So either you're already feeling the squeeze of economic trouble, or you're speculating that you'll get hit by something nasty. Or perhaps you think everything is rosy. Let me know what you guys think.
I've differentiated between pros and amateurs because I think it's a critical factor. Other factors obviously not accounted for are: salary brackets, countries of origin, etc. This poll is accurate to +/- 3%. Just kidding!
I work for the government in a secured position so, unless the tax base completely disappears, I won't see much immediate impact. I'll continue buying my toys and traveling.
Being on a fixed income the only problem I have is I do not make enough to go hog wild on purchasing equipment (but watch me spend if I win the Lotto). I can only spend a couple grand a year and still be able to travel and have a few other enjoyments in my life. My local trips, within 300 miles, have decreased because I have a gas hog of an SUV and cannot afford to fill the tank as often because of the high gas prices.
So far I have an excellent credit rating because I pay most of my charges off within six months or less. This year was an exception with the purchase of a 5D, 100-400L, 70-200 f4L, and a 17-40L. It is taking a whole year to pay these off. At least I get to use them while I am paying.
Hello, I work in the tech industry located in Silicon Valley. We have already experienced our own version of melt down (aka Internet Bubble Burst) and came through without having to go crying to the federal government for hand outs. The only thing we asked for was for more H1B visa and they turned us down, which forced most companies here to move engineering jobs overseas. Oh well, old story.....
No effect for me, I'm increasing my spending on camera gears with the rate and amount of increase depending on how fast I improve my photography skills.
Those who voted NO or 'what economic problems" are part of the problem themselves I guess? You must be one of those who take advantage of this economic crisis if you don't take the economic event of the moment for serious. What's happening to the capitalism and banking system at the moment is not EOSfunny at all
I'm trying to hurry up and spend about 8-10K before the end of the year. Damn I wish that 5DmkII was out already. That and a 300 or 400 2.8 and I'll be happy.
eosfun wrote:
Those who voted NO or 'what economic problems" are part of the problem themselves I guess? You must be one of those who take advantage of this economic crisis if you don't take the economic event of the moment for serious. What's happening to the capitalism and banking system at the moment is not EOSfunny at all
I voted NO and I AM NOT part of the problem. I didn't mortage my ass off for a house I couldn't afford to begin with and buy three cars with $600 per month car note and max out my credit cards. I live WITHIN my means, mostly under them so I don't get screwed like most are now.
Those of us who derive our retirement income from diverse investments are probably taking a more dim view of the situation.
However, as I probably need more gear like I need a hole in my head, any present/future austerity measures should have no effect on my equipment acquisitions.......they will be very minimal one way or another.
In good times or bad times, one should in theory buy with restraint, applying some criteria of value, not being unduly influenced by Canon's new product intros, marketing and such. As I get older, I seem to be getting better at following that advice myself.
I didn't vote--we're in late 60's but still work (self employed) so the economy will affect us for sure. Nonetheless it won't affect my gear spending. I had none planned. I did just receive an LP 100 Sling bag today for hiking with my 'small' cam, the 400D, but other than that--I probably own all the lenses I need. I could covet a few more L's (the 35 for one), but don't need them and for now my 5D (and 10DIR, 400D and G9) is fine. When my 2.5+ yr. old 5D has problems (I may have the shutter repaired--I'll decide when the inevitable happens) I may upgrade to the 5DII--but its not in my immediate future though it interests me. I have lots of accessories since I shot commercial parttime for years--so, no--the economy isn't affecting my gear purchases. Long answer--and I didn't vote since nothing fit my reasons.
Ah, just noted several posts above that hit home. We have always been conservative fiscally since our income has almost always been up and down (socially liberal I suppose) so we owe no money at all and still live on our 20 acre farm so should be fine--though our SEPs are having problems like everyone else. Its just time for us to start moving money out--arggghhh---but I feel so sorry for younger people with families, 2 jobs, mortgages (and not the 'mine is bigger than yours' type), car loans--and maybe dealing with elderly parents, young kids.
eosfun wrote:
Those who voted NO or 'what economic problems" are part of the problem themselves I guess? You must be one of those who take advantage of this economic crisis if you don't take the economic event of the moment for serious. What's happening to the capitalism and banking system at the moment is not EOSfunny at all
Now that's an EOSsilly statement! The problem is our economy is build on a house of cards: credit. And the credit problems are pretty basic: banks lending to anybody no matter how terrible their credit history or ability too pay and irresponsible individuals refusing or unable to pay their bills. I think we should go back to cash 'n carry for most things and use credit sparingly. Obviously a large percentage of lenders and borrowers lack the self discipline to maintain the current model.
I'll do my part: spend my hard earned cash on toys, travel and luxuries and enrich the economy. Hell, I'll probably buy both the 50D and 5DII. But, if I have my way, I ain't paying to save deadbeat enders and borrowers. Let nature take its course and losers lose.
I'm an amateur but haven't seen anything of interest in the last 6 months to spend money on anyway. But I hope to upgrade my 1D II and 5D next year and sell a few lenses and buy a few ZE's.
i'm still unable to get a clear, objective view of how bad the economy actually is and how bad it'll get, both here (in canuckistan) and in the US-of-A. i'm hearing anything form "this'll be the next great depression" to "this'll be a minor recession, invest now cuz (some of) the stock prices are low."
i posted this poll because i was wondering where i stood relative to the other gear wh0re$ on here. i wanted to see if this "disturbance" had/ has an effect on peoples' gear spending habits. even though i'm not financially hurting now, i'm SPECULATIVELY assuming the worst and i'm squirreling away my money for a rainy day.
I'd been planning to buy a Canon 180mm macro or a Sigma 150mm macro, but all this talk about the next depression (watched Bush's address on TV and it sounded like the end of capitalism ). Scared me.
New d90 slowing down buying since got sooner than expected (tried in store when released, even the wife knew it was a done deal lol). Some deals with the devil (well the wife actually, I'd prefer the devil, he ain't got nothing on the wife ) got me on a slow down. Just enjoying what I got on the new rig.
Gonna be a good boy and save up some free cash for a January Tokyo trip. Gonna try to fight the NAS in the akihabara electronics district, Keep on telling myself I'm just gonna try a lens out in store just to window shop since selection limited where I am at (I buy online blind alot just based on reviews, been lucky so far). Course that's how I got d90, I just wanted to test my 35 F2 on the store copy And I do need a fast low light with some reach for the car show there...
Government work give some flexibility. Unless we go to world war III and the entire force of Marines in the Japan region gets deployed, should have a job the next day. Was thinking private sector since finding it hard to move up the food chain....not so sure at this point to be honest. I'll take consistent over peaky pay days any day of week.
I voted amateur and did not impact my buying patterns. The reason: I don't buy on credit. There are only two things I will ever "owe money" on - my house and my car. Given enough time, I will take the latter off of those two as well! Can you imagine the rush:
Me: "I'll take this car."
Dealer: "Great, let's get you over to the finance dept."
Me: "No need, here's a check - call the bank."
*Sheer look of defeat on his face as they lost the $10K interest that would have paid his commission*
Being debt free is the goal, and through responsible spending, anyone can get there. We don't have a lot of toys (photography is my only foible, and it took me three years to upgrade from the XT to the 40D).
Through frugality in most things, we will be debt free by 50, and have enough saved (our savings patterns dont change due to market swings, so $300 goes in every month regardless...) to retire and live comfortably on those savings and our 401k's!
This latest crisis has taught me a lesson. I need to borrow to the max, buy way more gear than I can afford, then get the tax payers to bail me out, or "rescue" me. All this time I mistakenly thought I should only buy what I could pay for. Stupid me.
And I do need a fast low light with some reach for the car show there...