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.