fewer decisions to get in the way of making pictures.)
My plan is to get down to five and call it a day for at least six months.

[Keith]

The other syndrome that can be fustrating is lusting after something hard to find that you're convinced you need ... searching it out, eBay or otherwise then discovering it wasn't quite what you'd hoped for but then not wanting to sell it because it was so hard to find. :p

[Tim Gray]

When I got into RF gear, I sold my macro setup (lens and flash). I realized my photography had shifted focus (haha) and that an RF was better suited to what I was doing.

There have been a handful of times that I think, wow, that macro lens would be useful. Then I take a different shot instead. I don't really miss that equipment at all, which is why I sold it.

I say sell. If you can afford to keep both, do it for 6 months or a year, and then sell the one you haven't touched.

Then again, if you're only going to get a small amount of money for an item, its not really worth selling - I'd rather just save a little longer and keep it.

[Roger Hicks]

Dear Tim,

This may sound a bit 'holier than thou' but it's not meant that way; just a different take.

I used to buy and sell a lot too. It got in the way of my taking pictures, and it did occasionally lead to regrets when the replacement didn't do what the new kit did, or did it differently.

For years now, instead of buying and selling a lot, I have been trying to take pictures a lot. (That was the sentence that risks sounding 'holier than thou'.)

I've a pretty good idea of what will get me good pictures, and when a camera or lens gives me good pictures, I get attached to it.

But I remain alive to equipment that will do something else, or do it better. Thus I have just bought a Thambar (a unique look) and I'd sell the M4-P and one of the M2s in a flash if I thought the receipts would get me within striking distance -- within 1000 euros/$1500, say -- of another MP.

So ('holier than thou' alert again) I'd say there can be wise attachment and unwise lack of attachment. Wise attachment is recognizing what gives you good pictures, and sticking with it. Unwise lack of attachment is failing to do this...

I'm not saying you're doing this. I'm just saying that 'no attachment' seems an odd approach to something that does what you want.

For fun, I'll add that this sails quite close to the Buddhist concept of 'Three Poisons': attachment, aversion and indifference. You have to be able to give anything up (chod, cutting attachment); you have to be able to conquer aversions (cf the Nectars of graveyard ceremonies); and you have to recognize the value of what you have (conquering indifference).

Cheers,

Roger
I have no attachment whatsoever to any of my gear.
I have been a frequent buyer/seller over the past two years, with very few regrets. I've had as many as 12 rangefinder lenses at one point. But I find that I'm happier with a smaller kit. (Fewer decisions to get in the way of making pictures.)
My plan is to get down to five and call it a day for at least six months.

[Roger Hicks]

The other syndrome that can be fustrating is lusting after something hard to find that you're convinced you need ... searching it out, eBay or otherwise then discovering it wasn't quite what you'd hoped for but then not wanting to sell it because it was so hard to find. :p

Dear Keith,

Ah... Been there, failed to get around to selling that!

Cheers,

R.

[maddoc]

Then think hard about the last time you REALLY wished you had that lens with you, but didn't. Or when you were REALLY glad you had it with you.
Cheers,

R.

Funny that you mentioned this ! I thought about this point and my personal experience is having never regretted to have a specific lens with me or not with but the wrong film in the camera ... :bang: (Low ISO BW when I needed high ISO color and so on ... :o)

[Dave Wilkinson]

Roger.....a Thambar of your own? - now my curiousity is really aroused!, I've heard you enthusing about the one you borrowed, and one or two other folks lustfull coments about this fabled and very expensive piece of kit, but I've never seen anything from one, - looking at pictures on these 'Mickey Mouse' screens is nothing like holding a nice silver print, but I'd like to see some shots from yourself, or other fortunate owner, perhaps...your website, soon?

Cheers, Dave.

[pfoto]

I'm selling what I don't need/use. I recently sold my very first Leica body and didn't think twice about it. As someone posted above, better someone should be a happy user than have the thing collecting dust.

[tbarker13]

Roger,
I'll draw a distinction here between being attached to something and having a preference for it. I hear some people talking about their lenses as though they are precious heirlooms dripping with sentimental value.
I have no lens or camera that comes anywhere close to that.
I see mine as tools. I don't want to be any more attached to my 35 summicron than I am to the best hammer in my garage.

In my opinion, there are just so many camera/lens combos that will yield good/great photos. Obviously, there are some exceptions to this, but I think most lenses are quite replaceable by something similar.

[eli griggs]

I tend to accumulate gear for cameras I use and if I find something I don't have a camera for and no intention to try, I'll sell without reservation. Having said that, personally I suggest if you have any doubt, you should keep it. If you sell it while unsure, you'll have a nagging question in the back of your mind and reason to regret taking the decision.

By-the-way, my first Leica, a M3 ss came with the same lens/goggles as your thinking of selling and I loved using it. Keeping it as a back-up incase you damage your prime user is good insurance against the unforeseen.

Cheers

[Roger Hicks]

In my opinion, there are just so many camera/lens combos that will yield good/great photos. Obviously, there are some exceptions to this, but I think most lenses are quite replaceable by something similar.

Dear Tim,

We are in broad agreement, but even at that, I'm not sure about 'similar'. Many years ago I sold a 100/2.8 Linhof-fit Zeiss Planar. The second (acquired by accident with an outfit) was never quite the same. And I've never found anything quite like the 150/6.3 Tessar I had 20+ years ago.

Then of course there are actual heirlooms and keepsakes. The KowaSix I use belonged to my late father-in-law. And my first Leica; well, why would I sell it? I've never needed the money badly enough to do that, and it's an interesting reminder of the pics I took with it and how my life in photography has changed over the time I've owned it. It was made in 1936; it's now more than twice as old as when I bought it...

Cheers,

R.

[Roger Hicks]

Roger.....a Thambar of your own? - now my curiousity is really aroused!, I've heard you enthusing about the one you borrowed, and one or two other folks lustfull coments about this fabled and very expensive piece of kit, but I've never seen anything from one, - looking at pictures on these 'Mickey Mouse' screens is nothing like holding a nice silver print, but I'd like to see some shots from yourself, or other fortunate owner, perhaps...your website, soon?

Cheers, Dave.

Dear Dave,

Funnily enough, I use it mostly on the M8 (EDIT: Yes, I originally typed M9. No, Leica hasn't lent me one -- mainly, I suspect, because they don't exist), at around f/4.5 to f/9, where it gives a 'richness' unlike anything else I've ever seen. I intend to do a piece on it, though I may move the studio first: we are well disrupted at the moment, with a new dishwasher, sink and stove in the kitchen, so why stop now?

I'm intending to try some more B+W portraits, though: cf Frances's portrait on the site, http://www.rogerandfrances.com/aboutus.html

Edit: the friend who lent it to me was willing to sell, and it's as good as they get, with all the bits (hood, cap, centre filter) and sparkling glass, so it was hard to resist.

Cheers,

R.

[Uwe_Nds]

Dear Dave,

Funnily enough, I use it mostly on the M9, at around f/4.5 to f/9, where it gives a 'richness' unlike anything else I've ever seen. I intend to do a piece on it, though I may move the studio first: we are well disrupted at the moment, with a new dishwasher, sink and stove in the kitchen, so why stop now?

I'm intending to try some more B+W portraits, though: cf Frances's portrait on the site, http://www.rogerandfrances.com/aboutus.html

Cheers,

R.

Roger,
what do you know that we don't???:angel:

Best regards,
Uwe

[Roger Hicks]

Roger,
what do you know that we don't???:angel:

Best regards,
Uwe

Dear Uwe,

More what I don't know -- viz., how to touch type!

Now corrected to M8 -- and there won't be an M9 at photokina unless I have REALLY been misreading the signals from Leica!

Cheers,

R.

[ampguy]

I find this method works - if one ends up selling the exact piece of gear twice, and find they still need/want it, then it was meant for them to have.

[Uwe_Nds]

Roger,
I was sure that it was a typing error.
But that would have stirred up the forums: "Roger Hicks confirming M9..." :D

Best regards,
Uwe

[tbarker13]

Dear Tim,

We are in broad agreement, but even at that, I'm not sure about 'similar'. Many years ago I sold a 100/2.8 Linhof-fit Zeiss Planar. The second (acquired by accident with an outfit) was never quite the same. And I've never found anything quite like the 150/6.3 Tessar I had 20+ years ago.


Hence my qualifier - "Obviously, there are some exceptions to this.":)
I know there are lenses out there that are unique. Fortunately for me, I don't find myself craving them. I'm quite happy right now with a 35 summicron V3 and a 50/1.5 Zeiss Sonnar as my primary lenses. (I have a couple others, but the 35 and 50 seem to be getting the bulk of the work)

Every time I sell a lens, I know that I could regret it. But I do believe in the concept of embracing impermanence. Of course I have a few belongings with extreme sentimental attachment. It's just that none of them are labeled Leica, Zeiss, etc.

[erikhaugsby]

While not necessarily an answer to your question, I've sure found myself owning some equipment that, for whatever reason, won't let go of me!

:bang:

[Ron (Netherlands)]

I'm quite happy when I have about 25 cameras around me, and that is for the past 20 years or so the case. But the collection must be kept alive, so over these years the collection changed for about 70%, so 70% sold and 70% new buys. If I want to buy new gear, I first sell some stuff mostly the onces I haven't used that much or the onces that are alike the one I will buy: e.g. I sold a Hexar RF and the Leica M4-2 to be able to finance the M7. I must admit though that total investment per item raised considerably over the years.

[mfogiel]

Selling is a PITA... and I try to avoid it as much as possible...
On the other hand, the DR Summicron 50 (or rigid Summicron 50) is probably Leica's best lens EVER... in the sense, that it draws B&W in a very balanced way, and is able to "paint" the background, as against "blur" the background in a quite unique manner. I use the Planar and C Sonnar as well, and yes, the Planar at f2.0 is as sharp as the Summicron at f5.6, and the C Sonnar is dissolving the background and "rounding" the skin in a unique way, and both are much more flare resistant, but still... I will keep that lens for sure - maybe it might make sense to get rid of it and buy the rigid Summicron instead, to get a slightly more compact version.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/2650396494_508d587b3c_b.jpg

[Roger Hicks]

Hence my qualifier - "Obviously, there are some exceptions to this.":)

But I do believe in the concept of embracing impermanence. Of course I have a few belongings with extreme sentimental attachment. It's just that none of them are labeled Leica, Zeiss, etc.
Dear Tim,

For the first para, sure; I don't want to overstate the contrary.

For the second, indeed: accepting transitoriness is essential. I could (I think) let go of any camera I have, but as I've had the Leica IIIa for nearly 4 decades, and as it was my first-ever Leica, I'm fond of it. As I am of my watch (a 17th birthday present) and my hip-flask (a 21st birthday present).

Cheers,

R.

[tbarker13]

Funny. The only camera I wish I still had was the Pentax K1000 that was the first camera I ever purchased. If I had that today, I wouldn't sell it.
Alas, it went away more than two decades ago.

[luketrash]

I haven't been shooting much this summer since other stuff has held my interest. I looked around my house and it looks like the 'crazy cat lady' but with cameras.

They're everywhere. There are cameras from junk stores with the price tags still stuck to em.

I still dont' sell anything.. Most likely because I'm a hoarder. I wonder if they make goofy pills to make me better?

I'm greatful that people DO sell things though. I have mostly just given away camera gear to other people that are interested, and I hope they will use it more than I did.

What sucks is the only way to make any money is to sell your GOOD stuff. And you always regret that. And it's a waste of time to try to sell your junky stuff.

Catch 22 paired with a mental disorder = crap piling up.

[besk]

My problem has been that I was interested in all formats from 8X10 to 35mm for the past twenty or more years. I have so much STUFF now in all formats that I am on a selling binge to get down to so few options that it won't be a question of spending time and agony trying to figure out what I want to use for any particular situation.

That said, I am really agonizing over selling my Rolleiflex 3.5 whiteface even though I haven't used it lately. It may be the last thing I sell.

[Xax]

Thanks Roger to remind me of the "three poisons", it really makes me think more about it and how I could just put the lens onto my camera and use it more instead of whining around here and go out shoot more.

[Steveh]

I can let go, but it's not always easy - I recently sold my M6/50 Planar/35 Biogon (all in beautiful condition) and a whole pile of other stuff to finance a Nikon D700, which was something of a wrench! It was actually the second M6 I'd owned, and I sold both of them within 6 months of buying them, because they were beautiful objects I loved gazing at, but I never used them enough to justify having them around.

I've no doubt I'll succumb to "Leica Lust" again at some point, but at the moment a G1 and and FE2 that cost me less than £300 for the two feed my film habit adequately, and I'm glad I sold the Leica/Zeiss stuff.

[Matthew Allen]

I'm completely hopeless when it comes to letting gear go. Since I became serious about photography less than 2 years ago I've only managed to sell one lens and that was only because I had 2 identical copies of that particular version and so I knew I wouldn't miss it.

I do have several lenses that see almost no use but for a variety of reasons I either can't bear to part with them or I can't be bothered because of the relatively small return.

My Pentax 40/2.8 pancake is one example. I hardly use it because it's more than a stop slower than my 50s and has only a slightly wider FOV, but as a piece of design it is remarkable and I was so intent on finding one that is seems silly to sell it now.

Another is my Pentax 1.7x AF converter that I got for a steal. It's a remarkable and quite unusual device that gives MF lenses AF but because I don't have any long, fast telephotos it sees little action. A sensible person sell it and get something more practical like the FA 43/1.9 or 35/2 but it's such a special gadget that I'm afraid I'd regret losing it.

It's a never ending struggle...

Matthew

[FrankS]

I can sell photo gear stuff, but I only do it in order to buy other photo gear stuff.

[jan normandale]

There is a simple rule - the moment you have sold it, a shot crops up that could only been taken by that lens! You instantly start chasing down an another one and there are absolutely none available in a/ the condition the one you sold was and b/ prices just went up exponentially to what you sold it for!
I hate parting with lenses and I only do it if I have a duplicate of it!!!!!!

I should sell stuff... however it's the knowledge that Tom is right that makes me freeze up at the moment I decide to unload. I've also given stuff away however that's not the same.. ;- )

[vieri]

I can sell photo gear stuff, but I only do it in order to buy other photo gear stuff.

Same here. No problem in letting gear go, but is always to fund more & different gear :D As well, another - if not the main reason for it - is that I am trying to keep my kits (Nikon, Leica M, Leica R) pared down to "useful" rather than let them grow inordinately ;) pretty hopeless task in the end...

[peterm1]

I have this trouble but eventually G.A.S. makes me sell so I can buy something else without upsetting the wife too much- then I suffer sellers remorse. You are perfectly normal!