Are people with pristine equipment "real" photographers?

Ever buy any used equipment, lenses especially? Notice some are worn,
some bashed up and some are absolutely perfect? Ever look at the
lenses being used by pros at football games, or out in the
wilderness? They tend to be pretty dinged up. No major physical
damage to the lens elements (probably) but the bodies show all kinds
of wear.
I'm wondering if people who manage to keep their equipment looking
absolutely perfect actually ever really use it to it's full
advantage? Even in a studio, lenses and camera bodies will eventually
show wear, paint scuffs, etc. To me, if I see a piece of equipment
that is absolutely perfect, I figure it was never actually used much,
maybe to take the occasional shot at the local zoo, or someone's
birthday party.
But this is not to dissuade those people from keeping their normal
path. Still desirable used equipment in mint condition is great for
buyers.

"RichA" wrote in message
...
Ever buy any used equipment, lenses especially? Notice some are worn,
some bashed up and some are absolutely perfect? Ever look at the
lenses being used by pros at football games, or out in the
wilderness? They tend to be pretty dinged up. No major physical
damage to the lens elements (probably) but the bodies show all kinds
of wear.
I'm wondering if people who manage to keep their equipment looking
absolutely perfect actually ever really use it to it's full
advantage? Even in a studio, lenses and camera bodies will eventually
show wear, paint scuffs, etc. To me, if I see a piece of equipment
that is absolutely perfect, I figure it was never actually used much,
maybe to take the occasional shot at the local zoo, or someone's
birthday party.
But this is not to dissuade those people from keeping their normal
path. Still desirable used equipment in mint condition is great for
buyers.


gerra****inlife

On Jan 21, 5:17 pm, "Chris" wrote:
"RichA" wrote in message

...



Ever buy any used equipment, lenses especially? Notice some are worn,
some bashed up and some are absolutely perfect? Ever look at the
lenses being used by pros at football games, or out in the
wilderness? They tend to be pretty dinged up. No major physical
damage to the lens elements (probably) but the bodies show all kinds
of wear.
I'm wondering if people who manage to keep their equipment looking
absolutely perfect actually ever really use it to it's full
advantage? Even in a studio, lenses and camera bodies will eventually
show wear, paint scuffs, etc. To me, if I see a piece of equipment
that is absolutely perfect, I figure it was never actually used much,
maybe to take the occasional shot at the local zoo, or someone's
birthday party.
But this is not to dissuade those people from keeping their normal
path. Still desirable used equipment in mint condition is great for
buyers.

gerra****inlife

Are you the guy I saw who had the oak cabinet with glass doors holding
his lenses, with "Pentax" acid-etched into the glass?

Chris wrote:
"RichA" wrote in message
...
Ever buy any used equipment, lenses especially? Notice some are
worn, some bashed up and some are absolutely perfect? Ever look
at the lenses being used by pros at football games, or out in the
wilderness? They tend to be pretty dinged up. No major physical
damage to the lens elements (probably) but the bodies show all
kinds of wear.
I'm wondering if people who manage to keep their equipment looking
absolutely perfect actually ever really use it to it's full
advantage? Even in a studio, lenses and camera bodies will
eventually show wear, paint scuffs, etc. To me, if I see a piece
of equipment that is absolutely perfect, I figure it was never
actually used much, maybe to take the occasional shot at the local
zoo, or someone's birthday party.
But this is not to dissuade those people from keeping their normal
path. Still desirable used equipment in mint condition is great
for buyers.


gerra****inlife

What, and leave show business?

"RichA" wrote in message
...
Ever buy any used equipment, lenses especially? Notice some are worn,
some bashed up and some are absolutely perfect?

Hopefully, all of my lenses will always look pristine.

I'm not rich, and don't get paid for my photography. When I dump $500+ on a
lens, I tend to be VERY careful when handling it. That there are no dings on
my lenses is a testament to the care I take with them, not their lack of
use.

That's also why I always have the lens hood in place. Hopefully, that cheap
piece of PLASTIC will absorb the occasional bump when I'm not paying full
attention.

And if - if - I ever put my lenses up for auction, I'm sure the next owner
will be damn glad I handled them with care.

dwight