Jorgen Udvang
Subscriber Member
There are so many great cameras being launched more or less every month these days, that even staying on the latest, greatest within the system of choice is a challenge. The old model still has a newish smell when the successor is announced. Most of us obviously don't buy every new model that are announced since there's simply no need. But it's tempting sometimes. The big neon sign with "Worthwhile Upgrade" keeps flashing over each shiny, new photographic gadget, and with money to spend, it's easy to say "Why not?".
My plan this autumn has been to buy an E-M1, indeed a great camera. 9 months ago, it was the GH3, which I postponed for no other reason than the fact that I didn't really need another camera. Now, I've postponed the Olympus and bought the Panasonic. The hardly used GH3 cost me 40% less than it would have in January, and there's still 18 months left of the warranty.
Most of my other cameras are bought second hand as well, and I consider turning it into a principle. I'm tempted by the A7r, since it's smaller, lighter and in many ways more versatile than the Nikon bodies that it would replace. But it will be smaller, lighter and more versatile in 1 year and 2 years too. And maybe I find then that I didn't need it anyway. On the rare occasion when I need 36MP or more, I can always stitch. Or use medium format film. Or large format even.
Apart from saving money and apart from the fact that many of us hardly ever own a camera long enough to wear it out nowadays, there is also an environmental side to this. Electronic junk is a massive problem and many cameras contain materials that are in limited supply. Actually all materials are in limited supply, although some more than others on this tiny earth.
Me buying fewer new cameras won't save the world of course, but it's a good principle: Re-use rather than consume. And I like old cameras. I hardly ever sell one, but sometimes give one away if there's someone crossing my path who has the needs but not the means.
Now, with all the monies I'll save on this principle, what lenses should I spend them on? :ROTFL:
The new Nikkor 58mm seems tempting :chug:
My plan this autumn has been to buy an E-M1, indeed a great camera. 9 months ago, it was the GH3, which I postponed for no other reason than the fact that I didn't really need another camera. Now, I've postponed the Olympus and bought the Panasonic. The hardly used GH3 cost me 40% less than it would have in January, and there's still 18 months left of the warranty.
Most of my other cameras are bought second hand as well, and I consider turning it into a principle. I'm tempted by the A7r, since it's smaller, lighter and in many ways more versatile than the Nikon bodies that it would replace. But it will be smaller, lighter and more versatile in 1 year and 2 years too. And maybe I find then that I didn't need it anyway. On the rare occasion when I need 36MP or more, I can always stitch. Or use medium format film. Or large format even.
Apart from saving money and apart from the fact that many of us hardly ever own a camera long enough to wear it out nowadays, there is also an environmental side to this. Electronic junk is a massive problem and many cameras contain materials that are in limited supply. Actually all materials are in limited supply, although some more than others on this tiny earth.
Me buying fewer new cameras won't save the world of course, but it's a good principle: Re-use rather than consume. And I like old cameras. I hardly ever sell one, but sometimes give one away if there's someone crossing my path who has the needs but not the means.
Now, with all the monies I'll save on this principle, what lenses should I spend them on? :ROTFL:
The new Nikkor 58mm seems tempting :chug:
