What sacrifices have you made for gear?

[Sirius Glass]

That's hardly a first impression now, is it?

I cannot speak for you or anyone else, but my first impressions are amazingly accurate. Every time, I went against a bad first impression, the result was that I soon came to learn to rely on the first impressions.

YMMV

Steve

[jnanian]

an adams retouching desk, and small fortune of leads and holders,
a working, vintage recording lathe ( bell sound systems prototype 33 1/3 rpm ), mic, "aux - stuff"
and an armload of blank lacquer plates as well as
a handful of refurbished, somewhat rare falling plate cameras ...

bolex 8mm and 16mm movie cameras and lenses ( and accessories)

a somewhat large balance on my credit card
for about 6 months when i was broke and almost jobless ...

i have a feeling i will be selling a bunch of stuff soon ...

ez come ez go ...

[jamesgignac]

I sold a bunch of recording equipment (all analogue of course) which I now sort of regret but I certainly use my cameras a lot more than that old stuff. Two reel-to-reel recorders, a couple of dynamic mics, a couple of condenser mics with a preamp, mixing board, additional 'demo' 4-track recorder, and some other miscellany.

I originally bought the equipment to help produce some recordings for friends of mine who are in music - I now use my camera equipment largely to promote them as well as other musicians and artists in my hometown.

So I guess it worked out.

[clayne]

I remember reading a story years ago about a photojournalist who won a Pulitzer for his work. At a party held to celebrate, he openly admitted he wasn't happy because he gave up so much in the process of his work.

Sounds like Nachtwey, but I don't think he ever won a PP. Anyways, to the OP, please don't cancel the date. The 'blad can wait dude.

[colrehogan]

In part, my marriage. That's the worst sacrifice ever. It's two fold:

1. I lost an 8-year long marriage because I wanted STUFF. That's f-ing stupid.
2. I gained nothing from it. All that gear is confusing, in my opinion. Instead of getting gear, challenge yourself and get rid of some instead. It will improve your results most likely, but probably also your life.

I've boiled my gear down to:
Hasselblad 500 system with two lenses
Pentax 35mm system with two lenses
Holga
Zero Image 6x6

That's it. I'll never need another camera, as I am of the opinion that we grow as we become more familiar with our gear, and true vision and seeing can happen when gear isn't even a consideration, when your camera is like an extension of your arms and your mind.

If you're capable of getting to that point with fourteen different cameras and a hundred lenses, then more power to you. To me it just makes it more difficult and confusing. Ask yourself, though, if your pictures are really that much better due to a different lens signature or bokeh or whatever.
If the answer is an overwhelming 'yes', then perhaps GAS isn't a bad thing. For me it's 'no way'. So for me GAS was nothing but the biggest mistake of my life.

- Thomas

Wow! That was well said. In fact, it might get me to the point of making a list of things to sell and then actually trimming down my equipment pile. I think my husband would appreciate it very much.

[WolfTales]

You can have my ex. Heck, I will throw in six cans of dog food. My Bad.

Steve

Is it the high maintenance food? Keep's em coats shiny.

[nsurit]

... Im sick I know...

You have identified the problem, so what do you want from us? Seriously, when you have drawn your last breath, they have put you in box and shoveled dirt in your face, do you want to be remembered for the great camera you once had or the the great life you shared with other human beings. Enjoy your date!

Oh, what sacrifices have I made for my camera gear. Kind of a reverse of the question, but I once sold it all to allow myself to continue to eat. I imagine many have done that. Bill Barber

[brian d]

Originally Posted by Sirius Glass
You can have my ex. Heck, I will throw in six cans of dog food. My Bad.

Steve

Is it the high maintenance food? Keep's em coats shiny.

:o