It's nice to know that someone owns even more cameras than I do, although I'm close! I'm getting to the age where I'm wondering what's going to become of all these cameras and lenses when I graduate to the netherworld.
Your reflection has helped me to become aware of my own situation as a collector of analog cameras, lenses of all kinds and accessories (some of which are difficult to find in my country). When I started collecting, I imagined that I would live a thousand years, but at seventy-five that fantasy has disappeared many years ago...luckily. And I will sell them or at least I will try (it is difficult to find buyers) because I love them and I would not want them to end up in the hands of people who do not know how to use them or are not interested in photography. So, thank you very much for helping me think! From Argentina
I haven't purchased much in the past few years, but I have accumulated through inheritance or gifts of several bodies, lenses, and kits. I need to go through the process of thinning the herd. Some need a CLA, but I try to keep them fully functional which is another story. Thank you for the reminder.
My OM2sp, which my dad gave me, is dead. Electronics are fine mind you - whenever I put batteries into that camera it springs back to life. But winding / rewinding mechanism is messed up, badly. And it's unlikely that I'll be able to fix it, course nobody wants to work on it. There's a service for it in Germany but I guess that would cost me as much as "new" camera, which is currently already overpriced for what it is. So most likely that camera goes with me into the grave... When we are talking about my dad, for the most part of his life he photographed with Kodak's Retina IIc. Once he climbed a mountain, and he wanted to take a shot, the camera was completely frozen, course the temperature dipped below 0c. And the camera was NEW at that time mind you! Once warmed, it worked again as normal. Since than, he always wore that camera under the jacket in the winter.
My rule is that if I have not shot with it in over 1 year it is time to list it. At a price that won't sell instantly but should sell eventually, no reason to lose anything in the process. One thing to consider with multiple bodies in the collection, many have similar capabilities and lens compatibility. Keep the ones you think will last the longest so you don't have to search for repairs or parts (as much). Great post, no right or wrong answer, we are all different. Stay safe!
“Seller’s remorse.” I like that phrase. I have experienced it. I am now on my 3rd Nikon D7000 after selling the other two. It is an astonishingly good camera. The previous two went to fund the purchase of a Nikon D810. Again, an amazing camera. I also own a Fujifilm X-T2 which I will never sell. Three great cameras that cover all my photography needs. Oops - forgot about my precious OM2n black body. I use that very occasionally. I understand and sympathise with your dilemma Nigel. Good luck.
Funny thing, a video about downsizing a collection pushed me to order a FED 2 that I've been eyeing for a while. Thanks for the lovely video, I enjoyed it-it felt like having a relaxing conversation about cameras with a friend.
Object attachment is a *very* personal matter and I would never presume to offer any advice regarding what should stay or go. From a merely practical standpoint, I would keep at least one camera for each native lens mount, always preferring the more mechanical models over the electronic ones which are bound to become paperweights at some point. Although of course, there is nothing wrong with keeping a myriad of non-working models for decorative purposes. Thank you for a lovely unscripted chat!
Thirty cameras! Try about 130 cameras, plus lenses, electronic flash and other photo items in my collection. Been collecting since my youth in the 1960's. From 1976 to 1986 I worked for Canon Canada. In 1977 they relocated to a larger location. They had bins into which they were throwing outdate models for disposal. I saw two super 8 film cameras in the bin which I rescued. What was unique about the cameras was, as salesman's samples (only 2 in Canada), these cameras had clear transparent cladding such that one could see all the movements and how they operate. Obviously one could not shoot film with them however LOL.
Hi Nigel, I got into buying Soviet rangefinder cameras over the last two years after I discovered a FED-2 stashed away since my army days of the 1970s. It needed repair so I sent it in to get a CLA and it's back and working brilliantly. It's a black body painted FED-2 so it's rather rare. Meanwhile I've been buying cameras for their lenses and have gotten an assortment of rangefinder and SLR lenses which I use on my mirrorless Olympus 4/3. I'm getting good photos using a Helios 44-2 on my Canon DSLR which I got attached to a Zenit-E. But I've collected around a variety of 9 different FED and Zorki rangefinders and out of the lot, purchased 5 additional cameras that arrived with locked shutters, essentially parts units with lenses and even more useful, spare take-up spools. Alas, I need to pair everything down to three, maybe four good working FED and Zorki cameras and sell the lot of parts only Zorki 4, 4Ks and a 6.
I found the proper lens hood for the Kiev, and it's silver and black rectangular look truly enhances the Kiev. I'd buy a hood instead of selling it. You already know I like that rooftop apartment on it..
I've done this twice over the years. I agonize and procrastinate over which ones to sell. I sell them and a few years later I buy them back and a few more as well. Just keep them, you know you want to.
Keep them all! Whatever camera you convince yourself to sell will be the one you will regret selling later. Use a three tiered shelf unit with 10 cameras per shelf. That shouldn't take up much space.....unlike my 6 guitars. I'm keeping them all even though they take up mor space than my 8 cameras, 250 model cars. I think we are called collectorholics.
Having been a camera fanatic, salesman and a user for nearly 50 years I can understand your dilemma. For me I would keep the Nikon FE. I bought one just after they were released and it gave me superb service for over 25 years. It never let me down. I would sell all the others you mentioned.
This is what I am going to have to do in the new year. I use perhaps half a dozen of my cameras over the course of a year and have a few I will never part with, but there's a few I have to move on to pastures new.
Personally, I think for a person like yourself 30 cameras is not far too many and unless you live an a studio apartment or a boarding house I’m sure you can accommodate the cameras. Also because none of the cameras are high end where you have large amounts of money ties up, once you sell the cameras it’ll end up being spent on groceries and you won’t have anything to show for the sales in a very short time
I usually have a little cull to fund new purchases, but I always end up buying something, very similar to what i sold. I dont know why, sellers remorse? Never knew i loved them until they were gone. I have just spotted a Leningrad light meter for a tenner - do i need it? Doesnt matter - i want it!
Lol, scared me there with the sigh at the end since I play the video in the background just listening to your voice. I was like, isn't the video over? Who's there?!
I actually cleaned and repaired that one Olympus AF lens and use it on my OM4 from time to time. For a zoom 35-70 f4 lens from the film era, it's a pretty good performer. Heavy as hell though with three AAA batteries required. The lens itself has single, continuous, or power focus modes that'll work on any OM body.
My FM with the MD12 is battered, worn out, got in the rain, snow storm you name it... would I sell it? No chance, Got myself a Lumix G9, it's an awesome camera, but the FM just got something in my heart... Will I ever get a rangefinder? Who knows, at 66 am bit too old to be bothered, found some soviet at a reasonable price but starting all that game again.. just feels like doing too many things at the same time, digital takes a lot of time and learning... thanks for the video!!!
I have too many lens in my collection. Here is my strategy; Pick 4,6, or 8 you don't like and list for sale. When half of them sell, just keep the remaing until next Spring cleaning.
I have e thinned out my collection and now are left only with one system .. Nikon ...F90X for film ...the rest all digital z50ii z5 D600 now I have 10mm to 500mm covered in the smattering of lenes some DX and most FX...feel lighter and more focused when choosing what I want to pick up and use for the photography I do
I sold my Kiev's. They were never my favorite for various reasons. Keep those Zorki's! Sometimes the mechanics need to be cleaned a few times before they work more consistently.
Some interesting and wonderful cameras you have here. A some years ago, I made the difficult choice of sale off my Nikon Fe-2 and Maymia 645, but kept my Nikon N8008s. Still wonder if I made the right decision. Keep the Nikon Fe!
I tend to think of photography gear in the same way as music gear.. stuff should generally be in use and enjoyed at least somewhat regularly. And, if that isn't the case for an extended period of time I feel it's probably best to let it go so someone else who, having perhaps less resources or more time, can experience the pleasure of that thing.
yes, if you are more addicted to the Leica style, the Kiev has to go. for me the Leica is not so much what I was hunting for. the Contax III, a Kiev and the Bessa with the same lensmount, the R2C are living with me and apart from the inner mount lenses the adapter to the Sony α7RII became part of my permanent collection. must admit I bought some of the Cosina lenses for it and just had the 85mm Sonnar repaired , which was by far to stiff focusing while the m39 85mm russian copy I own has loose lenses inside and wants me to take a look. thanks for the video and thanks for your commitment to the community of photographers both chemical and digital watching on the tube.
I think you made reasonable decisions on which cameras you're going to sell based off your preferences. Maybe once you sell those cameras, you will begin to look at your other cameras and decide to sell a few more. I think it would be great to use that money to get your Zorki 3 CLA'd and/or one of your Leicas. Then you'll enjoy them even more.
Nigel I share the same issue buy but I rarely let cameras go . I’ll always keep my xt1 for the colours is gives on that subject a question for you I plan to take a cityscape picture of Liverpool waterfront using the xt1 I don’t have a computer at present so no photoshop. Do you think the wonderful fujifilm jpegs will be ok to print something big enough to show on a lounge wall I’ve only printed 8x6 ish so far
30 cameras? I was thinking I don't have as many, until I counted them. Yep, not a kick in the arse off 30, without being accurate. ps, sell the FE before it dies. Mine did, a couple of months ago, it's nothing but a doorstop now.
Maybe it can be fixed. A few days ago, I watched a video on RUclips where a guy was repairing an FE. Based on what I saw, many issues can be repaired or serviced.
I watched a video only yesterday about some chap who had 2000 cameras (plus all sorts of other gizmology) he inherited from his father. I think the record is 30,000 or thereabouts.
Unless you need the money keep them especially the old ones, unless there is some input from she who must be obeyed :)))) plenty of room on the wall behind you for some storage
I have 20+ interesting east germany cameras i dont use (exakta, altix, contax,...) and few from west (paxette, ...) but i would rather keep 'em in friendly environment then sell 'em for pennies
Just 30? That really doesn't seem to be too many cameras for a person in your position. But yes, maybe you have a lot of similar cameras - and your choice of keepers was sound. I know I could not do the same exercise on my own collection. Also, I admire the idea of publicly saying what is wrong with cameras before trying to sell them. When I first saw you were selling, I thought, "maybe he has something I might want to buy". Nope, you talked me out of it.
Well I disagree with you, what a surprise. I would keep the OM 2 SP simply for its rarity. The Nikon FG, well hard to disagree with your thinking but I would definitely get rid of the OM30 and Canon T70 before I got rid of the Nikon FG. The Nikon feels like a camera, the OM30 less so, and the Canon not at all. I will agree the Canon and the OM30 can take good photos but most cameras made from the mid 1970's onwards could do that. I would keep both the Russian cameras, beautiful statements of engineering. That said, you will get a good price for the OM2 SP and the Nikon FG, so selling them to fund other purchases if going to raise more than selling the OM30 and Canon T70. Given that, you may argue that your decision makes perfect sense. But you cannot beat the market and the market says that the Nikon FG is worth more and it is worth more because it is simply a better camera proposition today. Some of these plastic wonder cameras like the T70 and the EOS3000v are actually capable cameras, but despite that, they are pretty unlovable. Good luck with the selling, I hope you get a good price.
Yes I'll be sorting through my small Camera collection in the new year to see what I can sell off to make space . Like you said you can only use one camera at a time , when you have the time to use them in the first place .
I believe selling the FE is a mistake. It can auto expose in incredibly low light. I have quite a bunch and none failed because of electronics. I never was enthusiastic about the FM. I think the F2 is far superior when looking for a purely mechanical camera. Just my two cents after 40 years of using them.
@@zoppotromp1958 I have an FE as well and it really hit the spot in terms of features, viewfinder quality and ease of use. Having owned Canon, Yashica and Pentax in the past.. the FE is the one SLR I decided to keep.
It's nice to know that someone owns even more cameras than I do, although I'm close! I'm getting to the age where I'm wondering what's going to become of all these cameras and lenses when I graduate to the netherworld.
Your reflection has helped me to become aware of my own situation as a collector of analog cameras, lenses of all kinds and accessories (some of which are difficult to find in my country). When I started collecting, I imagined that I would live a thousand years, but at seventy-five that fantasy has disappeared many years ago...luckily. And I will sell them or at least I will try (it is difficult to find buyers) because I love them and I would not want them to end up in the hands of people who do not know how to use them or are not interested in photography. So, thank you very much for helping me think! From Argentina
I haven't purchased much in the past few years, but I have accumulated through inheritance or gifts of several bodies, lenses, and kits. I need to go through the process of thinning the herd. Some need a CLA, but I try to keep them fully functional which is another story. Thank you for the reminder.
i have the same dialogues with myself everyday. Everytime I think to sell, I end up falling in love with them even more.
So true!
My OM2sp, which my dad gave me, is dead. Electronics are fine mind you - whenever I put batteries into that camera it springs back to life. But winding / rewinding mechanism is messed up, badly. And it's unlikely that I'll be able to fix it, course nobody wants to work on it. There's a service for it in Germany but I guess that would cost me as much as "new" camera, which is currently already overpriced for what it is. So most likely that camera goes with me into the grave...
When we are talking about my dad, for the most part of his life he photographed with Kodak's Retina IIc.
Once he climbed a mountain, and he wanted to take a shot, the camera was completely frozen, course the temperature dipped below 0c. And the camera was NEW at that time mind you! Once warmed, it worked again as normal. Since than, he always wore that camera under the jacket in the winter.
My rule is that if I have not shot with it in over 1 year it is time to list it. At a price that won't sell instantly but should sell eventually, no reason to lose anything in the process. One thing to consider with multiple bodies in the collection, many have similar capabilities and lens compatibility. Keep the ones you think will last the longest so you don't have to search for repairs or parts (as much). Great post, no right or wrong answer, we are all different. Stay safe!
“Seller’s remorse.” I like that phrase. I have experienced it. I am now on my 3rd Nikon D7000 after selling the other two. It is an astonishingly good camera. The previous two went to fund the purchase of a Nikon D810. Again, an amazing camera. I also own a Fujifilm X-T2 which I will never sell. Three great cameras that cover all my photography needs. Oops - forgot about my precious OM2n black body. I use that very occasionally. I understand and sympathise with your dilemma Nigel. Good luck.
Funny thing, a video about downsizing a collection pushed me to order a FED 2 that I've been eyeing for a while. Thanks for the lovely video, I enjoyed it-it felt like having a relaxing conversation about cameras with a friend.
Object attachment is a *very* personal matter and I would never presume to offer any advice regarding what should stay or go. From a merely practical standpoint, I would keep at least one camera for each native lens mount, always preferring the more mechanical models over the electronic ones which are bound to become paperweights at some point. Although of course, there is nothing wrong with keeping a myriad of non-working models for decorative purposes. Thank you for a lovely unscripted chat!
Thirty cameras! Try about 130 cameras, plus lenses, electronic flash and other photo items in my collection. Been collecting since my youth in the 1960's. From 1976 to 1986 I worked for Canon Canada. In 1977 they relocated to a larger location. They had bins into which they were throwing outdate models for disposal. I saw two super 8 film cameras in the bin which I rescued. What was unique about the cameras was, as salesman's samples (only 2 in Canada), these cameras had clear transparent cladding such that one could see all the movements and how they operate. Obviously one could not shoot film with them however LOL.
Hi Nigel, I got into buying Soviet rangefinder cameras over the last two years after I discovered a FED-2 stashed away since my army days of the 1970s. It needed repair so I sent it in to get a CLA and it's back and working brilliantly. It's a black body painted FED-2 so it's rather rare. Meanwhile I've been buying cameras for their lenses and have gotten an assortment of rangefinder and SLR lenses which I use on my mirrorless Olympus 4/3. I'm getting good photos using a Helios 44-2 on my Canon DSLR which I got attached to a Zenit-E. But I've collected around a variety of 9 different FED and Zorki rangefinders and out of the lot, purchased 5 additional cameras that arrived with locked shutters, essentially parts units with lenses and even more useful, spare take-up spools. Alas, I need to pair everything down to three, maybe four good working FED and Zorki cameras and sell the lot of parts only Zorki 4, 4Ks and a 6.
I found the proper lens hood for the Kiev, and it's silver and black rectangular look truly enhances the Kiev. I'd buy a hood instead of selling it. You already know I like that rooftop apartment on it..
I've done this twice over the years. I agonize and procrastinate over which ones to sell. I sell them and a few years later I buy them back and a few more as well. Just keep them, you know you want to.
Keep them all! Whatever camera you convince yourself to sell will be the one you will regret selling later. Use a three tiered shelf unit with 10 cameras per shelf. That shouldn't take up much space.....unlike my 6 guitars. I'm keeping them all even though they take up mor space than my 8 cameras, 250 model cars. I think we are called collectorholics.
Having been a camera fanatic, salesman and a user for nearly 50 years I can understand your dilemma. For me I would keep the Nikon FE. I bought one just after they were released and it gave me superb service for over 25 years. It never let me down. I would sell all the others you mentioned.
I’m in the same boat but I can never seem to let them go. 😆
You never get what they're worth. Keep them. Space be damned.
This is what I am going to have to do in the new year. I use perhaps half a dozen of my cameras over the course of a year and have a few I will never part with, but there's a few I have to move on to pastures new.
Personally, I think for a person like yourself 30 cameras is not far too many and unless you live an a studio apartment or a boarding house I’m sure you can accommodate the cameras.
Also because none of the cameras are high end where you have large amounts of money ties up, once you sell the cameras it’ll end up being spent on groceries and you won’t have anything to show for the sales in a very short time
I usually have a little cull to fund new purchases, but I always end up buying something, very similar to what i sold. I dont know why, sellers remorse? Never knew i loved them until they were gone. I have just spotted a Leningrad light meter for a tenner - do i need it? Doesnt matter - i want it!
Don't ask me! I'd tell you to keep all of them!
Lol, scared me there with the sigh at the end since I play the video in the background just listening to your voice. I was like, isn't the video over? Who's there?!
I actually cleaned and repaired that one Olympus AF lens and use it on my OM4 from time to time. For a zoom 35-70 f4 lens from the film era, it's a pretty good performer. Heavy as hell though with three AAA batteries required. The lens itself has single, continuous, or power focus modes that'll work on any OM body.
I think you are right to sell the OM2. I would keep the Kiev, just because it is something odd;)
Keep the ones you like looking at. Lot of mileage there. I like my Kiev with its little apartment on top.
My FM with the MD12 is battered, worn out, got in the rain, snow storm you name it... would I sell it? No chance, Got myself a Lumix G9, it's an awesome camera, but the FM just got something in my heart... Will I ever get a rangefinder? Who knows, at 66 am bit too old to be bothered, found some soviet at a reasonable price but starting all that game again.. just feels like doing too many things at the same time, digital takes a lot of time and learning... thanks for the video!!!
I have too many lens in my collection. Here is my strategy; Pick 4,6, or 8 you don't like and list for sale. When half of them sell, just keep the remaing until next Spring cleaning.
Selling lenses and cameras is never morally justified.
I have e thinned out my collection and now are left only with one system .. Nikon ...F90X for film ...the rest all digital z50ii z5 D600 now I have 10mm to 500mm covered in the smattering of lenes some DX and most FX...feel lighter and more focused when choosing what I want to pick up and use for the photography I do
I sold my Kiev's. They were never my favorite for various reasons. Keep those Zorki's! Sometimes the mechanics need to be cleaned a few times before they work more consistently.
Some interesting and wonderful cameras you have here. A some years ago, I made the difficult choice of sale off my Nikon Fe-2 and Maymia 645, but kept my Nikon N8008s. Still wonder if I made the right decision. Keep the Nikon Fe!
I tend to think of photography gear in the same way as music gear.. stuff should generally be in use and enjoyed at least somewhat regularly. And, if that isn't the case for an extended period of time I feel it's probably best to let it go so someone else who, having perhaps less resources or more time, can experience the pleasure of that thing.
I can't imagine how other people with piles of worthless E-waste feel when you already are overwhelmed with your expensive cameras
yes, if you are more addicted to the Leica style, the Kiev has to go. for me the Leica is not so much what I was hunting for. the Contax III, a Kiev and the Bessa with the same lensmount, the R2C are living with me and apart from the inner mount lenses the adapter to the Sony α7RII became part of my permanent collection. must admit I bought some of the Cosina lenses for it and just had the 85mm Sonnar repaired , which was by far to stiff focusing while the m39 85mm russian copy I own has loose lenses inside and wants me to take a look.
thanks for the video and thanks for your commitment to the community of photographers both chemical and digital watching on the tube.
Love my Zorki-6 and my Fed-2. I have a Zorki-3 on order. I would call any of them as a keeper.
I think you made reasonable decisions on which cameras you're going to sell based off your preferences. Maybe once you sell those cameras, you will begin to look at your other cameras and decide to sell a few more. I think it would be great to use that money to get your Zorki 3 CLA'd and/or one of your Leicas. Then you'll enjoy them even more.
Nigel I share the same issue buy but I rarely let cameras go . I’ll always keep my xt1 for the colours is gives on that subject a question for you I plan to take a cityscape picture of Liverpool waterfront using the xt1 I don’t have a computer at present so no photoshop. Do you think the wonderful fujifilm jpegs will be ok to print something big enough to show on a lounge wall I’ve only printed 8x6 ish so far
Where will you sell them?
30 cameras?
I was thinking I don't have as many, until I counted them.
Yep, not a kick in the arse off 30, without being accurate.
ps, sell the FE before it dies. Mine did, a couple of months ago, it's nothing but a doorstop now.
Maybe it can be fixed. A few days ago, I watched a video on RUclips where a guy was repairing an FE. Based on what I saw, many issues can be repaired or serviced.
I'd love to buy that Kiev 👀👀👀
I watched a video only yesterday about some chap who had 2000 cameras (plus all sorts of other gizmology) he inherited from his father. I think the record is 30,000 or thereabouts.
Unless you need the money keep them especially the old ones, unless there is some input from she who must be obeyed :)))) plenty of room on the wall behind you for some storage
I have 20+ interesting east germany cameras i dont use (exakta, altix, contax,...) and few from west (paxette, ...) but i would rather keep 'em in friendly environment then sell 'em for pennies
Just 30? That really doesn't seem to be too many cameras for a person in your position. But yes, maybe you have a lot of similar cameras - and your choice of keepers was sound. I know I could not do the same exercise on my own collection.
Also, I admire the idea of publicly saying what is wrong with cameras before trying to sell them. When I first saw you were selling, I thought, "maybe he has something I might want to buy". Nope, you talked me out of it.
Sell cameras ? Only when I need money.
Well I disagree with you, what a surprise. I would keep the OM 2 SP simply for its rarity. The Nikon FG, well hard to disagree with your thinking but I would definitely get rid of the OM30 and Canon T70 before I got rid of the Nikon FG. The Nikon feels like a camera, the OM30 less so, and the Canon not at all. I will agree the Canon and the OM30 can take good photos but most cameras made from the mid 1970's onwards could do that. I would keep both the Russian cameras, beautiful statements of engineering. That said, you will get a good price for the OM2 SP and the Nikon FG, so selling them to fund other purchases if going to raise more than selling the OM30 and Canon T70. Given that, you may argue that your decision makes perfect sense. But you cannot beat the market and the market says that the Nikon FG is worth more and it is worth more because it is simply a better camera proposition today. Some of these plastic wonder cameras like the T70 and the EOS3000v are actually capable cameras, but despite that, they are pretty unlovable. Good luck with the selling, I hope you get a good price.
35:53 helices
Yes I'll be sorting through my small Camera collection in the new year to see what I can sell off to make space . Like you said you can only use one camera at a time , when you have the time to use them in the first place .
I believe selling the FE is a mistake. It can auto expose in incredibly low light. I have quite a bunch and none failed because of electronics. I never was enthusiastic about the FM. I think the F2 is far superior when looking for a purely mechanical camera. Just my two cents after 40 years of using them.
@@zoppotromp1958 I have an FE as well and it really hit the spot in terms of features, viewfinder quality and ease of use. Having owned Canon, Yashica and Pentax in the past.. the FE is the one SLR I decided to keep.