How much have you invested in camera gear ?

[KeeFy]

More than i'd like to admit, less than what i like. :X

I do have to say tho, that apart from the bodies, proper lenses (the high grade ones) don't lose much money over time, some even appreciate over time ie 35 1.4L etc. It's definitely better than say spending 30k on modifying a car only to sell it and lose almost 20k on it. :/

[deef]

This is depressing. Although now I know where all the money I thought I would save when I quit smoking has gone.

[Longshots]

the word "invest" assumes a return Kiwi.

Different reason for answering depending on whether one seeks a return, or if one is simply doing it to enjoy photography.

For what its worth, do you want the answer on how much I've personally invested in photographic equipment over the time I've been seeking a return on my investment ?

Or do you want an answer to the question based on what my current valuation of equipment is ?

Either way you would need a great deal higher figure for your highest option. If I was to answer it on that basis, the figure would currently be in the six figure area.

I hate to think how much I've invested over the time I've been taking pictures

[Bennymiata]

I've got a bit over $10K worth of photographic stuff, but I used to spend more on R/C helicopters!

Believe it or not, it's very easy to blow $7-8K on a nice model, + hundreds of hours of work putting it together, balancing everything and painting it etc., only for it to be destroyed in an instant if something goes wrong.
I've also seen $20,000 model jets hit the dirt at over 300km/h and leve nothing behind except for confetti.
Most modellers have a number of models at any one time as well and I've known quite a few guys that have poured $100K into their hobby over the years.


While photography seems like an expensive hobby, compared to many others, it's quite a cheap hobby actually.
Once you have your set-up, the ongoing costs are minimal, but the enjoyment is huge.
Second hand R/C models are worth nothing, whereas used camera equipment can always find a buyer.

Now I hope that makes all of you out there feel better about spending your hard earned on photography.

[ksolomon]

Well before this poll I hadn't really added it up but its now just over 15K and that does not include any computer gear, gee now I know why I never have any money

[kiwi]

the word "invest" assumes a return Kiwi.

Different reason for answering depending on whether one seeks a return, or if one is simply doing it to enjoy photography.

For what its worth, do you want the answer on how much I've personally invested in photographic equipment over the time I've been seeking a return on my investment ?

Or do you want an answer to the question based on what my current valuation of equipment is ?

Either way you would need a great deal higher figure for your highest option. If I was to answer it on that basis, the figure would currently be in the six figure area.

I hate to think how much I've invested over the time I've been taking pictures

yes, agreed, investment is a somewhat hopeful term, maybe the non financial dividend is just enjoyment

current approx replacement value of your gear is sufficient

[N*A*M]

i need an options for "too much, but still not enough"

[William]

I've got a bit over $10K worth of photographic stuff, but I used to spend more on R/C helicopters!

Believe it or not, it's very easy to blow $7-8K on a nice model, + hundreds of hours of work putting it together, balancing everything and painting it etc., only for it to be destroyed in an instant if something goes wrong.
I've also seen $20,000 model jets hit the dirt at over 300km/h and leve nothing behind except for confetti.
Most modellers have a number of models at any one time as well and I've known quite a few guys that have poured $100K into their hobby over the years.

Makes sense to me, I used to race Electric 1/10 on road Radio Controled cars, Was good when I was working in the Hobby Shop , Sponsered We travelled all over the country racing , When I stopped my two mates were spending $5000 a year each on upgrades and parts , Tyres, Motors , Batteries etc , Sold all my stuff and got back into photography

While photography seems like an expensive hobby, compared to many others, it's quite a cheap hobby actually.
Once you have your set-up, the ongoing costs are minimal, but the enjoyment is huge.
Second hand R/C models are worth nothing, whereas used camera equipment can always find a buyer.

Now I hope that makes all of you out there feel better about spending your hard earned on photography.

[William]

Dunno what happened there

[rellik666]

It is like any hobby though the more involved you get the more you spend. Unfortunately I have another hobby that is my car and that is like throwing money into a fire and enjoying the marshmellows that its melts....great for a second but never ever to be seen again!

The popularity of the amature/professional photograohy business shows how this is a relatively cheap hobby to get into but wow wee.....once you get that glass envy it sure gets expensive quick!

I also have a problem with hording so find it very hard to part with anything I have moved on from!

[William]

Quote Roo : once you get that glass envy it sure gets expensive quick!

I have a name for that , It's called "Lens Lust"

[Speedway]

I agree with Darren's "invested" as the return is the enjoyment I get from my chosen hobby. It is a LOT cheaper than my previous hobby of Speedway Car Racing.
Keith.

[arthurking83]

It's there.

Now, do you have any recommendations for psychotherapists who specialise in depression?

Any Canon salesperson will do!
(for you that is, I found mine in a Nikon rep! )

[fabian628]

paid 19k for what is in my sig, all second hand.

have about 1k worth in mf film camera.

Its an investment in good gear to get nice pictures. Buying seoncd hand I know i can sell all of it tomorrow with very little loss, probably make a few $$ on some lenses as I got them at a good price Very cheap long term hiring you could call it

[Mark L]

My wife would have a heart attack if she so this thread and poll results.
Hang on, I'll just go and get her............

[Captured frame]

About $25k,after adding it up - for the first time ,now l think l had better up my insurance.

[Gemini2261]

Boy, I feel better now I have seen the result of that poll (result up to this point) ...It's been worth every cent

[kiwi]

75% of respondees have over $5k of gear

Wow

[kaiser]

Abot $16,000 "invested". Funnily enough - the only purchases I've lost value on were the ones bought from Australian businesses. (24 1.4 G $2900, now $2200, Nikon 135DC $1990 - now $1200). Everything else has been a second hand ebay / forum or purchase from HK

[Cyza]

I think im in a very different situation to most here, being a 17 year old student, only working part time.

but from the short time I've been into photography it's been a lot more expensive then previous most expensive hobby (gaming) and the ammount I spend on tennis compared is just a joke.

where do most people here purchase there second hand gear from?