I have had four Nikon digital cameras over the years. In 2021 I moved to a mirrorless Z6 because of the size and weight advantage over the D810. I have found that I really did not need the extra megapixels of the D810 for what I do. I've never once shot video with any of the digital cameras I've owned. I'm just not interested.
I think I have shot 10 videos my whole life. I wish manufacturers would make cameras dedicated just to photography with no video capability, and price accordingly.
I still have my follies. I bought a used "like new" X-Pro 3 selling my "like new" X-Pro 2 only to discover I liked my X-Pro 2 A LOT better. Sold it and bought a very well used, banged up X-Pro 2 which I liked the best out of the lot... works fine but is my "don't care" camera because it's looks are so ratty.
I just returned from a week in Paris participating in an amazing photography workshop with Peter Turnley. If you don’t know him he is worth a look in Google. I consider him one of the finest living photographers today. When asked about how much time he spends processing images he replied not long. Then he said perfection is boring. That ended that topic.
He shoots a Leica and a 35 f/2 Sumicron with a battered lens hood that looks like it has gone through every war he has covered. Definitely not a gear freak.
I reverted from a Sony A7Riii to an A7Rii because it could share batteries and accessories with my full spectrum Sony A7ii. It means I can use the A7ii as a backup camera, keeps the system simple as possible, so long as I have big pockets for all the old style batteries :-). The 40MP A7Rii provides images beyond my wildest dreams and I'm very happy with the system. Doesn't mean I don't look forward to the day when I can move on to the A7Rv, but I'm in no hurry.
I have generally purchased new cameras and lenses because of the warranty and insurance. I often photograph when it's quite cold. If something fails, I don't want to be able to replace it quickly and with minimal fuss. I haven't found the discounts offered by manufacturers for refurbished lenses to be worth the price savings due to the poorer warranty. Nikon would be a case in point.
That was not my approach when I did large format photography. The lenses, shutters and camera were sufficiently simple that repairs could be done locally when required. I even purchased out-of-date film if I trusted the seller. I never have a box of bad sheet film!
fair enough. my findings are that I can purchase a replacement for used items faster and save more money than new equipment warranty. I've literally never had any camera go belly up or have issues within the warranty period. never. so I can risk it. also it's VERY rare that replacement of used items cost more later.
When I was preparing to move to the GFX100S ii, a number of reviewers were reporting having a handful of hot pixels in their cameras. I also spoke to one person who appeared to have noise associated with the amplifier. These are the kind of problems that are best resolved by returning the camera and getting a new one and not arguing about what is within manufacturing specifications.
My one bad example was when I bought my GF120mm macro lens which was "used like new." Well, the stabilizing system makes a loud clunking noise as it moves around in the lens housing when the lens is moved while you're holding it and the camera is not turned on. Once the camera is on and the gyro is spinning, it no longer makes the clunking noise. I can't return the lens because it's "within the manufacturing specifications" according to Fujifilm. Note, I didn't purchase it from them. They didn't support my desire to return the lens to the seller. To be fair, photographs made with the lens are beautiful. But I am worried that hiking with the lens will shorten its life due to the stabilizer banging around.
Anyway, these are a couple of specific examples of why I'm inclined to purchase new. Everybody has their own risk tolerance, and I'm to trying to be critical of your experience.
Bruce, I absolutely love my GF 120mm Fujinon which I purchased new. It is among the top 5 lenses I've ever used. Mine also makes the clunking you are referring to. I showed it to a Fuji service rep at a conference and he said that was normal for the lens. While I don't like the sound of it, the fact is I've hiked with it, carried it on planes, lugged it in a case all over, etc without any effect on its fantastic image quality.
FYI most lenses that have any sort of stabilization across all brands have that mild clunking sound. Would rather they didn't but they all do and so far (fingers crossed) even my oldest one hasn't had any issues ( think I got that one in 2008-2009??
Understood. Great lens by the way. Was only describing my own experiences and risk management strategy vs the buy new/warranty strategy. Unless it's for a "throw-away" amount I only buy from vendors that typically have a liberal return no questions asked policy.
Well, I guess my favorite is my 1959 Rolleicord. Even though my fancy Rolleiflex has a 2.8, I like how light the ‘cord is. My other camera is Nikon 780 and I am tempted to go mirrorless for size and weight but those EVF’s are so cold. Brrrrrr.
I have had four Nikon digital cameras over the years. In 2021 I moved to a mirrorless Z6 because of the size and weight advantage over the D810. I have found that I really did not need the extra megapixels of the D810 for what I do. I've never once shot video with any of the digital cameras I've owned. I'm just not interested.
I think I have shot 10 videos my whole life. I wish manufacturers would make cameras dedicated just to photography with no video capability, and price accordingly.
This!
Well said. I should have lived that way over the last 5 years.
Craig
Oh, I only use the new, ratty X-Pro 2 when I am too worried about my too pretty M10
I still have my follies. I bought a used "like new" X-Pro 3 selling my "like new" X-Pro 2 only to discover I liked my X-Pro 2 A LOT better. Sold it and bought a very well used, banged up X-Pro 2 which I liked the best out of the lot... works fine but is my "don't care" camera because it's looks are so ratty.
I just returned from a week in Paris participating in an amazing photography workshop with Peter Turnley. If you don’t know him he is worth a look in Google. I consider him one of the finest living photographers today. When asked about how much time he spends processing images he replied not long. Then he said perfection is boring. That ended that topic.
He shoots a Leica and a 35 f/2 Sumicron with a battered lens hood that looks like it has gone through every war he has covered. Definitely not a gear freak.
I reverted from a Sony A7Riii to an A7Rii because it could share batteries and accessories with my full spectrum Sony A7ii. It means I can use the A7ii as a backup camera, keeps the system simple as possible, so long as I have big pockets for all the old style batteries :-). The 40MP A7Rii provides images beyond my wildest dreams and I'm very happy with the system. Doesn't mean I don't look forward to the day when I can move on to the A7Rv, but I'm in no hurry.
I have generally purchased new cameras and lenses because of the warranty and insurance. I often photograph when it's quite cold. If something fails, I don't want to be able to replace it quickly and with minimal fuss. I haven't found the discounts offered by manufacturers for refurbished lenses to be worth the price savings due to the poorer warranty. Nikon would be a case in point.
That was not my approach when I did large format photography. The lenses, shutters and camera were sufficiently simple that repairs could be done locally when required. I even purchased out-of-date film if I trusted the seller. I never have a box of bad sheet film!
fair enough. my findings are that I can purchase a replacement for used items faster and save more money than new equipment warranty. I've literally never had any camera go belly up or have issues within the warranty period. never. so I can risk it. also it's VERY rare that replacement of used items cost more later.
When I was preparing to move to the GFX100S ii, a number of reviewers were reporting having a handful of hot pixels in their cameras. I also spoke to one person who appeared to have noise associated with the amplifier. These are the kind of problems that are best resolved by returning the camera and getting a new one and not arguing about what is within manufacturing specifications.
My one bad example was when I bought my GF120mm macro lens which was "used like new." Well, the stabilizing system makes a loud clunking noise as it moves around in the lens housing when the lens is moved while you're holding it and the camera is not turned on. Once the camera is on and the gyro is spinning, it no longer makes the clunking noise. I can't return the lens because it's "within the manufacturing specifications" according to Fujifilm. Note, I didn't purchase it from them. They didn't support my desire to return the lens to the seller. To be fair, photographs made with the lens are beautiful. But I am worried that hiking with the lens will shorten its life due to the stabilizer banging around.
Anyway, these are a couple of specific examples of why I'm inclined to purchase new. Everybody has their own risk tolerance, and I'm to trying to be critical of your experience.
Bruce, I absolutely love my GF 120mm Fujinon which I purchased new. It is among the top 5 lenses I've ever used. Mine also makes the clunking you are referring to. I showed it to a Fuji service rep at a conference and he said that was normal for the lens. While I don't like the sound of it, the fact is I've hiked with it, carried it on planes, lugged it in a case all over, etc without any effect on its fantastic image quality.
FYI most lenses that have any sort of stabilization across all brands have that mild clunking sound. Would rather they didn't but they all do and so far (fingers crossed) even my oldest one hasn't had any issues ( think I got that one in 2008-2009??
Thank you, Lester! I'm glad to hear that my lens' behavior is indeed normal. I think I'll be more relaxed now when using it.
Understood. Great lens by the way. Was only describing my own experiences and risk management strategy vs the buy new/warranty strategy. Unless it's for a "throw-away" amount I only buy from vendors that typically have a liberal return no questions asked policy.
Geeze, I meant to write "I'm not trying to be critical..." Sorry!
Well, I guess my favorite is my 1959 Rolleicord. Even though my fancy Rolleiflex has a 2.8, I like how light the ‘cord is. My other camera is Nikon 780 and I am tempted to go mirrorless for size and weight but those EVF’s are so cold. Brrrrrr.