Are you able to let go?

Xax · 09-01-2008

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 · 09-01-2008

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 · 09-01-2008

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 · 09-01-2008

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 · 09-01-2008

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 · 09-01-2008

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 · 09-01-2008

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...

Tom A · 09-01-2008

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 · 09-01-2008

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 · 09-02-2008

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 · 09-02-2008

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

Keith · 09-02-2008

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!

__hh · 09-02-2008

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 · 09-02-2008

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 · 09-02-2008

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 · 09-02-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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!

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

Best regards,
Uwe

alan davus · 09-02-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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 · 09-02-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by BNF

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

!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by BNF

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 · 09-02-2008

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 · 09-02-2008

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

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

Ray Nalley · 09-02-2008

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

But they are great fun to buy and use!

gavinlg · 09-02-2008

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 · 09-02-2008

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.

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

tbarker13 · 09-02-2008

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 · 09-02-2008

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.