Victim of Gas Attack: I started into into photography about 20 years ago. I got a little Olympus point and shoot, and IT took pretty good photos, but, I thought it was me that took...

leftyD500 Loc: Ocala, Florida

I started into into photography about 20 years ago. I got a little Olympus point and shoot, and IT took pretty good photos, but, I thought it was me that took good photos. So, I started reading, and eventually graduated to the Olympus E300, and boy, my ego soared. I started thinking professional photography. When I did ot have the success of selling my photos (they were good), I went back to reading...and was convinced I need a better camera...so I got the Olympus E3, and once again, my ego soared. And, again, my success was sparse, then I read an article, it placed a bad rap on Olympus cameras, that four-thirds system resulted in very noisy photos. So, I wanted to go Nikon, but the camera shop owner I dealt with convinced me go Canon, so I bought a Canon, can't remember the model. Eventually, I got the Canon 6D...full frame, baby! It was a very good camera, and the L series lenses I got were very good, but the Nikon (AKA GAS!) kept calling me. So, I switched, got the Nikon D7200, a very good crop sensor camera. Still not satisfied because, I was not selling images like I wanted, I thought...need to go full frame, so I got the D610 with the Nikon 200-500 lens. Now, after much money spent, and numerous different cameras and lenses, I have decided, I am not the professional photographer type. I did not put in the time necessary...I certainly had the equipment, but, I did not have the pro mentality. So, now, at 74 years of age, I have finally faced the truth....I will never be a pro, and really, I don't want to be. So now, Folks, here is what is in my camera bag....the Nikon D5300, with the Tamron 18-400 lens. That is it...and that is all I will ever need. It is an awesome little camera, that Tammy is sharp and accurate, takes very good pictures, and best of all, the entire setup weighs less that 4 pounds. So, anyone out there looking for a good camera/lens combo for your daughter, son, wife, or even yourself, and one that won't break the bank, the Nikon D5300 w/Tammy 18-400 lens deserves a serious look.

cessnalvr Loc: West virginia

Haha neat and so true of a story

BebuLamar

jradose wrote:

I started into into photography about 20 years ago. I got a little Olympus point and shoot, and IT took pretty good photos, but, I thought it was me that took good photos. So, I started reading, and eventually graduated to the Olympus E300, and boy, my ego soared. I started thinking professional photography. When I did ot have the success of selling my photos (they were good), I went back to reading...and was convinced I need a better camera...so I got the Olympus E3, and once again, my ego soared. And, again, my success was sparse, then I read an article, it placed a bad rap on Olympus cameras, that four-thirds system resulted in very noisy photos. So, I wanted to go Nikon, but the camera shop owner I dealt with convinced me go Canon, so I bought a Canon, can't remember the model. Eventually, I got the Canon 6D...full frame, baby! It was a very good camera, and the L series lenses I got were very good, but the Nikon (AKA GAS!) kept calling me. So, I switched, got the Nikon D7200, a very good crop sensor camera. Still not satisfied because, I was not selling images like I wanted, I thought...need to go full frame, so I got the D610 with the Nikon 200-500 lens. Now, after much money spent, and numerous different cameras and lenses, I have decided, I am not the professional photographer type. I did not put in the time necessary...I certainly had the equipment, but, I did not have the pro mentality. So, now, at 74 years of age, I have finally faced the truth....I will never be a pro, and really, I don't want to be. So now, Folks, here is what is in my camera bag....the Nikon D5300, with the Tamron 18-400 lens. That is it...and that is all I will ever need. It is an awesome little camera, that Tammy is sharp and accurate, takes very good pictures, and best of all, the entire setup weighs less that 4 pounds. So, anyone out there looking for a good camera/lens combo for your daughter, son, wife, or even yourself, and one that won't break the bank, the Nikon D5300 w/Tammy 18-400 lens deserves a serious look.

I started into into photography about 20 years ago... (show quote)

You obviously got rid of most of the equipment you bought in the 20 years. So how much money you got out of them as compared to the money you paid for them? I just try to see how badly GAS hurts.

leftyD500 Loc: Ocala, Florida

BebuLamar wrote:

You obviously got rid of most of the equipment you bought in the 20 years. So how much money you got out of them as compared to the money you paid for them? I just try to see how badly GAS hurts.

I will just say, if one can recover 70% of the money spent on camera equipment, one is doing well! ALL photography dealerships are not in the business to break even on buying used equipment...they make big bucks buying, then selling used equipment. I will also add, it is so easy to get sucked in to the idea that you must buy the best glass, the best lens, the fastest lens, to get good photos. Not so! Also, don't get fooled by those who claim shooting manual, and in raw, is the only way to go, if you don't shoot manual, you are not a photographer. This ole boy has been through the mill enough, I have my affordable D5300, my affordable Tammy 18-400, and I will shoot any program mode that suits my fancy, and it probably won't be manual. I quit striving to be a "National Geographic" photographer, and trying to keep up with the Jones...I am going to enjoy photography again, and not worry about getting that "bet photo of the year" award. Done chasing that neon rainbow!

BebuLamar

jradose wrote:

I will just say, if one can recover 70% of the mon... (show quote)

Just curious! I don't sell my cameras so I don't know. I still have and use cameras I bought 35 or so years ago. My newest is 4 year old.

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

I don't sell cameras either; nor do I beat myself up worrying about the money I spent enjoying life.

Stlouisphotog

Kmgw9v wrote:

I don't sell cameras either; nor do I beat myself up worrying about the money I spent enjoying life.

Amen, great comment

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

You seem to be very easily swayed to buy stuff, jradose.

leftyD500 Loc: Ocala, Florida

rook2c4 wrote:

You seem to be very easily swayed to buy stuff, jradose.

Thank you for your very astute observation, rook2c4, and the point you are trying to make?

GED Loc: North central Pa

Kmgw9v wrote:

I don't sell cameras either; nor do I beat myself up worrying about the money I spent enjoying life.

Great outlook!

jccash Loc: Longwood, Florida

Kmgw9v wrote:

I don't sell cameras either; nor do I beat myself up worrying about the money I spent enjoying life.

WORD: agree

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

jradose wrote:

I started into into photography about 20 years ago. I got a little Olympus point and shoot, and IT took pretty good photos, but, I thought it was me that took good photos. So, I started reading, and eventually graduated to the Olympus E300, and boy, my ego soared. I started thinking professional photography. When I did ot have the success of selling my photos (they were good), I went back to reading...and was convinced I need a better camera...so I got the Olympus E3, and once again, my ego soared. And, again, my success was sparse, then I read an article, it placed a bad rap on Olympus cameras, that four-thirds system resulted in very noisy photos. So, I wanted to go Nikon, but the camera shop owner I dealt with convinced me go Canon, so I bought a Canon, can't remember the model. Eventually, I got the Canon 6D...full frame, baby! It was a very good camera, and the L series lenses I got were very good, but the Nikon (AKA GAS!) kept calling me. So, I switched, got the Nikon D7200, a very good crop sensor camera. Still not satisfied because, I was not selling images like I wanted, I thought...need to go full frame, so I got the D610 with the Nikon 200-500 lens. Now, after much money spent, and numerous different cameras and lenses, I have decided, I am not the professional photographer type. I did not put in the time necessary...I certainly had the equipment, but, I did not have the pro mentality. So, now, at 74 years of age, I have finally faced the truth....I will never be a pro, and really, I don't want to be. So now, Folks, here is what is in my camera bag....the Nikon D5300, with the Tamron 18-400 lens. That is it...and that is all I will ever need. It is an awesome little camera, that Tammy is sharp and accurate, takes very good pictures, and best of all, the entire setup weighs less that 4 pounds. So, anyone out there looking for a good camera/lens combo for your daughter, son, wife, or even yourself, and one that won't break the bank, the Nikon D5300 w/Tammy 18-400 lens deserves a serious look.

I started into into photography about 20 years ago... (show quote)

Worrying about not being a pro at age 74, finally became a wake up to realization for you. You need pro equipment to be a pro, as well as having a high skill level to use it. I never had any intentions of being a pro. All my equipment is Nikon DX, including lenses, with the exception of one FX lens. Enjoy what you have now. The Tamron 18-400mm is on my GAS list too. Affordable at $649, the last time I priced it. Good luck.

aellman Loc: Boston MA

jradose wrote:

I started into into photography about 20 years ago. I got a little Olympus point and shoot, and IT took pretty good photos, but, I thought it was me that took good photos. So, I started reading, and eventually graduated to the Olympus E300, and boy, my ego soared. I started thinking professional photography. When I did ot have the success of selling my photos (they were good), I went back to reading...and was convinced I need a better camera...so I got the Olympus E3, and once again, my ego soared. And, again, my success was sparse, then I read an article, it placed a bad rap on Olympus cameras, that four-thirds system resulted in very noisy photos. So, I wanted to go Nikon, but the camera shop owner I dealt with convinced me go Canon, so I bought a Canon, can't remember the model. Eventually, I got the Canon 6D...full frame, baby! It was a very good camera, and the L series lenses I got were very good, but the Nikon (AKA GAS!) kept calling me. So, I switched, got the Nikon D7200, a very good crop sensor camera. Still not satisfied because, I was not selling images like I wanted, I thought...need to go full frame, so I got the D610 with the Nikon 200-500 lens. Now, after much money spent, and numerous different cameras and lenses, I have decided, I am not the professional photographer type. I did not put in the time necessary...I certainly had the equipment, but, I did not have the pro mentality. So, now, at 74 years of age, I have finally faced the truth....I will never be a pro, and really, I don't want to be. So now, Folks, here is what is in my camera bag....the Nikon D5300, with the Tamron 18-400 lens. That is it...and that is all I will ever need. It is an awesome little camera, that Tammy is sharp and accurate, takes very good pictures, and best of all, the entire setup weighs less that 4 pounds. So, anyone out there looking for a good camera/lens combo for your daughter, son, wife, or even yourself, and one that won't break the bank, the Nikon D5300 w/Tammy 18-400 lens deserves a serious look.

I started into into photography about 20 years ago... (show quote)

What I learned the hard way was that to make a living from photography, your sales and marketing skills are as important as your creative skills. Anyway, great story, and I'm glad to know you no longer suffer from the dreaded GAS. >Alan

James Slick Loc: Pittsburgh,PA

Kmgw9v wrote:

I don't sell cameras either; nor do I beat myself up worrying about the money I spent enjoying life.

davyboy Loc: Anoka Mn.

jradose wrote:

I will just say, if one can recover 70% of the mon... (show quote)

I love ya man very well spoken!!!!!!