How Many Cameras are Too Many? To Sell or not to Sell?

[Photologyst]

Years ago, in the dark ages of film, I used to cary several cameras with different lenses and film speeds. Since the advent of digital, I’ve lightened my load considerably.

OK, all you profis out there have multiple cameras, lenses and other gear. Those of us who are mere serious amateurs may not have so much stuff—maybe. Hauling, is not my idea of a good time any longer.

I have a much loved 4 year old Nikon D70s with an AF-S Zoom-Nikkor ED 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF DX lens that has just been reconditioned and cleaned. I have a ton of the usual stuff with it.

Question: Is it worth it to keep this digi-cam since it’s not worth much in $ anylonger? Should I keep this as a backup or sell?

I am in the market for a couple of other lenses, however, no other camera. Still have film cameras to sell,

So, if my main digcam, the Nikon D300 conks, what I will have as a “backup” is my pocket Canon Power Shot SD 550, which takes great photos, but it’s not a SLR.

If I decide to sell it, where: Amazon, Ebay, Flickr, here?

Any advice? (Yes, I know that I have waited too long. . .)

Thanks!

[Izzy]

To get a feel for market value I would look on eBay to see what the completed auctions sold for. If the price is not to your liking then I would keep it as a backup. In my example I have my beloved workhorse (Sony F828) which sells on eBay in perfect condition for about $350 tops.

I don't look at what I paid for it as it was WAY too much. I look at this camera being 1/2 the money needed to buy a new camera. Seeing that the camera has never given me an issue aside from 1 in 1000 corrupt pictures (something new) I plan to keep it as it still serves a function for me.

I am a gear packrat and never sell anything until I must and that is usually after it has hit near the end of its life. I will know more of these details when I kill my first DSLR. I have yet to kill any camera including some of my old film cameras (I think the shutters in those were the best part of eternal).

I guess I would look at the shutter rated actuations and where you presently stand before selling anything. I know I will sell mine when I get it near 80,000 (if it lives that long).

Sorry if I went way off topic.

Keep Shooting

[RichardTaylor]

I keep mine as a backup/second camera or even for my partner or son to use.

Even though I sometimes use a P&S (Canon G11) I feel a P&S is not really a backup for a DSLR, especially if you shoot sports, wildlife,low light where you can't use a tripod or you have made a commitment to somebody else to shoot pics of them.

[Photologyst]

Thanks for the feedback guys.

I’ve been mulling this over. . .I usually only take one camera on a shoot along with lenses and the pocket P & S. So, I wouldn’t really have that backup unless I was close to home—which I usually am not.

If I had to I suppose renting would be the only way until I could get a repair or new SLR.

I too am a packrat and am trying to do better. That is why I should probably sell, sell, sell “everything” that I don’t use, but will want again the moment that I do sell.

As for this camera, with lens and other stuff selling for half of a new one—not a chance! I’ve waited too long.

[Jim Bryant]

I have one EOS1 V HS that i intend to keep, but, I also have four old Canon F-1's and
two F1 n's with a 24mm f1.4, 85mm f1.2, 135mm f2 and 300mm f2.8 (all FD lenses) that my wife is nagging me to sell. i also have a crap load of Domke bags and a camera backpack that I need to sell as well........ Plus about 800 rolls of KodakSupra color negative film of various 100., 400 and 800 ISO's. I also have the Lowell Pro Stealth backpack and waist packs to sell..............

[Photologyst]

ROTFLMAO!!!

Thanks, Jim. That is very helpful.

I had this fantasy of moving toward a simple, balanced, keep only what I need and use, Zen like existence later in life. The problem is, I like stuff!

[Jonbar18]

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

I have one EOS1 V HS that i intend to keep, but, I also have four old Canon F-1's and
two F1 n's with a 24mm f1.4, 85mm f1.2, 135mm f2 and 300mm f2.8 (all FD lenses) that my wife is nagging me to sell. i also have a crap load of Domke bags and a camera backpack that I need to sell as well........ Plus about 800 rolls of KodakSupra color negative film of various 100., 400 and 800 ISO's. I also have the Lowell Pro Stealth backpack and waist packs to sell..............

I could take some gear off your hands. Just consider it a personal favor from an amateur

[BEGM83]

I think 27 is too many.

26 is just enough.

27 just erring on the side of being a few too many.

[Photologyst]

Guy!

This is SERIOUS!

My better half is demanding that I keep my promise and sell. I need a good reason to not sell, if that is indeed the case.

[BEGM83]

See my other half would never make me sell my camera or any gear...well...he keeps trying to make me sell it all but only because it's all Nikon and all his is Canon lol