Gear Police: What SS said on another post: I almost always click on posts that talk about the arrival of the Brown Truck or the arrival or order of a new piece of gear. Reading about a...

NormanHarley Loc: Colorado

I almost always click on posts that talk about the arrival of the Brown Truck or the arrival or order of a new piece of gear. Reading about a fellow UHH member's excitement and happiness brings a smile to my face. I did stop posting about my own orders and acquisitions, not because of any personal attacks towards me, but because I have seen many posts that have become lost in the Gear Police wars. My equipment will always be better than my ability to use it, the best I seem to be able to do so far is to usually get the correct exposure and focus. I will never be great, I just don't have the eye for it, but I do get lucky once in a while with something that we are proud to give as gifts or hang on the wall.
SharpShooter wrote the following (I edited it slightly) and it impressed me. I don't know SS, but I see his posts often. And I hope I don't offend SS by plagiarizing his words.
SharpShooter wrote: (slightly edited)

BUT let me tell you what I've learned in the last couple of years. You don't have to care, maybe it's your lot in life to be the gear police, we've got dozens of self-appointed police here!
Yes, there are a lot of gear heads here. And plenty with very fancy cameras and their photography stinks. Yes, plenty with small minds an big pockets. But I've also learned that some of these guys worked hard their whole lives and have a right to do whatever they want with their pockets, it doesn't actually affect my photography in any way.
I've also learned that most here are over 60. Some up to 80 and 90. Some come here as their only outlet socially. Some just don't get around much anymore, to shoot or to socialize. So they come here and show each other what they bought and tell each other about the brown truck. Some day I'll probably be in their shoes and you'll be yelling at me!
The "big' thing to do is to just let them have their fun. Show enough maturity that you can do that. Sure there are those that don't have anything to buy anything with, but they should not put down those that worked so they could. Bragging might be in bad taste, but I don't have to look except by my choice and I choose not to be a cop like you're being, which is in itself is in bad taste.
It's ok to get in some friendly jabs, I do it all the time, but I'm not malicious about it.
My advice is to ignore what bothers you, unless it was personally directed at you. Those that want to participate will, those that don't should hangout where they feel they can add positively.
SS

I see myself in some of what SS wrote. I am happy with my equipment. I love using it. I used to enjoy talking about it here but I have stopped doing that. And I am ok with owning gear that is far better than my skill level.
I guess I would love to hear from the Gear Police as to why they are so offended by other members when they talk about their new equipment. Knowing why the Gear Police attack or possibly even resent amateurs like me who are sharing their love of their hobby and their gear would give me more insight when reading the Negative Nelly comments.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

NormanHarley wrote:

I almost always click on posts that talk about the arrival of the Brown Truck or the arrival or order of a new piece of gear. Reading about a fellow UHH member's excitement and happiness brings a smile to my face. I did stop posting about my own orders and acquisitions, not because of any personal attacks towards me, but because I have seen many posts that have become lost in the Gear Police wars. My equipment will always be better than my ability to use it, the best I seem to be able to do so far is to usually get the correct exposure and focus. I will never be great, I just don't have the eye for it, but I do get lucky once in a while with something that we are proud to give as gifts or hang on the wall.
SharpShooter wrote the following (I edited it slightly) and it impressed me. I don't know SS, but I see his posts often. And I hope I don't offend SS by plagiarizing his words.
SharpShooter wrote: (slightly edited)

BUT let me tell you what I've learned in the last couple of years. You don't have to care, maybe it's your lot in life to be the gear police, we've got dozens of self-appointed police here!
Yes, there are a lot of gear heads here. And plenty with very fancy cameras and their photography stinks. Yes, plenty with small minds an big pockets. But I've also learned that some of these guys worked hard their whole lives and have a right to do whatever they want with their pockets, it doesn't actually affect my photography in any way.
I've also learned that most here are over 60. Some up to 80 and 90. Some come here as their only outlet socially. Some just don't get around much anymore, to shoot or to socialize. So they come here and show each other what they bought and tell each other about the brown truck. Some day I'll probably be in their shoes and you'll be yelling at me!
The "big' thing to do is to just let them have their fun. Show enough maturity that you can do that. Sure there are those that don't have anything to buy anything with, but they should not put down those that worked so they could. Bragging might be in bad taste, but I don't have to look except by my choice and I choose not to be a cop like you're being, which is in itself is in bad taste.
It's ok to get in some friendly jabs, I do it all the time, but I'm not malicious about it.
My advice is to ignore what bothers you, unless it was personally directed at you. Those that want to participate will, those that don't should hangout where they feel they can add positively.
SS

I see myself in some of what SS wrote. I am happy with my equipment. I love using it. I used to enjoy talking about it here but I have stopped doing that. And I am ok with owning gear that is far better than my skill level.
I guess I would love to hear from the Gear Police as to why they are so offended by other members when they talk about their new equipment. Knowing why the Gear Police attack or possibly even resent amateurs like me who are sharing their love of their hobby and their gear would give me more insight when reading the Negative Nelly comments.

I almost always click on posts that talk about the... (show quote)

I'm also intrigued by the number of Brown Truck entries on this site. It seems some just like buying equipment. One of my posts received a large number of hits. I posted UPS Brought Me. It must have been a disappointment to some, as it was a photo of some of the 100 cassettes and containers I'd purchased. Yup, I do use a good bit of 35mm. However, I did invoke some fond memories for a few.
--Bob

Big Stopper Loc: London

Norman, I agree with both you and SS - live and let live.

NormanHarley Loc: Colorado

rmalarz wrote:

I'm also intrigued by the number of Brown Truck entries on this site. It seems some just like buying equipment. One of my posts received a large number of hits. I posted UPS Brought Me. It must have been a disappointment to some, as it was a photo of some of the 100 cassettes and containers I'd purchased. Yup, I do use a good bit of 35mm. However, I did invoke some fond memories for a few.
--Bob

I miss the days where I would save up for 100' of black and white film or 50' of color slide film. I'm still not ready to set up a dark room again, maybe one of these days.... I think my Nikon F still has an accurate shutter, keep posting those for me and maybe one of these days I'll run a roll of film through her.
:thumbup:

NormanHarley Loc: Colorado

Luggerbugs wrote:

Norman, I agree with both you and SS - live and let live.

Probably one of the biggest reasons I shoot with a camera these days instead of a rifle. I still get to hunt, and the critters get to live another day. :thumbup:

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

NormanHarley wrote:

I miss the days where I would save up for 100' of black and white film or 50' of color slide film. I'm still not ready to set up a dark room again, maybe one of these days.... I think my Nikon F still has an accurate shutter, keep posting those for me and maybe one of these days I'll run a roll of film through her.
:thumbup:

Norman, though not shot with 35mm here's a couple of the latest posts I've put up here. Both were done using Ilford FP4+, one Hasselblad, the other Graphic View 4x5.

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-378143-1.html

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-377767-1.html

As for a darkroom, I do miss mine, since having to move. However, I can still process film and then scan the negatives. That pretty much works for me now.

--Bob

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

I'm not sure why you posted this as a stand-alone post rather than as a reply to SS's post ... or at least provide a link to it {it is always strange to have two or more parallel discussions on what started off to be the same subject}

NormanHarley Loc: Colorado

rehess wrote:

I'm not sure why you posted this as a stand-alone post rather than as a reply to SS's post ... or at least provide a link to it {it is always strange to have two or more parallel discussions on what started off to be the same subject}

Here is the link, the discussion seems to have died already and I was just stealing his single message to help me try to express my question.

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-377597-5.html#6362521

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

NormanHarley wrote:

I almost always click on posts that talk about the arrival of the Brown Truck or the arrival or order of a new piece of gear. Reading about a fellow UHH member's excitement and happiness brings a smile to my face. I did stop posting about my own orders and acquisitions, not because of any personal attacks towards me, but because I have seen many posts that have become lost in the Gear Police wars. My equipment will always be better than my ability to use it, the best I seem to be able to do so far is to usually get the correct exposure and focus. I will never be great, I just don't have the eye for it, but I do get lucky once in a while with something that we are proud to give as gifts or hang on the wall.
SharpShooter wrote the following (I edited it slightly) and it impressed me. I don't know SS, but I see his posts often. And I hope I don't offend SS by plagiarizing his words.
SharpShooter wrote: (slightly edited)

BUT let me tell you what I've learned in the last couple of years. You don't have to care, maybe it's your lot in life to be the gear police, we've got dozens of self-appointed police here!
Yes, there are a lot of gear heads here. And plenty with very fancy cameras and their photography stinks. Yes, plenty with small minds an big pockets. But I've also learned that some of these guys worked hard their whole lives and have a right to do whatever they want with their pockets, it doesn't actually affect my photography in any way.
I've also learned that most here are over 60. Some up to 80 and 90. Some come here as their only outlet socially. Some just don't get around much anymore, to shoot or to socialize. So they come here and show each other what they bought and tell each other about the brown truck. Some day I'll probably be in their shoes and you'll be yelling at me!
The "big' thing to do is to just let them have their fun. Show enough maturity that you can do that. Sure there are those that don't have anything to buy anything with, but they should not put down those that worked so they could. Bragging might be in bad taste, but I don't have to look except by my choice and I choose not to be a cop like you're being, which is in itself is in bad taste.
It's ok to get in some friendly jabs, I do it all the time, but I'm not malicious about it.
My advice is to ignore what bothers you, unless it was personally directed at you. Those that want to participate will, those that don't should hangout where they feel they can add positively.
SS

I see myself in some of what SS wrote. I am happy with my equipment. I love using it. I used to enjoy talking about it here but I have stopped doing that. And I am ok with owning gear that is far better than my skill level.
I guess I would love to hear from the Gear Police as to why they are so offended by other members when they talk about their new equipment. Knowing why the Gear Police attack or possibly even resent amateurs like me who are sharing their love of their hobby and their gear would give me more insight when reading the Negative Nelly comments.

I almost always click on posts that talk about the... (show quote)

Interesting post. :thumbup:

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

I didn't know that Sharpshooter wrote that, but it makes a lot of sense. I have read several of his replies and discovered two things about him. First, he speaks his mind, and second, he lets you know he is a Canon man. He's no rookie to say the least. There are people who have things and some who don't. I am not a professional photographer, as probably you are too. My gear is decent, not exceptional. I have 2 DSLR cameras and some interchangeable lenses for them, including one point and shoot. Will I ever own a Nikon D5 or Canon 1DX2. Probably never. But if you own one of these, I am happy for you.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

NormanHarley wrote:

I almost always click on posts that talk about the arrival of the Brown Truck or the arrival or order of a new piece of gear. Reading about a fellow UHH member's excitement and happiness brings a smile to my face. I did stop posting about my own orders and acquisitions, not because of any personal attacks towards me, but because I have seen many posts that have become lost in the Gear Police wars. My equipment will always be better than my ability to use it, the best I seem to be able to do so far is to usually get the correct exposure and focus. I will never be great, I just don't have the eye for it, but I do get lucky once in a while with something that we are proud to give as gifts or hang on the wall.
SharpShooter wrote the following (I edited it slightly) and it impressed me. I don't know SS, but I see his posts often. And I hope I don't offend SS by plagiarizing his words.
SharpShooter wrote: (slightly edited)

BUT let me tell you what I've learned in the last couple of years. You don't have to care, maybe it's your lot in life to be the gear police, we've got dozens of self-appointed police here!
Yes, there are a lot of gear heads here. And plenty with very fancy cameras and their photography stinks. Yes, plenty with small minds an big pockets. But I've also learned that some of these guys worked hard their whole lives and have a right to do whatever they want with their pockets, it doesn't actually affect my photography in any way.
I've also learned that most here are over 60. Some up to 80 and 90. Some come here as their only outlet socially. Some just don't get around much anymore, to shoot or to socialize. So they come here and show each other what they bought and tell each other about the brown truck. Some day I'll probably be in their shoes and you'll be yelling at me!
The "big' thing to do is to just let them have their fun. Show enough maturity that you can do that. Sure there are those that don't have anything to buy anything with, but they should not put down those that worked so they could. Bragging might be in bad taste, but I don't have to look except by my choice and I choose not to be a cop like you're being, which is in itself is in bad taste.
It's ok to get in some friendly jabs, I do it all the time, but I'm not malicious about it.
My advice is to ignore what bothers you, unless it was personally directed at you. Those that want to participate will, those that don't should hangout where they feel they can add positively.
SS

I see myself in some of what SS wrote. I am happy with my equipment. I love using it. I used to enjoy talking about it here but I have stopped doing that. And I am ok with owning gear that is far better than my skill level.
I guess I would love to hear from the Gear Police as to why they are so offended by other members when they talk about their new equipment. Knowing why the Gear Police attack or possibly even resent amateurs like me who are sharing their love of their hobby and their gear would give me more insight when reading the Negative Nelly comments.

I almost always click on posts that talk about the... (show quote)

Well and nicely stated.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Brown truck stuff is an annoyance simply because I see the guy relatively often and quite frankly, every time I see that thing it means a bill coming so...

What is the interest?

That said, I just take a deep breath and let it go, after all in a few lines it will lost in the shuffle soon to be replaced by another truck...

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

What's the big deal about gear?! I've been told by some UHH members I shouldn't have the gear I do. What's it to anyone, except my wife, what or how much gear I have.

I use to list some of my gear but changed it to a bunch of Canon stuff and it is a bunch of Canon stuff. I currently have 10 Canon DSLR's and one on order. Why? For one I collect them. For two, I use them. There are also several older digital cameras and SLR's in the collection. It looks really cool when I get all the camera bodies and lenses together and put them on display but for the most part, if its not being used I have it put away, for now.

Some days I head out with my 5Dsr and some days I head out with my old G10. But I always have a camera handy, not a camera you can make phone calls with, a camera that's only purpose is to record photographs.

My goal in life is to learn how to use as many features on my camera's as I can and to take photographs that put a smile on the faces of my wife, children, grand children and of course, myself. If anyone else likes them then its icing on the cake.

Do what you do well and enjoy what you do; click on my friends...

Haydon

I'd like to believe that posts such as these will make a difference but there will be those posting their excitement which I see no issue with and then others who will respond negatively not adding to the conversation whatsoever, hoping to cause a rise fully aware the posts will not stop.

jethro779 Loc: Tucson, AZ

NormanHarley wrote:

Probably one of the biggest reasons I shoot with a camera these days instead of a rifle. I still get to hunt, and the critters get to live another day. :thumbup:

Not only do they live another day, they grow more antlers, and make better pictures next year.