I recently saw a YouTube video pertaining to my lifelong stereo hobby/obsession. The person was discussing his audio system and pointed out his very expensive speakers. When he heard them the first time he simply had to have them and subsequently pulled the necessary cash out of his retirement account to fund the purchase. He’s in his late seventies and the point was life is short … if it will make you happy and you can do it … do it. He did and has never looked back. Would he get similar enjoyment with lesser speakers? Sure, but that wasn’t the point.

It’s the same thing with cameras, lenses, and enlargers. If you’re convinced you need a current production Leica M camera with a 50mm Apo Summicron and can afford it, then why not?  Especially if having it will motivate you to make pictures and give you pleasure in ownership. Will it make you a better photographer? No. Will it allow you to make a better picture than a cheap and cheerful old 35mm Pentax, Minolta, Yashica, Canon, etc.? No, but that’s not the point either.

The point is … especially if you’re of a certain age … and in the words of Miles in the classic American movie Risky Business … “Sometimes you gotta say “WTF” (Author’s note: this is a family website!), make your move.” I’ve mentioned this seminal concept before and can’t recommend it highly enough … in photography … and life.

Just make sure you use whatever you get; don’t be a fondler.

Stay well,

Michael