Following the post about my collection of film cameras, I think perhaps I have gone too far in spending and collecting cameras aimlessly. We all need to prepare for rainy days. I have tried to save money, but I fail to meet my expectation because I always give in to temptation. First was the Fujifilm X-pro 2, next is the series of film cameras.
The problem of having too many cameras is the dilemma when choosing a camera to bring. That’s why I spent a week thinking which camera to bring for long weekend trip.
To be honest, even though I have a lot of cameras, I am not happy. Almost every other day (no joke), I feel bad about buying Fujifilm X-pro 2. It’s worst when my photos are not as good as I imagined. It’s worst when nobody appreciate the photos. No doubt it is an extremely good camera, I love it, but I feel more guilt. Hence, one lesson that really absorb into my heart is: do not think the best camera will improve your photography. I hope this X-pro 2 will last me for another 5-6 years. For now, I must learn to enjoy this camera while it lasts 🙂
Next is film cameras. I feel the reason I kept buying is because I am not contented. I buy temporary happiness then I am sick of the camera. If you see the trend: I bought one camera each in September, November and January. No matter how fancy the camera is, I am prone to feel sick (singlish is ‘Sian’) of the toy within 2 months. I read it somewhere that most humans are the same and there’s even a psychological term for it. Hence, as of now, I ban myself from buying new camera.
I ban myself from buying 35mm film camera. I need to be contented with what I have. My Nikon FM2 is very reliable and I believe if I don’t let a truck run over it, it can last me probably till I retire (lol).
September 2017 will mark my one year of film learning journey, and for that, it’s my goal to move up to medium format. Hence, the ban will be dismissed in September 2017 to allow myself to get a nice Twin-Lens-Reflex camera. Then, the ban shall resume right after the purchase.
I hope with this ban, I can practise discipline, have more money in my savings, donate more money, less guilty, happier and content, and blame myself for lousy photos instead of cameras.
