Spending Virus

[photonewb]

Originally Posted by revjvegas

I usually comparison shop. Of late, what I was looking for, the pricing between B & H and HCE were comparable and I like being able to get it in my hands same day; not to mention I like keeping the $$ in our local economy.

For this last lens, they were willing to price match it to the same price as I would have paid at Ritz since it was available at a store here in town; which also just so happened to be the same price I could have also gotten it for from B & H.

So if the price works out to the same to me in the end, I'll go with HCE first every time.

I have always been a supporter of the theory "Buy local because they'll be there for the service when you need them", however there are just times where you simply can't afford to.

[jeffclow]

I have found that this spending virus seems to particularly acute when one is around other photographers who have equipment that you've read about and you see them putting it to good use....

And that Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 is a fine piece of glass - especially for indoor portraiture. I got one a couple of weeks ago and have been very pleased.

[toverman]

I've been trying hard to stay out of stores, off B&H and out of the Buy/Sell section here.

[KenJulio]

yeah, the conveniences are causing a lot of inconveniences at the same time

[mmuhlenkamp]

I'm having similar issues, I just purchased two camera bags and really want a 24-105L. Even though I got my tasty tax refund I'm waiting to sell two of my lenses before pulling the trigger on the 24-105.

So many things, so little money.

[andyz]

The only thing that can hold this virus in check is analysis paralysis. It is when you have to stop and consider this one, or that one, or maybe these others instead. But the virus builds strength and eventually wins.

The only cure may be spousal "support." Like when my wife tells me how she is going to support my body by shoving that tripod... well, we don't want to go there.

[Truckman]

It actually is a sickness...As an alcoholic, I can say that there is no way I could ever have another drink because I have to have them all...I can't smoke one cigar, I have to smoke them all...

So when I took up photography after the divorce, I knew absolutely nothing about it, but thanks to my compulsive personality trait, I now have $58K in very nice equipment...And I don't know much more about photography than I did when I started...

So I have a really hard time staying away from the buying opportunities, but at least I know how to look for bargains now......Ben

[jtriron]

The internet makes spending your money much more convenient ..............
After doing some mindless searches I ran into a great deal on a STI Tactical 45 here in Houston, guess that next lens purchase will be on hold for a bit.

[Frissen]

I buy where is most convenient, HCE is agreat place to get a feel of the stuff you are buying, they explain it, you try it, they stock it, I think they deserve our business.

I rarely buy on the net because I like the local support our stores give us, when in Houston I go HCE when in Mexico I go Regis Photo, both great places, my main problem is liquidity not places to shop

[ngoduyviet]

You've got GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome), and unfortunately, it infects most people into this hobby / profession. Sadly, there's no cure for it yet.

[snydersnapshots]

You guys are awesome. I've got to show this thread to my wife--I just bought a Cactus wireless flash trigger set (with an extra receiver) through Midwest Photo Exchange for $83 (incl. shipping) and she looked at me like I was going to bankrupt us. Luckily we have a comfy couch...

I remember my first trip to the B&H store in NYC. I got to talking with another customer and told him I had just recently bought a D80 and that I was really enjoying photography. I'll never forget his reply: "Say hello to your wallet..."

Hmmm.... Son plays baseball at night...better get a 70-200 f2.8. Poor lights... D80/70-200/ f2.8 combo not quite enough--give wife D80, get D300. Daughter ice skates...70-200 f2.8 too large; get 17-50 f2.8. Son now playing on field with REALLY bad lighting. Son also older now and playing on bigger fields. Do I go D700 or longer lens? Really regretting buying wife the "Lorena Bobbitt Signature Edition" Ginsu knife set for Christmas.

I think I'm beginning to see what the guy in B&H meant...

[revjvegas]

I was in Hartford CT on a business trip a few years ago and stayed over a weekend so I could drive down to NY to check out B&H. That place is epic.

Let's just say than when I left there my wallet was lighter.

[Nocturnus]

I have the same virus. But being broke cures me of the issues.. :)

[ngoduyviet]

Originally Posted by Nocturnus

I have the same virus. But being broke cures me of the issues.. :)

That's only temporary though. You are never completely cured from this disease, ever :)

[LuckyDucker]

Does it start with a burning sensation in the wallet region? Because I think I may be in the early stages.