Trying to recover from G.A.S., need advice on consolidating and getting rid of camera stuff..

Hello everyone,

Don't make fun of me please, but I am trying to recover from G.A.S. (gear acquisition syndrome), and would need advice on consolidating and getting rid of some of my accumulated camera stuff..

Thing is, it's not as easy to do as it sounds. I travel a lot (internationally, every month due to work) and so I do a lot of travel photography. The rest of the time, I really do everything.. landscapes, street photography, portraits for friends and family, a few weddings as second shooter for acquaintances, outdoors macro photography, some sports and even birding a little.

I am strictly a hobbyist that enjoys photography a lot, but I have never earned a dime from this hobby.

My - camera gear - background:

Much before m4/3, I got into the 4/3 system with the Olympus E-510 DSLR and the Panasonic Leica 25mm f/1.4 lens. Over the years, cameras came and went, and I built up an impressive system for my needs. I usually owned 2 bodies at a time, and in the 4/3 system I owned the Olympus E-3 (x2), Olympus E-30, Olympus E-620, Olympus E-510 Evolt, Panasonic DMC-L10, and Leica Digilux 3 DSLR bodies.

My "final setup" at the time was the following:

• Olympus E-3
• Olympus E-620

• Leica D 25mm f/1.4
• Leica D 14-150mm f/3.5-5.6

• Zuiko D 14-35mm f/2 SWD
• Zuiko D 35-100mm f/2

• Zuiko D 12-60mm f/2.8-4 SWD
• Zuiko D 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 SWD

• Zuiko D 25mm f/2.8 pancake
• Sigma D 150mm f/2.8 HSM macro

• Olympus FL-50R flash
• Olympus FL-36R flash

Getting into micro 4/3:

In 2009, I purchased an Olympus E-P1 with the 17mm f/2.8 lens, and really liked that camera (except for missing a viewfinder). For a while I used both systems, but as soon after I was going through a very hard time financially, I decided to sell off all my 4/3 system mostly, and replace everything with m4/3 equivalents when the possibility comes in the future (i.e. when lenses come and I could afford them). I only kept the E-620 and the Leica 25mm f/1.4 and Leica 14-150mm for a while (the 620 even used the same battery as the E-P1, and that was important).

A bit later, during a trip to Japan, I purchased 3 lenses (and sold off my remaining 4/3 gear to fund these purchases, and since the new setup took care of my travel photography needs anyway):

• Lumix G 7-14mm f/4
• Lumix G 14-140mm f/4-5.8 OIS HD
• Lumix G 20mm f/1.7 pancake

So, I used an E-P1 with 3 lenses for a while (the 17mm f/2.8 didn't see much use).

I was however missing a lot in other fields.. no lenses available to replace those venerable 4/3 lenses I used to own and use.

During the past years, I only bought three m4/3 bodies: E-P1 (in 2009), OM-D E-M5 (in 2012), and OM-D E-M5 Mark II (in 2015). So, except for very strongly wanting the PEN-F now (mostly for the rangefinder style, PEN body with viewfinder and increased resolution), I guess my G.A.S. could have been worse, as far as camera bodies go... I still currently own all 3 bodies however.

After this, I only sold 2 lenses (the Lumix 7-14mm was not getting much use, and after I got the new Lumix G 14-140mm II f/3.5-5.6 OIS HD, I sold the older/heavier one).

However, during the following years, I managed to build up my dream system as follows:

• Olympus OM-D E-M5 II Titanium Limited Ed. (2015)
• Olympus OM-D E-M5 silver (2012)
• Olympus PEN E-P1 silver (2009)

• Zuiko D 12mm f/2
• Zuiko D 17mm f/1.8
• Zuiko D 25mm f/1.8
• Zuiko D 45mm f/1.8
• Zuiko D 60mm f/2.8 macro
• Zuiko D 75mm f/1.8

• Zuiko D 17mm f/2.8 pancake
• Lumix G 14mm f/2.5 pancake
• Lumix G 20mm f/1.7 pancake

• Leica DG 15mm f/1.7
• Leica DG 25mm f/1.4

• Lumix GX 12-35mm f/2.8 OIS HD
• Lumix GX 35-100mm f/2.8 OIS HD

• Lumix G 14-140mm II f/3.5-5.6 OIS HD
• Zuiko D 75-300mm II f/4.8-6.7

• Olympus 15mm f/8 body cap

• Olympus FL-600R flash
• Olympus FL-300R flash
• Olympus FL-36R flash
• Olympus FL-LM3 flash
• Olympus FL-LM2 w.proof flash

• Olympus MAL-1 macro arm light
• Olympus VF-1 optical viewfinder

+ tripods, bags, filters, etc..

(I was going to get an ultra-mini body, like the GM5, or upcoming GM7 as a lightweight travel body.)

THANK YOU for bearing with me so far.. here comes the problem:

I am now going through some difficulties again, lost income for several months due to a health issue, and some other important things have piled up as well (need a new computer to replace a 6-year old broken iMac, and need to come up with a down payment on a car for the family as well). So I decided to seriously pair down my system, however difficult it might be. I am completely stuck though as to what to keep and what not to keep.. All stuff gets used usually, and I am not a rich guy by any means, but save up and build up the best setup for my needs..

While I do want to consolidate really and simplify my setup, I keep thinking about the new PEN-F, and even the not-even-announced, just rumored Olympus 12mm, 25mm, 50mm f/1.2 lens line I would love to get in the future...

I do not want to make a mistake and sell off something that I might regret. I will want to have a complete setup in the future as well when my financial situation gets better, but the current 3 bodies + 16 lenses + 5 flashed are overkill and I do need to simplify(!!) anyway while being able to do most types of photography..

The only thing so far I know for sure, is that I could get rid of 2 pancake lenses: Olympus 17mm f/2.8 and Lumix 14mm f/2.5, as these are the only ones in my setup, that do not see much usage. Could possibly sell the 15mm body cap lens as well, but all this would not help much financially, or in the simplification process either.

I do not really need to E-P1 and the older E-M5, as I use the E-M5 II mostly, but would love to have the PEN-F which seems to be my ideal camera body.. I am not sure though, if it worth to sell all 3 bodies for that one.

I will be selling a fairly recent (Full-HD) Panasonic video camera as well, I just wish Olympus had a 4K camera body, that could take it's place and even be an upgrade.

So, I need your advice, suggestions, etc. as to what would you do in my place?? How would you simplify my lens setup?

Please, be nice though, I love photography, but I do admit, I am crazy about quality camera gear as well..

Thank you to all who took the time to read this in advance and hoping for some good input from the forum here!

Best regards,

Dan

I would first go through all the pictures and extract all the EXIF data for the last, say 2 years.

Out of those pictures, identify all the good photos you like.

Take note what lens and camera used and give each gear a +1.

The gear with the least points are the one to go.

If you don't use it, you don't need it.

Peace

Chi Pham wrote:

I would first go through all the pictures and extract all the EXIF data for the last, say 2 years.

Out of those pictures, identify all the good photos you like.

Take note what lens and camera used and give each gear a +1.

The gear with the least points are the one to go.

If you don't use it, you don't need it.

Peace

Chi,
I apply this concept on hiking, at the end of the hike I evaluate which gear I did not use.
So that I will not bring it on my next climb.
Or sometimes I reduce the portion of it.
Somehow it trickled down to what lens should I bring on my bag.
However my lenses is few and they are small / Light. So I always end up bringing them all the time.

• Olympus OM-D E-M5 II Titanium Limited Ed. (2015)
• Olympus OM-D E-M5 silver (2012)
• Olympus PEN E-P1 silver (2009)

Sell the Pen, hang on to the older E-M5 as a backup unless you will be buying the PEN-F soon

• Zuiko D 12mm f/2
• Zuiko D 17mm f/1.8
• Zuiko D 25mm f/1.8
• Zuiko D 45mm f/1.8
• Zuiko D 60mm f/2.8 macro
• Zuiko D 75mm f/1.8

• Zuiko D 17mm f/2.8 pancake
• Lumix G 14mm f/2.5 pancake
• Lumix G 20mm f/1.7 pancake
• Olympus 15mm f/8 body cap

• Leica DG 15mm f/1.7
• Leica DG 25mm f/1.4

Plenty of redundancy here... I'd think about selling the 17/2.8 and either the 17/1.8 or 15/1.7 (keep your favorite) 14/2.5 is just so small I'd keep it for when I want the smallest possible camera (or keep the 15 body cap and sell the 14)

20/1.7, 25/1.8, 25/1.4 - choose one

60 macro... unless you need macro, can be covered by the 35-100

75/1.8 probably nothing else like it, but if you don't use it, sell it.

• Lumix GX 12-35mm f/2.8 OIS HD
• Lumix GX 35-100mm f/2.8 OIS HD

• Lumix G 14-140mm II f/3.5-5.6 OIS HD
• Zuiko D 75-300mm II f/4.8-6.7

I'd keep all these except for any you find you don't use

• Olympus FL-600R flash
• Olympus FL-300R flash
• Olympus FL-36R flash

All three can be used together and triggered remotely. Only sell if you have no need for multiple flashes.

• Olympus FL-LM3 flash
• Olympus FL-LM2 w.proof flash

One for each OM-D... keep or sell w the camera they came with

• Olympus MAL-1 macro arm light

Keep or sell w the 60 macro?

• Olympus VF-1 optical viewfinder

Keep or sell w the E-P1

+ tripods, bags, filters, etc..

If you haven't used it in a year, flog it

(I was going to get an ultra-mini body, like the GM5, or upcoming GM7 as a lightweight travel body.)

OK, just read to the end... the above just aims at reducing redundancy, but you have to trim further to take care of other debts... so:

1) don't worry about the PEN-F, G-M5 or f1.2 primes yet. Wait until you've caught up on your obligations. Then wait for a sale or refurb to save more.

2) don't worry about selling off something you're not using (E-M5/I, extra lenses, flash) as you can replace w another used one at a later date, perhaps for less than you sold your original item)

3) consider selling what will net the most cash, make due w what has less resale value compared to what you paid.  Remember, you can always replace it as finances permit.

That said, I have trouble myself parting w my older gear, as the original 14-45, 40-150 3.5-4.5 will attest. Not to mention 4/3 14-43 and 9-18, m43 12-50, 40-150, and an E-1, E-PL1, and even some OM gear I should flog.

You have an enviable gear assortment but I bet you could get by with just the 12-35 and 35-100 as your base. Good luck paring down.

Drastic solution: sell everything and avoid to buy camera equipment for at least 1 year. Instead do a year with phone cam pics only.

Less drastic:

Dump the redundancy concept and keep just 1 body.

Decide if you are a prime or a zoom shooter and either keep the f2.8 zooms or a selection of your 3 favourite primes.

Things are much less complicated if you own just one camera with 2 or max 3 lenses.

Most important: don't buy anything in the next 12 to 24 months!

good Luck!

Keep EM-5ii, sell the older EM5, keep the older EP1 as it has little used value. With the 12-35, 35-100 and the 74-300 you have all FLs from 12 to 300. I would keep the 60 mm macro as a prime , maybe keep the 45.  I would also keep the FL 600 and the 36R if you really need  more than one flash .

Do you really use the 75, it's a neat lens and I keep wanting to get it, but can't figure when I'd use it. Same with UWA   7-14, I'd love to own one, and will pick up the Olympus version this spring, but, truthfully  it's rare that 12mm is not wide enough most of the time.

Bodies: Keep the E-M5II

Lenses: Keep your favorite prime (maybe two) (my vote would be the PL15 or P20); keep the 2.8 zooms. MAYBE keep the 14-140. If you shoot a lot of macro, keep the 60.

Flashes: Keep the E-M5II kit flash. Keep your two favorite full-sized flashes. Keep just enough lighting gear (triggers, stands, reflectors) to support two flashes.

Sell everything else. Then stay away from DPReview and all other camera sites for at least a year. Enjoy your gear to the fullest.

Wow--I need to take my own advice!

Daniel Clarke wrote:

Just a quick note:

Thank you to all for your helpful input so far!

I will answer to everyone individually as soon as time allows.

First, you need to "need" it; that is, you have run into a specific photographic situation that only a new lens can help.  But in general, for prime lenses, you buy them in roughly 2x focal length.  For example, 12mm, 20mm, 45mm, and 75mm, as one set, or 14, 25, 45, 75 as another set, etc.  There is no need to cover from 1 mm to 1000 mm with no gap.  Fill the gap with your feet.

Digital bodies are not worth saving so sell them when you can to off set the cost of new cameras with better capacities.

A very nice and simple Panasonic hybride set (with 4k Video)

One very compact and very versatile zoom. And two very compact and sharp primes:

Panasonic G7 + 14-140mm f3.5-5.6

Panasonic Leica 15mm f1.7

Panasonic 42.5mm f1.7

Nissin i40 flash

You can buy the Panasonic GM7 + 12-32mm f3.5-5.6 in the future.

Daniel Clarke wrote:

• Olympus OM-D E-M5 II Titanium Limited Ed. (2015)
• Olympus OM-D E-M5 silver (2012)
• Olympus PEN E-P1 silver (2009)

• Zuiko D 12mm f/2
• Zuiko D 17mm f/1.8
• Zuiko D 25mm f/1.8
• Zuiko D 45mm f/1.8
• Zuiko D 60mm f/2.8 macro
• Zuiko D 75mm f/1.8

• Zuiko D 17mm f/2.8 pancake
• Lumix G 14mm f/2.5 pancake
• Lumix G 20mm f/1.7 pancake

• Leica DG 15mm f/1.7
• Leica DG 25mm f/1.4

• Lumix GX 12-35mm f/2.8 OIS HD
• Lumix GX 35-100mm f/2.8 OIS HD

• Lumix G 14-140mm II f/3.5-5.6 OIS HD
• Zuiko D 75-300mm II f/4.8-6.7

• Olympus 15mm f/8 body cap

• Olympus FL-600R flash
• Olympus FL-300R flash
• Olympus FL-36R flash
• Olympus FL-LM3 flash
• Olympus FL-LM2 w.proof flash

• Olympus MAL-1 macro arm light
• Olympus VF-1 optical viewfinder

As much as the 12mm f:2 and 75mm f:1.8 would be solely missed, they also posses the highest resell value of your current kit. If I were you, I'd just kept the two Lumix X zooms. They cover most of the needed FLs, and you already don't own anything wider than 12mm, so the only part missing would be the tele side, and your only option would be the 75-300mm.

And as for the bodies, I'd also keep the E-M5 Mark II and forget the PEN-f. Is just not too much of an improvement to justify it. If you definitively need a second body, I'd get rid of the PEN and the E-M5 Mark 1, and get an E-M10 Mark 1.

If you do Macro a lot, keep the 60mm. I don't, although I'd love to have it, but currently I need to concentrate on gear that makes revenue, not expense, so no macro for me for some time.

As for the flashes, I don't own any TTL units, so can't say, but in a budget, I'd get rid of all of them and get a couple Yongnuos like the ones I have. You won't be spending just a bit over 100$ for both units. And they are pretty powerful.

There is even this kit with the wireless trigger and two units. This is what I have. The trigger let you control the flash power remotely: http://www.amazon.com/Yongnuo-YN560-YN560TX-Wireless-Controller/dp/B0146DAYYI/ref=sr_1_11?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1456182449&sr=1-11&keywords=yongnuo+flash

Since you'll selling the PEN, you won't need the viewfinder, as for the macro arm light, that's pretty inexpensive AFAIK, so no need to get rid of it.

Keeping both Pro Lumix lenses will give you the opportunity of reducing your kit considerably, while maintaining image quality to the max. You might be lacking on the very low light side, but you didn't mentioned any low light shooting. Maybe for street photography I'd keep the 17mm f:1.8, but that would be the only prime (besides the Macro) that I'd keep.

So, in short, your kit would be reduced to:

• E-M5 Mark II
• E-M10 Mark 1
• Lumix 12-35mm f:2.8
• Lumix 35-100mm f:2.8
• Zuiko 17mm f:1.8
• Zuiko 60mm f:2.8 Macro
• Zuiko 75-300mm
• 2 x Yongnuo 560 IV + 560 TX trigger

Pretty small, isn't it? although very nice gear there.

I hope you the best, and that you turn around this difficult time, and get back in your feet in no time, and that your health issue gets fixed very fast.

If you can't edit your post anymore, I'll fix it.