I am such a hoarder.
I knew I had an old tripod mount stashed away somewhere, but when I started searching (unsuccessfully I might add) through years of bits and pieces randomly stockpiled in unmarked containers I came to the conclusion that it might be time to do some spring-cleaning. I’ll call it that because it’s spring here in British Columbia.
No doubt there are other photographers that hold on to all-things-photographic as much as I do, so here are some thoughts that I had that might be helpful. I am sure there are many additions readers can think of, but I am starting with just a couple.
- This should be the year to get rid of all that old film camera equipment. I know it is hard to part with favourite old cameras. The pictures they produced were so great, and gosh, they initially cost so much money, but sadly there isn’t much resale value currently. The fact is today’s camera technology has progressed far beyond those old film cameras and most individuals that have embraced the high quality digital world will never return to film. If you haven’t, my recommendation is remove the batteries that are probably leaking, clean the camera up with an old toothbrush, and sell it to someone interested in playing with “retro” equipment or donate the camera to a student still using film in their photography classes. Don’t put it off, film cameras only loose value as time passes and very few ever become valuable collectibles.
- Might this be the year to “finally” organize all those old prints and slides? There are many ways to copy photographs and slides. For prints I use my camera, a tripod, and a level. For slides a scanner works best.
Regarding scanners, my recommendation is to do some research, and not purchase too cheap (or to expensive) of a model. Find out which scanners produce quality resolution scans. A space saving and cost saving idea would be to share one with other photographers.
- A couple years ago my wife and were evacuated as a fire raged down the hills above our home. Linda and I rushed through the house photographing everything before we left. I think spring is a perfect time to make the effort to photographically inventory household goods. I have to admit I am as lax as anyone when it comes to a photographic inventory. Nevertheless, when faced with that fire approaching my door I sloppily needed to do it in a hurry. Its not very hard, and I think worth the time.
I’ll add two spring goals that have nothing to do with photo house cleaning. However, I have made them part of the spring planning process for the summer to come. And anyway, these are way more fun.
- There are several of us that meet once a week to talk about photography. It’s not a club, there are no rules, everyone has strong opinions, and this spring we are all filled with energy and photography projects. Joining up with others that have different interests in photography to talk about or accompany on photo outings is fun and always instructive.
- It’s time to plan photography a trip. I am planning a July photography excursion down the coast of Washington State for a few days with my friend Dave, his wife Cynthia. I know we’ll be up early with our cameras and, I am sure, still up late talking about our day’s photography.
Those, like me, that that enjoy lists will delight on writing out their spring goals. It’s a good way to begin thinking about photography projects and goals for this year. I have only included a few from my personal list. Some might not get done, but it’s a start. I try to be realistic and I’ll hang my list on the wall next to the calendar I print each month and attempt what I can. That might help me keep it a spring instead of a summer project.
Enmanscamera's Blog - Kamloops 
Good spring planning! I am using my film cameras and my digital so I can’t let them go, but I’ve tidied all my photography gear into one drawer.
If you have herds of physical photo’s a good idea is to buy a photograph box and file them how you like. I put all mine in ‘albums’ i.e freezer bags 🙂 and stack them in a box. It keeps them from fading and it’s nice to now and then pop a bag out and have a giggle.
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I am great at planning, but not good at action fragg…You are so much better than me,
I am continually printing and have sacks of enlargements and framed photos everywhere.
I think I’ll have to have a beer and think about it.
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Really useful tips, thank you 🙂
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Thanks Amy.
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One of my friends had a canvas bag made for me with the following message on it: ” “Phew! I have all the gear I will ever need,” said no photographer ever.” I think that pretty much sums it up for most of us. It’s hard to part with old gear and it’s a always tempting to buy some of the new stuff. It’s an addiction of sorts and I guess I too am a hoarder.
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That a good one Mike. How can we ever have “all we will ever need”. That reminds me of a friend that after our (probably thousandth) trip to our fav mountain scenic location said, “I have taken every picture I could ever take of this place”. I agreed, but we were up there taking ’em all again a month later.
“all the gear I will ever need” indeed.
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I enjoyed this little bit of mischief – I’m sure you only say these things about film cameras so that people like me will bite 🙂
My D800 & now a Df for its great low light ability will never replace my film cameras, they just add another dimension.
Although I am rather shocked at how many I have: sorting things out for my move back to UK next month.
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David, I did expect some disagreement form those, like you, that are still making film all it was, can and could be.
Where my comment came from is the constant flow of useless battered film cameras that come into my shop. Most have been poorly stored in damp basements, dirty garages or junk filled sheds. I see those once wonderful image makers filled with mice droppings and dirt. Lenses with so much fungus that one can’t see thru ’em. Rotted seals and film stuck to the camera body. Gosh, I could go on.
One-time photographers walk in to my shop an loudly exclaim their camera took wonderful pictures and cost them hundreds of dollars when the bought it. And are angry at me when I tell them what their treasure’s worth is now, or tell ’em it can’t be repaired or isn’t worth repair.
I was careful to write, “most individuals that have embraced the high quality digital world will never return to film”. The word “Most” is the key, (not “everyone”) and it is true that most of the picture takers out there will never pick up a film camera.
That may be their loss. Oh, I don’t argue about film vs digital any more than about religion.
All that said David, I’ll bet you have a (whats the word to describe a volume of unused camera stuff?) I’ll just say Lots of it…
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I know you didn’t really generalise: just enjoying a little bit of banter.
You are right though, I get the same comment from the Nikon man here; he tells me some tales of real wow. When it comes to customer expectations of cost & image making capabilities, how do you tell a customer its their crap photography & not the $5,000 equipment without them walking out furious with him.
In my defence, I do not own a camera display cabinet, it all gets used – just 🙂 but I do have more than any sensible person should need.
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Like you, if I have it I am most likely using it.
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I am one of the “Most” – Though I learned image-making discipline via the unforgiving and expensive school of shooting Kodachrome. Also, you might want to invest in a quality dust mask/organic repsirator when checking out the camera refuse that enters your shop. Lol.
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Yes Michael, some of them I see are pretty dirty.
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Inspiring tips about Spring Cleaning for Old and Unusual Photographers of British Columbia. Regarding point #2 … I have many many old slides. About 5 years ago I did some research to find a reasonably priced scanner that would do a good job scanning transparencies and photos. I purchased an Epson Perfection V600 Photo Scanner for about $300. It has a backlit cover and can scan 4 slides at a time. I have been very with happy the results. Now there is probably even a better model available for cheaper.
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I have two scanners. The highest quality is a Canon Canoscan. However, it is so slow that I don’t bother with it unless I really need quality. The one I use the most is a Epson V500. I is much like your V600. I just scan and move my images to Photoshop where I fix ’em up. That works great.
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