Reducing the stockpile

[PFMcFarland]

I gave away my golf clubs today.

Like my camera kits, I put that set together a bit at a time. Metal woods, a couple of hybrids, some comfortable irons (even one left-handed one for those special occasions). Nothing cheap, but no extravagance either. Usually bought on sale or clearance. But I haven't golfed in years because of my accumulating physical problems, and it was just taking up space. So I hauled them down to the Salvation Army. It felt good to finally face up to the facts, and put that part of my life behind me.

I'm now inspired to clear out some of the camera gear too. Get back to one user set in each format, and some sentimental favorites to fool around with every once in a while. It's going to take me awhile to get it all cataloged, and figure out what to sell, and what to gift.

It will feel good to be concentrating on taking photos, instead of chasing gear.

PF

[Brazile]

Ugh, really sorry to hear about the infirmities, but it sure does feel good to simplify from time to time, doesn't it? I'm on a similar project; now that the kids are (mostly) moved out, we're going around and finally clearing out decades of accumulated stuff, and it's satisfying on its own account.

But I hope your body resumes normal service, to whatever extent it can, and that you take time from the re-organization and de-cluttering to enjoy the keepers.

Robert

[Julio1fer]

PF, this year I started to give or sell some cameras I did not use. It felt very well, I am still going on. Hope that your physical issues don't stop you. Mine, they just come in with the advancing odometer.

[PFMcFarland]

Thanks for the kind words, Robert and Julio. I've been officially disabled for over ten years now, and the issues that caused that to happen will not get better. And there have been some newer ones that have finally caused me to take a good look at how I conduct my life from here on out. I do try to live everyday as best as I can, without worrying too much about what could happen.

My plan is to keep the Nikon gear, the Rollieflex, some rangefinders (fixed lens and interchangeable), and at least one Zeiss medium format folder. A couple of sentimental favorites will also stay.

I've had a lot of fun learning about all the different systems, and how to repair stuff, but now it's time to concentrate just on taking photos.

PF

[melek]

I'm thinking of doing the same. I have come across cameras that I can't recall buying. That's when you know that you have too many. Well, that and when your spouse tells you directly.

[Philip]

I admire your courage in deciding to get rid of so much. A few years ago I knew i had to start divesting myself of a lot of cameras, but I haven't had the courage to start doing it, or even to work up a plan. Ahhhh, next year, when I have retired . .. .

Philip

[PFMcFarland]

I got a big start on the process today, taking the Leidolf kit to the Camera Heritage Museum in Staunton, VA. It was spitting rain most of the day, so I loaded some Kentmere 400 in an Olympus Stylus Epic Zoom 80 Deluxe (the All Weather model) to shoot on the return trip.


Lordomat Grouping by P F McFarland, on Flickr

If anyone has a wish list, let me know what you are looking for in Canon FD, Minolta (MF and AF), Olympus OM, or whatever.

PF