Deciding what to sell....

[ChristopherCoy]

Hard times have hit, and although I know I'll be out of them in a few months, I feel the pressure to offload some gear - but I sure don't wanna!

On one hand I could try and sell the small 35mm Nikon FM setup that I have created, but what if I want to shoot 35mm in the future? I've had my Hassie for over 3 months now, and I've been using it regularly, but will I continue to use it enough to justify keeping it? I could sell two of the three Polaroid Land Cameras that I've acquired, but I like each of them equally for different reasons? Of course I could sell all of these items and feed myself the excuse that I'll be able to buy another one down the road, but will I really? What if all I can find next time is stuff that is 'more used' than what I have now?

I honestly wish I could just offload all my digital gear, because that hasn't seen the light of day in months now, but inevitably I'll be asked to second shoot a wedding or something in the coming weeks.

How do you decide what to sell, when to sell, and if you're even going to sell??


I think I'm becoming a film hoarder.....

[Paul Green]

I've been having similar thoughts recently, money issues as well. Have you thought about 'downgrading' the blad? Possibly pick up a bronica 6x6, mamiya 645 or something else and have money to spare?

[ChristopherCoy]

I've been having similar thoughts recently, money issues as well. Have you thought about 'downgrading' the blad? Possibly pick up a bronica 6x6, mamiya 645 or something else and have money to spare?

Yes, but my excuse for NOT doing so is that I have a Hassie now... what are the chances I'll EVER own one again?

[Valerie]

Instead of selling any gear, how about looking around for that second shooter gig? With graduation around the corner, maybe some senior portraits? Or teach a workshop?

[vedmak]

Instead of selling any gear, how about looking around for that second shooter gig? With graduation around the corner, maybe some senior portraits? Or teach a workshop?

I would second that, if you are not using the gear then sell it, if you are using it - that that same gear is going to make you some money soon enough. My experience has been that after selling my Hassy setup I would find it
hard to buy it in similar condition for the price it sold.

[Thomas Bertilsson]

Do the PICTURES need the gear?

Or do YOU need it?

Ask yourself which is most important, and I'm sure you'll come up with an answer.

[ChristopherCoy]

Instead of selling any gear, how about looking around for that second shooter gig? With graduation around the corner, maybe some senior portraits? Or teach a workshop?

Currently we are looking at relocating, so for the next few months my week to week schedule is up in the air as I may have to drop everything and drive to the new city for subsequent interviewing or testing at a moments notice. Combine that with a college schedule, and a remaining full time job, and I'm finding it difficult to schedule any shooting gigs. Meanwhile, the studio rent is still due... Once wedding season kicks back up in a month or two I'll have a bit of income from the editing that I do, and the second shooting that I do for the two photographers that I work with.

[cjbecker]

Do the PICTURES need the gear?

Or do YOU need it?

Ask yourself which is most important, and I'm sure you'll come up with an answer.

A+

I’ve recently been getting rid of all the equipment that is not my main gear.

[PKM-25]

If someone told me I could only have and use one camera system for my work, I would have no problem with that......I find I run into problems when I have too much gear. I wanted to stock up on film, paper and chemistry, so I sold the most overpriced and honestly, over rated gear I had, Leica.

No regrets...

[ChristopherCoy]

Do the PICTURES need the gear?

Or do YOU need it?

Ask yourself which is most important, and I'm sure you'll come up with an answer.

I'm quite certain that *I* need the gear more than the pictures do!

But still, I can't help but get attached to some of these old pieces... I mean after all, they aren't making any more of them.