Quixdraw Loc: x

Wife is away at a Quilt Retreat, goes every year. I drag out all of the photo gear and cover the dining room table. Usually I play with stuff and run a few old lenses on new (and old ) cameras. We had a pretty bad Fire Season this year, three big fires close. I remembered that I couldn't recall my last inventory update. On top of that, another wonderful rainy day to keep me in! You might think this is an easy project, but I've been with Nikon since '67 or '68 haven't gotten rid of much, and bought a bunch. Film first then digital. Complete description, serial number, and lens accessories. Filters and Hoods add up fast, so I make note of them as well. Other accessories, an endless list, more filters, batteries, chargers, cases, remote releases, etc., etc. Will wait for another day. One tip, almost drove me crazy, just before the D series, and continuing with it, a minute, etched, black on black number just above the mount. My eyes are good, but I had to grab a pair of my wife's readers! The inventory goes to the bank box and secure online storage. If I have good light tomorrow, I'll photograph everything.

WCS

Why DO we collect all these things? I've got multiple lenses that cover similar focal lengths... why don't I get rid of them??? Well, at least you care enough to document them! God Bless!

Quixdraw Loc: x

Wonderful toys that still work, most of the Film stuff is worth a pittance compared to what it cost. Price of home storage negligible. Some lenses and cameras even touchstones, memory of different times. Actually very much enjoy using the old lenses on my digital Nikons. Fine results from generally smaller, no plastic lenses.

WCS

Amen!

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

I feel for you. I have one camera d7200 and 3 lenses: Nikkor 200-500, Nikkor 70-300 and Tamron 90 Macro. I sold everything else to buy the 200-500

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

I really need to do the same thing next rainy day (and cycle all the batteries).

ELNikkor

I also have Nikon cameras and lenses dating to the '60's. Last week, passing a yard sale, my wife said, "Turn around!". Reluctantly did. Found a new camera bag for $20. Wife said, "Buy it!" Reluctant again, but the sale was raising money for a historical society, and the old man said, "Not just a bag, there are 2 cameras in it." "I don't need more cameras!" I told my wife. She said, "Buy it; it is for a good cause." I thought, "Yuh, probably Kodak Instamatics." Checked inside. Kodak alright; but unused-condition 612 digital, 24-400 (equivalent) zoom. Second camera? Also unused condition Canon EOS Rebel G with 28-80 EF zoom. First Canon/lens ever for me, couldn't pass it up, (besides, it was for a good cause!)

JohnR Loc: The Gates of Hell

I try to keep each camera with 1 lens + 1 filter + 1 lens hood (and maybe 1 flash unit) Makes inventory much easier. Only 2 of my cameras are the same format thus enabling 2 lenses for 1 body (means I then have 1 body with no lens) Anyway as I hate changing lenses it works for me

david vt Loc: Vermont

It’s easy to rationalize keeping, especially at home in a closet (or other storage location), but if you aren’t using them…..

I recently had to clean out my parents home. Went through her 20 years of photography equipment. Nothing I could use. My daughter was getting into it, so I said great, but the technology has moved on as would have been difficult for even her to use. Had to work hard just to donate to local school system for same reason. Or sell a bunch (at whatever ridiculously low price market now bears), and take all that cash, and have a GAS attack

Someone, someday, will be disposing of the collection. (May be morbid, but ultimately, inevitably, true). Since you do such a nice job inventorying every year, as a checkbox if you have used in the last X years. Once you go by that date, find a new home for the pieces while YOU can. Donate to a relative, school, community program, church - anyone whom can make use of it now.

You may get more pleasure out of knowing someone else is enjoying it rather than it sitting for 364 days per year (save the one trip to the Dining room table). And someone, someday, will thank you for culling your collection.

Just my $0.02

Ron 717 Loc: Pennsylvania

I opened a free account at “Lenstag.com” a few years ago and registered all of my lenses and cameras, even flashes. I can then print out the list and file it away, but also they are registered at Lenstag. There are other advantages also, like new and used value of each item, if the items are stolen and someone else tries to register them they will be red flagged and you will be notified. Now as I register a new item the list updates and I can print out a revised list. Highly recommend this site, they also have a premium site that offers more features for low cost.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Yes, it is good to keep track of what you have. Having a list of my stuff has kept me from buying duplicates. I use plastic storage bins for remote controls, filters, tripod parts, etc. It makes it very easy to find what I want. Of course finding a place to store all those storage bins can be a challenge.

Quixdraw Loc: x

Some years ago I tried to sell most of the film gear to a major online photo dealer. The price offered was ridiculous so I had it all returned. I sold several pieces through a local camera store (now closed) for several times what the dealer offered for most of it. If there is little value, no cost and I enjoy it, so be it, it was acquired over decades. With the exception of one camera and one lens, I've bought all my digital gear used. Intent of the thread was to suggest a useful activity.

Quixdraw Loc: x

Actually I do much the same thing, taking it a step further, each camera / lens combination may be dedicated to a particular genre, Landscape, Wildlife, Macro, etc. I don't do a lot of lens switching, particularly not in the field.

Quixdraw Loc: x

Good fortune! A while ago I came across a minty Nikon FB 5 case. Couldn't resist as I have the FB 8 and FB 11. IMO I now have the three best cases Nikon made. Until I go on another Film only excursion it / they will be unused.

Quixdraw Loc: x

Been there, done that with parents possessions and am working on my own selectively. I just don't care to select photography equipment at this point in time.