Thread: Travelling lighter today, physically and mentally.

I am easily one of the most fickle when it comes to brand loyalty and, I'm a collector of stuff. I want quality images, I want cutting edge tech, without tech getting in the way. I became really fond of the X100 for getting out of the way, I loved the NEX-7 for it's ability to use my Zeiss glass but ARGH!!, the mere idea of having two (really good) camera systems in and of itself was a mental obstacle. Today, traded it all in for an X-Pro 1 w/35mm and I feel so much better focusing (no pun intended) on one tool and learning it really well instead of juggling lenses, batteries, ideas about what would be better for what. It's the Fuji look and simplicity I wanted, along with the lens adaptability and IQ of the 7. The NEX however left me cold at the end of the day, it did not inspire. Feeling better now...

Good for you!

Nice!!! Congrats!! I know what you mean. Sometimes, technology does get in the way.

Looking forward to seeing your photos with the XP1!

Enjoy it! I've been slimming down too and indeed it feels better. For me, I got too far away from the art of photography itself and I also was not getting to know my cameras well enough. These days I shoot almost exclusively with one camera system. Even with that I'm often better off just taking one lens. As a byproduct I also simply enjoy the photowalks more, I'm more present all around.

Inspiring post. I'm wanting to trim my excess baggage, too, but am having trouble deciding what has to go, and what I would replace it with. I also haven't yet checked whether my local camera store does trades. I wish. It would make life much easier.

I'm down to an X-Pro and an m43 system with the OMD and a few lenses. I often will just go out with just the X-Pro with just the 18mm (the 35 is a better lens in some respects, but its just not a focal length I "see" very well through) or the OMD with just the 12mm. But sometimes I'll take both cameras with a lens on each and a few extra lenses too. I only shoot with one at a time, but I've had days where I've used almost everything I've had in the bag and was glad to have it all. Just depends on what I'm gonna be shooting that day. Some days a single camera and single lens. Other days, an extra lens or two. On rare occasions, I'll take the whole kit...

I still have the X100 and really should sell it. And probably will. There's a part of me that doesn't want to because its such a perfect size and feel and is a really wonderful camera. But I haven't used it once since I got the X-Pro and frankly don't know when I would. So I'll probably sell it soon, but that one's gonna hurt. I generally buy and sell photo gear without even a moment's sentimentality, but that camera is going to be hard to part with...

Oh, I also have a couple of little compacts that I don't use much but there's no point in selling - I wouldn't get much for them and they're occasionally really handy to have on hand...

-Ray

I am still considering getting rid of my D700+ 3 lenses and going with the XPro-1 + 35 & 60mm, this way I can still keep the X100 to cover the images that the 18mm would be used for - it also means I will still have my Mu43 kit but again, I want to slim it all down so may just go with Fuji kits.

Oh dear, what a dilemma - and still sitting on the fence!

I worked with the local camera store that I purchased the 7 from and they allowed a very liberal trade on both cameras, where you take it in the shorts is all the proprietary accessories for both systems that I no longer have need for. The X-100 was a tough goodbye, Fuji just about brought this piece to where I wish it would have been initially functionality wise, plus I had the Really Right Stuff L-bracket and grip. All water under the bridge. Onward and upward!

My biggest problem is that I want to keep *all* the cameras I have, and yet acquire more. I'm off bughunting this morning, and in prepping, have thrown the x100, xz-1, grd3 *and* f550exr in the bag. I'll probably only use the GRD3 or XZ-1, but I feel incomplete without the x100. the F550... meh. And I am currently contemplating taking the entire dslr kit too, just in case. I'm pathetic.

I find it really tough slimming my gear down. I enjoy "new" toys to play with and have regretted selling some cams. It's not all about the pictures for me - I like the whole experience. Researching new gear. Sourcing a cheap way of getting it. Learning how to use it. Adjusting my post processing to suit the new files.

If there is one thing I wish I could do that would be to turn a blind eye to so-called bargains and save enough to get the quality gear I'll never let go of..