This Forum has cost me loads

M

Mikechappers

Suspended / Banned
Messages
797
Edit My Images
No
A few years ago I was perfectly happy taking snaps with a Canon point and shoot until it fell out of my pocket into some water and that was that, browsing the Argos catalogue for a replacement I ended up buying a Nikon D3100, with no clue how to use I looked online for help and came across this forum, and have being broke ever since ;):)

Big mistake was looking at the bird forum, thought to myself.... yes that's for me so bought a long zoom lens, then upgraded to a 500mm prime, its being nonstop buying ever since, upgraded the camera several times, new lens for this new lens for that, its never ending, filters, bags, tripods,teleconverters I have bought it all. finally ended up with a Nikon D7100 and thought to myself, that's it no more, enough is enough.

Then someone put up the D750 thread, could not help myself, had to have one and the spending started all over again, more lens, new editing software and then I found my computer was really struggling to edit the files, so ordered a new com, it has to stop, the spending that is :whistle::) I really need banning from this forum for my wallets sake, Now its seems I need a Sigma Art as its the latest must have lens, no idea which one yet;) but it's NO NO NO, I can stop buying, honest I really can, that is if the members on here help by not posting what new kit they have purchased or the pics taken with it ;):):):)

I can do this, I really must, do I sound like I have convinced myself yet, but :nikon:
 
Stay story man, can't you get professional help :)
 
Mike .......... I don't want to read all that .......... I have enough stuff now for my kids to earn a living on Ebay if I stopped

There is some interesting software around if you want a change from buying equipment and of course, a new computer or two never hurts ..... then there are phones, tablets and whatever ....... add variety to your purchases .... think of new things to buy

Have you looked into Birding holidays to Africa and S America ........ you need to get out more!!!
 
Last edited:
Just a standard case of GAS:eek: {Gear Acquisition Syndrome} Gets us all eventually, and there is no known cure.:)
 
If you can't stop buying, perhaps you should take a look at the film and conventional section on this forum. You'll see what can be done with older (or even old) lenses and sheap cameras. If you get the urge to buy there, at least it's low cost :D.

Alternatively, a quote from Edward Steichen - "no photographer is as good as the simplest camera".

If a lens isn't decentred, it such perform as well as any other when stopped down (for resolving power, anyway). Unless you need wide apertures or a different focal length, you don't need to worry about the latest and greatest priced lenses. And if you want the highest possible image quality regardless, buy a second hand 5x4 film camera and prepare to be blown away (OK, you may then want to "upgrade" to 5x7 or 10x8 but unless you're printing large you won't see a difference).

Cameras and lenses are either a tool to be chosen and used as such, or ends in themselves, ownership or using being the hobby. Do you enjoy using cameras and lenses, owning them, or producing photographs?
 
 
I think most of use are guilty of the same thing. New products and the must have urge starts all over again. I do have one brake that stops me and she is in the kitchen. Now I am no way saying she is tight with money but yesterday she actually opened her purse and moths from ancient Egyptian times flew out. America has Fort Knox but that is nothing compared to "er indoors"
 
Oh and add "film" to your list of interests ..... spend money on a very good scanner ...... and loads of film, (while you can still get it), and a big fridge to put it in ..... with a very sensitive temperature control system

Look at EBay and start buying Hasselblad equipment ..... lots of it ...... if you don't use it , it looks great in a display case and all you friends will be impressed
 
BillN_33 said:
Mike .......... I don't want to read all that .......... I have enough stuff now for my kids to earn a living on Ebay if I stopped

There is some interesting software around if you want a change from buying equipment and of course, a new computer or two never hurts ..... then there are phones, tablets and whatever ....... add variety to your purchases .... think of new things to buy
Click to expand...

My son gets given all my old kit Bill, one day he will learn there are more settings on the camera than auto, as for phones etc, they do not do it for me, the excitement of the delivery drivers knock on the door with several hundred pounds worth of new kit does it for me everytime.
 
realspeed said:
I think most of use are guilty of the same thing. New products and the must have urge starts all over again. I do have one brake that stops me and she is in the kitchen. Now I am no way saying she is tight with money but yesterday she actually opened her purse and moths from ancient Egyptian times flew out. America has Fort Knox but that is nothing compared to "er indoors"
Click to expand...

Ah, sorted that problem a few years back, these days we are just good friends :)
 
StephenM said:
Cameras and lenses are either a tool to be chosen and used as such, or ends in themselves, ownership or using being the hobby. Do you enjoy using cameras and lenses, owning them, or producing photographs?
Click to expand...

I like owning good kit as much as I enjoy using it, and that is another thing the amount of walking I do chasing little birds, I hear of a rarity and off I go, cannot help myself, so its new shoes, waterproofs, fuel in the car, it never ends ;):)
 
sbowler579 said:
Just a standard case of GAS:eek: {Gear Acquisition Syndrome} Gets us all eventually, and there is no known cure.:)
Click to expand...


Very true, although there can be temporary periods of remission. What helps me is keeping the classifieds section on this forum shrunk down (the little - sign at the end of the blue bar with "Classifieds" written in it!) and also the closure of my favourite local camera shop ( :( ) Of course, I still have way too many bodies, more than enough lenses, sufficient systems and a surfeit of assorted other gubbins. Oh, and a few compacts as well (best not start on the bridge cameras...)
 
Blimey my story almost mirrors yours ! I was awarded £400 by my employers for 25 years service four years ago, I was going to buy a bridge camera with it, but went for a D3100, then a D7100 and now a D750. My latest purchase was 300 F2.8 VR and am now looking at a Sgma ART, not sure on a 35 or 50mm though, what shall we go for ?
 
Mikechappers said:
A few years ago I was perfectly happy taking snaps with a Canon point and shoot until it fell out of my pocket into some water and that was that, browsing the Argos catalogue for a replacement I ended up buying a Nikon D3100, with no clue how to use I looked online for help and came across this forum, and have being broke ever since ;):)

Big mistake was looking at the bird forum, thought to myself.... yes that's for me so bought a long zoom lens, then upgraded to a 500mm prime, its being nonstop buying ever since, upgraded the camera several times, new lens for this new lens for that, its never ending, filters, bags, tripods,teleconverters I have bought it all. finally ended up with a Nikon D7100 and thought to myself, that's it no more, enough is enough.

Then someone put up the D750 thread, could not help myself, had to have one and the spending started all over again, more lens, new editing software and then I found my computer was really struggling to edit the files, so ordered a new com, it has to stop, the spending that is :whistle::) I really need banning from this forum for my wallets sake, Now its seems I need a Sigma Art as its the latest must have lens, no idea which one yet;) but it's NO NO NO, I can stop buying, honest I really can, that is if the members on here help by not posting what new kit they have purchased or the pics taken with it ;):):):)

I can do this, I really must, do I sound like I have convinced myself yet, but :nikon:
Click to expand...


Learn to love photography instead of cameras. You'll save a fortune, and probably get netter images. I'm a photographer.. I ****ing hate camera. They're just tools.
 
Take up fishing its much cheaper! Lol
 
Mikechappers said:
My son gets given all my old kit Bill, one day he will learn there are more settings on the camera than auto, as for phones etc, they do not do it for me, the excitement of the delivery drivers knock on the door with several hundred pounds worth of new kit does it for me everytime.
Click to expand...

Oh yes purchased a new lens last week and got a red card, I was SO down. My partner couldn't understand...then my main post man (my god) had crossed paths and delivered it for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(was literately jumping round the room:nikon:)
 
realspeed said:
I think most of use are guilty of the same thing. New products and the must have urge starts all over again. I do have one brake that stops me and she is in the kitchen. Now I am no way saying she is tight with money but yesterday she actually opened her purse and moths from ancient Egyptian times flew out. America has Fort Knox but that is nothing compared to "er indoors"
Click to expand...

It's not that "us indoors" are tight with money...

Tis you can only spend it once, so gotta make sure that you send it wisely ;)

I regularly drive my hubby nuts...

I will hanker after something, then finally decide to buy, traipse to the shop hubby in tow... Check said item, mule my decision over to justify it's purchase.... Then an hour later I can't make my mind up so decided to come back another time...

This can go on for many trips, until hubby in shear exasperation says for goodness sake buy it:banghead:

It actually took me 18 months and goodness knows how many visits to the Radley shop near us before I finally brought my self a bag..... Which I had promised myself that I was going to buy with my first wage packet after returning back to work after a 5 year enforced sabbatical....
 
I find these threads strange and struggle to understand them. The OP is written as if it's a complaint, but really, it's not... it's a proud post, and the replies exude equal pride. It's awash with emoticons expressing happiness at spending to much money. The OP doesn't want to be stopped at all.
 
It looks like I have a lot in common with the OP. But at the moment I have banned myself from buying anything else until I'm let into the Classifieds....only 30 days to go.
 
Leroy4bz said:
It looks like I have a lot in common with the OP. But at the moment I have banned myself from buying anything else until I'm let into the Classifieds....only 30 days to go.
Click to expand...

There's always ebay.
 
Leroy4bz said:
I'm always dubious about EBay, I Been stung too many times. I'm hoping to get what I after from other members who like me cherish their gear.
Click to expand...

There are as many stories of dubious transactions in here. Peopel are people... being in here is no measure of anything. Look at people's feedback on Ebay. If it's not 100%, walk away. You have protection on Ebay you know. If someone sells something that blatantly not as described, then there is recourse to be had. I'm not saying don't use this forum.. I'm saying perhaps waiting 30 days if you need something now is not that great an idea.

If you're in no rush.... then ignore me. However, there is a distinct trend these days for lots of short, pointless posts by new members that clearly are to boost post count. I'm not saying you're doing that, but I just don't get it. There are other ways to buy and sell on-line other than here.
 
Pookeyhead said:
There are as many stories of dubious transactions in here. Peopel are people... being in here is no measure of anything. Look at people's feedback on Ebay. If it's not 100%, walk away. You have protection on Ebay you know. If someone sells something that blatantly not as described, then there is recourse to be had. I'm not saying don't use this forum.. I'm saying perhaps waiting 30 days if you need something now is not that great an idea.

If you're in no rush.... then ignore me. However, there is a distinct trend these days for lots of short, pointless posts by new members that clearly are to boost post count. I'm not saying you're doing that, but I just don't get it. There are other ways to buy and sell on-line other than here.
Click to expand...
I get what your saying, and have had refunds in the past. I'm well versed with forums, and hopefully savvy enough in my dealing with people. I'm in no rush to buy anything, I'm just Interested to see if I can get what I want without going through eBay.
 
49 discussions in the disputed trades section here, hardly "up" to e-bay standards.

When a want becomes a real need is the time to buy new kit, although want is enough justification sometimes!
 
Nod said:
49 discussions in the disputed trades section here, hardly "up" to e-bay standards.

When a want becomes a real need is the time to buy new kit, although want is enough justification sometimes!
Click to expand...
Thanks for the info....for armed is for warned.
 
Nod said:
49 discussions in the disputed trades section here, hardly "up" to e-bay standards.

When a want becomes a real need is the time to buy new kit, although want is enough justification sometimes!
Click to expand...

For those of us fro whom photography is a hobby, rather than a source of income, 'want' is what truly applies to all our purchases, rather than genuine 'need'.

Of course, you could take the view that 'quality of life' is important, and something people 'need' - in which case if acquiring more gear gives you pleasure (and you are able to do so using the cash you have left over after paying for more direct 'needs', like food, clothes, etc), then there are plenty of worse ways to spend your money!
 
Very much agree, Jonathan. However, photography needn't be that expensive as a hobby. Once you have a body that delivers as many pixies with as little noise at whatever sensitivity you want and a lens (or lenses) that have the width/reach that your particular interests ask nicely for demand, it's possible to stick with what you've got. When (note the "when" rather than an "if"!) something new hits the want radar, we can try to resist the temptations, at least until such time as finances allow the indulgence(s)... I'm as guilty (if not more so) as most here of buying kit that is a want rather than a need - as you say, as a hobbyist, all my kit is a want! It has all given me great satisfaction though, even if some of it has been shifted on as surplus to requirements.
 
Mikechappers said:
A few years ago I was perfectly happy taking snaps with a Canon point and shoot until it fell out of my pocket into some water and that was that, browsing the Argos catalogue for a replacement I ended up buying a Nikon D3100, with no clue how to use I looked online for help and came across this forum, and have being broke ever since ;):)

Big mistake was looking at the bird forum, thought to myself.... yes that's for me so bought a long zoom lens, then upgraded to a 500mm prime, its being nonstop buying ever since, upgraded the camera several times, new lens for this new lens for that, its never ending, filters, bags, tripods,teleconverters I have bought it all. finally ended up with a Nikon D7100 and thought to myself, that's it no more, enough is enough.

Then someone put up the D750 thread, could not help myself, had to have one and the spending started all over again, more lens, new editing software and then I found my computer was really struggling to edit the files, so ordered a new com, it has to stop, the spending that is :whistle::) I really need banning from this forum for my wallets sake, Now its seems I need a Sigma Art as its the latest must have lens, no idea which one yet;) but it's NO NO NO, I can stop buying, honest I really can, that is if the members on here help by not posting what new kit they have purchased or the pics taken with it ;):):):)

I can do this, I really must, do I sound like I have convinced myself yet, but :nikon:
Click to expand...

Are you limited by your equipment or your abilities? Is buying new equipment really going to improve your photos - or just allow you to take slightly different ones? Is it going to make you more creative, more original?

It's an invaluable exercise to restrict yourself to shooting with a 'phone camera, and really understand what one can and can't do for you.

I'd really like an A7RII. It'd allow me to do a few things that I can't do with my current kit but I'd be deluding myself if I said I needed one.

IME the best bang-for-buck photography spending is on training - closely followed by lighting equipment*.

*as an aside, I'm astonished by the number of serious photographers who have not the faintest understanding of lighting. I'm convinced that the best way to learn about the use of natural light is to learn to use light in a controlled environment, e.g. a tabletop studio setup, even if you have no real intention of shooting your usual stuff with artificial light. If you really need to spend some money then get some flashguns, triggers and umbrellas. The down side - or perhaps up side, if you enjoy GAS - is that it's easy to spend considerably more on lighting equipment than on bodies & lenses.
 
Have you considered looking at mirrorless? There's quite a lot of fun and money involved there. You owe it to yourself to do some comparisons between different systems.
 
Ha!! Now try financing an interest in wristwatches. For those of you who aren't in the 'WIS' world it might come as a surprise to you that Rolex are not one of the most expensive Swiss manufacturers....
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top