Modesty, schmodesty

[thirtyfivefifty]

So the biggest question I'm asked as a photograph-making enthusiast is what kind of camera I have, but most importantly: "How much did you pay for your equipment?"

I can never get used to people asking. It produces a big sting within, and I wish we would talk about more important things. Many times I wish I would have a "more modest" camera setup.

Don't want to give anyone the wrong idea based on equipment.

Currently, I have a (Canon) 5D2 with 35L/50L and a light meter, and I always wish for newer, smaller, cheaper lenses like Nikon has (28.8g, 50.8g, 85.8g), so I don't feel bad about spending a lot.

But that's just the way it is, I ended up with my current set up after years of trying other equipment and I'm pretty much happy how these tools help illustrate my vision, pretty much.

Anyway, was wondering if any of you had that "realization" about what's actually in your hands, or lugging in your camera bag, or sitting at home, and was wondering what's the story behind your favorite gear.

How did it become "the one" or "the ones", enough to justify the cost?

[Paul Luscher]

Well, that's one of the advantages of owing a Leica. Since it don't look like much to most people, you don't get asked about its cost.

[xxloverxx]

Kiev 4AM + Jupiter 12…became "the one" because it never gives me problems. And it's hard to knock the RF out of alignment.
Nikonos V…well it's my only underwater camera.
Mamiya 645…looking to get rid of it.
Nikon FM…was given to me by my grandpa.

[Araakii]

I never think about the cost when I photograph. I would think about it a lot when I actually make a purchase, but that's where the thinking ends.

[DRabbit]

Originally Posted by Paul Luscher

Well, that's one of the advantages of owing a Leica. Since it don't look like much to most people, you don't get asked about its cost.

Just today I had a stranger at Starbucks ask me "is that they new little mirrorless camera everyone is buzzing about" (assuming he meant the Olympus OM-D). I was carrying my M8. When I said no, he then asked me if it was film, then proceeded to tell me he shoots a Canon DSLR. LOL!

I don't like to talk with people who ask prices. I also get annoyed by people who think bigger is better. I had a family member recently ask me what camera to buy - she's a typical soccer mom - and when I didn't recommend a Canon or Nikon DSLR, she told me the cameras I picked for her weren't BIG enough. Seriously.

I'm babbling.

Anyway, for me... it's just cameras I connect with. Can't explain it. I enjoy tactile cameras better than mini-computers. Small is best. Discreet is good. I'm not interested in zooms. And I like the fact that people don't usually look twice at me and my camera when I'm shooting. I get more comments about my hair or my tattoos than I get about my cameras... and I'm good with that.

[pakeha]

well, i just looked around for a light proof box i could fit some film into and a few lens that are accepted as `good'.
Some how it works most of the time..
As for this.. "How much did you pay for your equipment?"
Anyone asking me that kind of question gets a hard stare for a reply.

[JayM]

Very little makes me more sad than thinking someone is about to start a conversation about photography and they instead start a conversation about cameras.

For most people it is much easier to talk about numbers, colors, prices, and brand names than it is to form a thought of their own

edit: But it totally makes the one or so times a year I'm delightfully surprised by someone even more sweet

[nikon_sam]

I've bought most of my gear second hand so I'm not paying full price...I get asked that question when using the Nikon F5 more than any other camera...I'll tell them just how much I paid but also include what it actually cost when brand new...I'll then include how much the lens and flash cost brand new...I'll add it all up then smile and tell them how much less I paid due to buying used...
I don't come across as snobby because I own nice gear...I just look like a great shopper...
I can justify the gear due to getting it for a great price...

[kossi008]

For me, it's not so much the question "how much", which I will sometimes answer (depending on how well I know the person asking).

But (in a world where everyone can buy a great camera for, say, $500), after I tell them the price of my Ikon and lenses, then usually comes the second question, which I find to be the real killer:
Ermmm... so what can it do that other cameras can't?
To which I honestly reply "nothing". At this point the other person will invariably think I'm an excentric nut. Which is fine by me; now that we got that out of the way...

[xxloverxx]

Originally Posted by Paul Luscher

Well, that's one of the advantages of owing a Leica. Since it don't look like much to most people, you don't get asked about its cost.

If a Leica looks like "not much", my Kiev must look like even less…which means the people who seem to be staring at it are actually staring at my crotch? :O

[StevenJohn]

About the same as the value of film I'll run through it...

[robert blu]

What surprises me is that I'm more often ask "how much did you pay for it" than "why did you buy this" or "are you satisfied with it". This refers both about my M7 and the Leica x1.
I usually answer "I don't remember now" which is of course false ...
robert