FOMO

[JeffK]

Haven't been using my IQ3100 Achromatic except as a repro station lately. And I have all these P1 lenses that aren't getting used. I'm shooting 100% with my 50 APO on my M11P. I feel like I should sell the extra P1 lenses, but then I won't have them. Same with my Actus and a dozen Copal lenses. Fortunately, physics for light transmission doesn't change and I'll always be able to use these lenses.

What's in your closet?

 

[Paul Spinnler]

Jeff – don't sell just yet! Those unused lenses are hidden opportunities:

1. Challenge yourself to shoot exclusively with always one of your lenses
2. Explore Infra: Use the IQ3100 Achromatic for infrared or dramatic B&W landscapes -> the point about the achromatic series is to craft dramatic B&W with filters

Remember, gear is just the tool - your vision creates the magic. A fresh perspective might help you fall in love with your equipment again ...

I feel being intentional about what to use can be the key ... that's what I do, I recently forced myself with the 24mm on the M11 ...

 

[thedigitalbean]

An IQ4 150, an Alpa STC and a Cambo Actus DB along with HR 40, 70, 90 & 180. I did use it once a couple of months ago but other than that this kit hasn't seen any use in the last 2 years . I've considered selling them but I don't have the time or energy to deal with the hassle of it.

 

[Paul Spinnler]

The problem is that one can get comfortable with a certain combination and the tech cam setup is then too much hassle.

On the flipside, if you make it an intentional assignment for yourself to let's say go out with the STC and the 90 and then work within the constraints the result can be rewarding.

The key is setting the necessary time aside - it's like going to the gym vs. being a couch potato.

The SL2 I had at one point was so effortlessly great it wasn't even funny. I mean slap an APO 35 on it and done. BUT - if you do take your time and take out the Alpa the results are rewarding ...

Maybe we are just too busy these days in a complex, fast changing world.

Some analogue people also do the intent thing. They leave everything at home and take the 35mm Leica and ONE roll of B&W and make the effort to go somewhere interesting.

It's a lot of effort with scanning, dev, etc. but there are a lot of keepers!

I highly suggest owners of such high end gear to just try to go out with JUST the back, the body and one or two lenses and see what happens!

 

[Aviv1887]

This Tech gear and lenses are just so rewarding when you use and see the results. Don't sell if you can afford to hold on to this gear. Fully agree with Paul's opinion to challenge yourself with a small kit.

 

[JeffK]

This Tech gear and lenses are just so rewarding when you use and see the results. Don't sell if you can afford to hold on to this gear. Fully agree with Paul's opinion to challenge yourself with a small kit.

I'm fortunate to be in a position where I don't need to sell. Mostly questioning a closet full of gear and accessories I don't have an immediate reason to use anymore. More related to weight of gear. Given the prices of P1 lenses these days, it's probably easier to shed the fat off my body over selling the lenses. Then the extra weight of the lenses won't be a problem!!!!!!!

 

[baudolino]

As for tech gear, I use my XT / IQ4150 and 32/50/70 HR lenses quite regularly (like every week). Earlier this year I set myself a project of visiting and photographing historic factories and other interesting industrial structures in the wider region where I live. I try to combine my other travels with visits to sites that I scout on the internet beforehand, down to knowing exactly where I will be shooting from and where I will park my car. The gear is coincidental: sometimes I just take an SL3 with the 21 APO and do the corrections in C1. Or shoot 4x5 film when I fancy it. Bottom line is that the XT is the most convenient and efficient tool for the project, in most situations. I also have two XF bodies and several BR lenses (all bought 2nd hand) - I used to use these heavily in my shoots with models in the past years (art nude/glamour fashion). I recently put my efforts in this genre on hold for a variety of reasons, but I am keeping the bodies and lenses for now (second hand prices being so low, why bother). In any case, I am more and more of the view that my gear should be justified either by my ongoing photo projects or by typical use scenarios (like holidays where I prefer to shoot film). Beyond that, there are cameras (mostly film) that I simply like to own, even though I may not use them often. I sometimes feel guilty about owning so many but so what...Jay Leno and Nick Mason presumably also don't drive all the Ferraris in their garage all the time.

An important observation: The gear being coincidental for me is based on the realisation that inspiration, location scouting and preparation are more important. Since I started my project, I bought or reviewed a number of books by Gabriele Basilico, Thomas Struth, Marc Power, the Bechers and others. I watched Youtube videos, including some very good ones by a gentleman who teaches architecture photography at a US university (exchanged comments and emails with him, obtained his pdf books). I have also studied with interest the works of painters (like De Chirico, Canaletto, etc.) whose technique, depiction of perspective, light etc. provide clues and inspirations for my project. All these influences gradually blend together to shape my vision for the images - the choice of gear is then determined by that vision. I like drama in the images, so I gravitate to very wide angle lenses for exaggerated perspective, high contrast presets or orange/red filters for film, long exposure times to get movement (frame averaging on the IQ) etc. To keep my overly long write-up shorter, the point is that every lens and every accessory is attached in my mind to some pictorial objective. It has to have a clear role to play within the context of my vision. Not the other way around (I am not the kind of person to "take one lens and see what I can do with it", definitely not as far as tech gear is concerned).

 

[JeffK]

thank you @baudolino, I appreciate the motivational therapy!!!!!

 

[Paul Spinnler]

Location, concept, vision matter more than gear; gear is required to execute the first.

Problem is that most people stop at the gear and never really try hard enough regarding the first three points.

You've got excellent tools - now you need to plan to go somewhere with a concept and vision. Even if it takes you a day of work, one well-crafted image takes time. A lot of great photographers don’t just walk out of the house and make a few snaps - they treat the process of creating photographs as a planned endeavour - ie there is hard work involved.

I know it sounds trite, but the satisfaction can be immense once the “gym visits” pay off to stay in the couch potato analogy.

 

[tcdeveau]

I've pretty much cleared out my closet except for a Fuji X-T3 and 18-55 zoom. Wasn't using the gear, so sold pretty much all of it and went over to other hobbies.

I'll get back into it some day....I sure do miss the STC/40HR/70HR/IQ4 Achro kit....and the Hassy X kit for that matter.

 

[rdeloe]

When I shot large format film, I built a darkroom in the basement of my house. This was the real deal: I had a wet side with huge professional sink I harvested from a studio; archival print washer; print drying rack. The dry side had an Omega D5 XL enlarger with an Ilford Cold light head, a huge Seal dry mount press, and all the bits and bobs. I had everything I needed to develop black and white film 4x5, print up to 16" x 20" without breaking a sweat, dry mount, matte and frame.

And then along came daughter, and work picked up, etc. I went from using the dark room every week, to once a month, to once a year, to not at all. It turned into a junk storage room. From there it morphed into what I call a "Chamber of Sadness". It literally made me depressed every time I opened the door to add more junk or look for something.

The solution: rip off the bandage. I sold everything that was saleable, threw the rest in the garbage, ripped out the darkroom, and turned it into a usable space.

I'm not saying you need to sell all your stuff to be happy Jeff! But I am suggesting that sometimes the value and importance we assign to things or activities can be measured by whether or not we use those things, or pursue those activities. When they become a burden on our minds and spirits, it's time to get clear them out.

 

[JeffK]

Now that I've had some time to think about it, I'll probably clear out a lot of my gear. Even the M11-P is overkill. I think the pinnacle was the M10 and those are sitting at around $3800 USD on the used market. I can use the Phase One lenses with a digital M too. Keep the Actus too for technical work. I'll finish my scanning project then work on selling the IQ3100 Achromatic with the XF HAP 1 I have and possibly all the Magenta ring Rodenstock Copal lenses I have. I'll keep the Nikkor series, they suit my needs.

 

[Paul Spinnler]

The FED just kickstarted the rate reduction cycle - economy will improve in 2025 - sell then!

 

[JeffK]

The FED just kickstarted the rate reduction cycle - economy will improve in 2025 - sell then!

It's going to take me some time to finish the scanning project. As long as the CDN and US governments are still standing by then, there will likely be a market to sell to.

 

[Paul Spinnler]

It's going to take me some time to finish the scanning project. As long as the CDN and US governments are still standing by then, there will likely be a market to sell to.

Well by mid of 2025 we should be in a totally different economic environment, could be also catalysed by the vote outcome.

Right now it is time to snap up gear not sell.

On top a an achromatic Phase back is so rare - you regret it immediately when selling that kind of stuff, typically.

Also, with the release of the IO5, your IQ3 should solidify in value with the trade-in price anchor.

EG if Phase gives you a 12k credit for an IQ3A100 for an IQ5 you mustn't sell it for 8k, etc.

Tried infra yet?

 

[JeffK]

Tried infra yet?

Been shooting the infra red for the last five years. Started with a 260Achro. Even before that converted my 8mp rebel xt to BW IR many many years ago. Printing on a converted epson 7800 with 8 shades of black.