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To 'upgrade' or not . . .
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Sep 23, 2018 20:15:35   #
Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx
 
I am doing my best to get over GAS so I've started asking the question, will the upgrade or new piece of gear make me a better photographer. Most of the time, the answer is no, so I have been spending money on training materials and trips to places that provide the inspiration and opportunity to improve.

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Sep 24, 2018 06:39:25   #
traderjohn Loc: New York City
 
rjaywallace wrote:
You seem to have spent the last several years looking for something different, something better. You’re smart enough to realize that is an endless chase that wastes many hours of your time. Certainly it was for me until I ‘discovered’ Fujifilm cameras and their array of incredibly fast, sharp lenses. I strongly suggest that you consider Fuji cameras like the X-T2 (mirrorless DSLR format) or the X-Pro2 (mirrorless digital rangefinder format) and, my current favorite, the X100F (premium, advanced digital compact with a 35mm equivalent fixed lens). Best wishes on your journey. /Ralph
You seem to have spent the last several years look... (show quote)


How would you know what they have spent time on for "the several years"?? Do you keep dossiers on people?

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Sep 24, 2018 06:51:34   #
SonyBug
 
jerzee.shore.shooter wrote:
Size definitely matters when it comes to lugging around a 6D w/L glass collection. Sony offers FF lure in a lighter package.


Yes, they do and I bought one prior to a China trip and am not looking back. One thing I did get before I go to London in 2 weeks is a hood to cut reflections shot out the window of tour buses. That is one weak point of all cameras. Reflections...

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Sep 24, 2018 07:21:11   #
billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
 
jerzee.shore.shooter wrote:
Sent virtually all my 'old' equipment (including some very nice canon 2.8L glass and 6D body plus Lumix G1 and glass and Sony NEX7 w/glass) to Adorama for trade-in value with thoughts to upgrade to FF Sony A7 III and 24-70 2.8 G lens. Problem is their offer came in way short of the total amount needed to move up even with their 'discount.'

Here's question: With very capable and handy Oly 5 MII and several Oly 'pro' lenses, do I ditch my FF dreams and use the $$$ to upgrade within the Oly system, perhaps to an OM-D E-M1 MARK II and a wide 'pro' prime? Can a guy, with a couple of additions now and then, ever be happy with what he already has??
Sent virtually all my 'old' equipment (including s... (show quote)


Do you like the results you are currently getting? If yes, then you do not need an upgrade. If no, then go for the upgrade.

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Sep 24, 2018 07:38:31   #
traderjohn Loc: New York City
 
rjaywallace wrote:
Oh, so you’ve already made your mind up and just wanted validation?


Are we getting a little "prickly"?

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Sep 24, 2018 07:44:33   #
billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
 
traderjohn wrote:
Are we getting a little "prickly"?


No, I believe the same, the guy has already made up his mind, he could care less what we think as long as any of us would agree that he indeed needed an upgrade.

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Sep 24, 2018 07:47:03   #
SteveR Loc: Michigan
 
BebuLamar wrote:
Me too! I would rather be with nothing than settle for second best. If I don't have enough money I simply don't buy it rather than buying a less expensive alternative.


As long as it's really needed. One thing I'd ask the O.P. is if he prints large enough to justify full frame. Once you get into full frame the glass is going to get expensive.

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Sep 24, 2018 08:02:10   #
Fotomacher Loc: Toronto
 
When the equipment you are using is the ONLY factor in your quest for superior images, then it’s time to upgrade. Until that time, work on technique.

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Sep 24, 2018 08:54:56   #
RKL349 Loc: Connecticut
 
jerzee.shore.shooter wrote:
Sent virtually all my 'old' equipment (including some very nice canon 2.8L glass and 6D body plus Lumix G1 and glass and Sony NEX7 w/glass) to Adorama for trade-in value with thoughts to upgrade to FF Sony A7 III and 24-70 2.8 G lens. Problem is their offer came in way short of the total amount needed to move up even with their 'discount.'

Here's question: With very capable and handy Oly 5 MII and several Oly 'pro' lenses, do I ditch my FF dreams and use the $$$ to upgrade within the Oly system, perhaps to an OM-D E-M1 MARK II and a wide 'pro' prime? Can a guy, with a couple of additions now and then, ever be happy with what he already has??
Sent virtually all my 'old' equipment (including s... (show quote)


A few years ago, I traded some equipment to Adorama for my Nikon D7200 body. Their trade in quote was much lower than what they led me to believe it would be worth. I called them and they came up on the trade value a little.
Since that time, when I have had anything to trade or upgrade, I found a Cameta Camera to be the best on trades. The condition of your equipment being traded plays a large part in the value, as you know, and we are all a little guilty sometimes of rating that which we want to trade a bit higher than it actually may be. Reviewing what equipment has sold for on eBay has always been a guide to me as a starting point, and then discounting those prices since the business you are trading to will need to make a profit. At the end of the day, you can always have the gear shipped back to you and use this site or other “for sale” avenues to try to get the value you are seeking. Good luck!

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Sep 24, 2018 09:09:16   #
SteveR Loc: Michigan
 
RKL349 wrote:
A few years ago, I traded some equipment to Adorama for my Nikon D7200 body. Their trade in quote was much lower than what they led me to believe it would be worth. I called them and they came up on the trade value a little.
Since that time, when I have had anything to trade or upgrade, I found a Cameta Camera to be the best on trades. The condition of your equipment being traded plays a large part in the value, as you know, and we are all a little guilty sometimes of rating that which we want to trade a bit higher than it actually may be. Reviewing what equipment has sold for on eBay has always been a guide to me as a starting point, and then discounting those prices since the business you are trading to will need to make a profit. At the end of the day, you can always have the gear shipped back to you and use this site or other “for sale” avenues to try to get the value you are seeking. Good luck!
A few years ago, I traded some equipment to Adoram... (show quote)


Remember, when selling to a retailer to re-sell your equipment, they are going to pay a price that will allow them to sell at a price that will make THEM money. I'd try selling on UHH or Ebay before sending it to a retail company.

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Sep 24, 2018 09:17:01   #
repleo Loc: Boston
 
May I make a suggestion. Start a photography 'GAS Tank'.

After spending way to much money on gear when I first got the bug, I realized I had to curb my spending. Now I put a set amount of cash each month into a cash box. If some piece of equipment comes along that I want, I wait until I have enough in my cash box. By the time I have saved enough, the urge has usually worn off. If I still want it, I go and get it guilt free.

I know this is just primitive 'jam-jar' budgeting. I could easily afford to go and buy what I want on a whim in the first place, but I believe the restraint has helped me make more deliberate decisions and I am happier with the gear I have. I have a couple of grand in my tank now, but I am not seeing any 'must have's' on the horizon.

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Sep 24, 2018 09:36:45   #
OneShot1 Loc: Wichita, KS, USA
 
I've never been sorry when I bought the best, but have been sorry repeatedly when I settled for less.

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Sep 24, 2018 10:09:05   #
steinr98
 
Questions like this come up time after time- "Should I...." or "I want to trade...."
I'm sorry to report- that a new camera or "Toy" will not make much of a difference. That prize winning photo is still between your ears!!

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Sep 24, 2018 10:10:16   #
Toment Loc: FL, IL
 
jerryc41 wrote:
From my own experience, I am happiest getting what I really want, rather than settling for second best. Of course, finances play a big part in that, so I have to be realistic. In the of realm realism, I decide what I want and then find a way to get it.


Good advice, get what you want, wait until you can, but, most of all, have fun👍

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Sep 24, 2018 10:13:44   #
ecurb1105
 
SteveR wrote:
Remember, when selling to a retailer to re-sell your equipment, they are going to pay a price that will allow them to sell at a price that will make THEM money. I'd try selling on UHH or Ebay before sending it to a retail company.


Rule when I worked retail camera was used gear sold for half list price and the store bought used gear at quarter list price.

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