For a lot of years, it was just one camera and a couple of lenses. Early on there was a lot of gear in several formats but most of it was sold when I moved to the west coast. When I retired, there was a buying spree. It was the peak of the great analog sell off and cameras I had always wanted to try were cheap. I tried digital but it didn't take, sold a nice collection of Leica gear to fund a home improvement project, went back to Leica when I missed the rangefinder experience.
Over the last few years, I've been trying stuff and only keeping what was being used. Worked my way through a bunch of different M mount lenses and settled on three. Tried a Holga, decided I like 120. Bought a Fujica Super 6, had it repaired but it has reliability issues that show up often enough to make it a shelf queen.
I've pared it down to five, six if I count the Polaroid SX-70 Huss sent me that I wont sell because it was made on my 22nd birthday. Here's what's left
Holgawood JAWZ edition
Kodak Retina IIa (I had three others that were given away. This is the one I took to Paris, where it broke and Paul Barden serviced it after we returned.)
Leica M4-2 with the super special red Leitz badge (Service by DAG and had the flash block replaced with one in 3D printed nylon)
Vivitar Ultra Wide and Slim (The OG!)
Yashica D (Recently serviced and now has an Oleson Bright Screen)
I've lost count of how many cameras I've owned over the years. This small group hits a lot of spots for what I need. Plus I know they'll get used.
Oct 28, 2025 at 03:59 PM
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