Well I made a cheeky comment earlier that I have no idea if it was answered because it got buried by all the posts, but have refrained from making any real serious post. Many people have shown negativity and even open hostility towards the OP for a multitude of reasons. Whether you disbelieve him or not, I personally do not see why it matters enough to anyone to actually take time to post about their disbelief. I don't believe too much I see in text form on these, or any other forums for that matter. While I would choose a different path, it does not mean I offer any judgement to his own avenues that only his logic can decide if appropriate or not.
I do understand the allure of having the same bodies as backup, since you do not have to re-orientate one's self to the different body, just to use a different lens. Personally I rented two D800e bodies when I went to the Middle East, where I did not want to expose the innards to the harsh elements, this gave me three identical cameras to quickly change between, without worrying about fouling up the sensor or shutter mechanisms. Granted I did break down the cameras when back at the hotel to verify the sensors were clean, without having to check photos for dust. Some people do not feel comfortable cleaning their own sensors and it can be a real PITA if you have to lose your main body for the week or two it would take to have it professionally cleaned. In my own opinion though I went for different bodies for my everyday shooting, because I never know what style of photography will tickle my fancy that week. Stretching from the range of astro and light-painting, all the way to landscape, wildlife and macro, has led me down a path that is more advantageous to have different bodies with separate abilities. But again this is my path not the OP's so his logic may lead him elsewhere.
I have seen many state in not so nice of words that he is wasting his money, and he should be using that money to help other people in one way or another. To this I have to say, bullshit. I cannot speak for anyone but myself, but I have no idea how much this man donates or assists in his private life. To be honest, it is none of our business and has nothing to do with the original question posed. When stated that he could instead assist other people who do not have it as well off as himself, I would turn this around on the poster posing such a scenario. We all are here on a photography site and the vast majority of us do not do this as a way to feed our family, it is a hobby. I would say that those who think we should share the wealth, as the RANGERS say "lead the way", give away all of your belongings that have nothing to do with your everyday "needs" before coming to me broaching how I should distribute my own money. I have worked very hard for every bit of wealth I have attained, and I am by no means claiming to be filthy rich, but I am comfortable. As far as I am concerned, as long as my bills are paid, have a nice nest-egg, as based on my age, it is no one else's concern what I deem worthy of spending my money on. No one on here needs a camera or a computer for that matter and many in the world get by with far less. I'm sure there are impoverished youths that could use the laptop you use to criticize the OP, but instead you decided that you needed it more than the poor impoverished people. Something odd about Americans I have come to notice is they are the richest people in the world and yet they are the most hateful of those that have more than themselves. I know this is a generalization and does not apply to all, but it is just something I have noticed especially dealing with those online.
While I think many of the objectors got the feeling that the OP was bragging, and maybe he was, it does not matter. If you cannot offer a reasonable response to his question, do not judge and then berate someone you do not know, and have no idea about this person, other than what they choose to share through some random moniker on a random website (no offense UHH). I tend to think people take these posts far too serious, questioning someone's, who could be all imaginary for all I know, integrity based on the amount of photos they have posted seems tacky. I too have not posted too many actual photos on the site, other than asking questions and using photos to show the actual issue I am discussing. Does this mean I do not have the equipment I say I have or that I only shoot a couple of shots a month? Some people do things that they believe are logical, but when viewed by others seems odd and random, trying to understand someone else's logic is an effort in futility. By the time you think you understand how someone thinks they go ahead and do something completely random and unexpected. I can barely understand my own logic, let alone everyone else's.
Before I get attacked for my horrendous grammar or syntax, English is not my first language and in no way strive for perfection of written speech on some website. As my father said "listen to what I mean, not what I say"
Then again what do I know
FLAME on...
Best of luck in your endeavors,
Matthew
Well I made a cheeky comment earlier that I have n... (
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