In 2014 I moved from film to digital photography by replacing my Pentax SLR camera with a Sony APSC DSLR. I liked that camera despite some weird growing pains with moving from an SLR to a DSLR with an EVF right off the bat.
Regret.
I used the Sony for 4 years or so with my 1 zoom lens, a DT 16-50mm F2.8 full frame lens that was sharp and beautiful. I was happy, my images were crisp, and I convinced myself I needed a full frame camera from a more established brand. This is why I don’t gamble.
I convinced myself to buy a Nikon D750 kit with zoom lens. Then I bought a couple other lenses often changing my mind what was the lens that would deliver what I wanted. It was a good camera but I could never quite get the images I wanted out of it. I hate to spend a lot of time editing images in post. I’m a photographer not a graphic designer. I did have a 100mm Macro lens I loved with this set up. Much like the Sony I regret letting that lens go.
The cycle continued.
After the Nikon I started chasing color straight out of camera and many roads pointed towards Fuji. With their film simulations it seemed simple to get what I wanted straight out of the camera. So I made the switch again in 2020 to an X-T4 with the kit zoom lens. This is the farthest I went into a system. I had a 23mm, 16mm, 27mm, 35mm, 85mm, 70-300mm, and 16-80mm lenses. That’s too many for how I shoot but I was chasing an output that was elusive. The X-T4 was a good camera and I took more shots with it than any camera since the Sony. Many hated the rear articulated screen but I loved being able to flip it around and pretend it wasn’t there. I was content with it and making images I liked.
Regret round two.
Instead of learning my lesson and sticking with what I was happy with I decided I needed to upgrade to the X-T5 so I could have 40mp of sensor. I did it even though it had a screen I hated and couldn’t hide. I should have listened to me and stopped myself from doing it. During this same time I also picked up an X-Pro3 to experiment with. I then traded the X-T4 and the X-Pro3 for an X-E2 as I had this idea that I wanted a second camera to offset some duties. Take video with one, stills with the other. Got rid of the X-E2 as well.
It escalates from here.
In early 2025 I decided to swap the Fuji for a Leica SL2 and a Lumix S9 and embrace the L-Mount alliance. Same concept as the X-T5 and X-E2, one for video and one for stills. I learned two things about myself . I need an EVF or OVF to use a camera, and I like well made but not oversized cameras. You guessed it, I didn’t love either camera. So I did what any logical person would do I bought a micro 4/3 camera from OM-System. With more tech built in than both of my current cameras and modes upon modes of custom settings.
Turns out I like that. But only enough to find “my” settings and leave it alone. I like the OM-3 more than I expected and even though it was an impulse buy it’s a keeper. I’ve been daily carrying it with my Sofort 2 and it’s awesome. Small and easy to use. Standby battery life is good as well, one of my many complaints with every camera since the Sony as well. Now what, I don’t need 3 high end cameras and not the lens costs.
Twice in one year.
So for the second time in only 2 months I swapped all my cameras and all my lenses to a completely new system. The OM-3 has a nice zoom and is perfect as is. I did end up trading all the L-Mount gear for a Leica M10-R. Full-frame 40mp sensor with manual focus, nostalgic looks, and a deep and rich lens catalog. I can’t hide the screen but it also doesn’t move and I can live with that. I’ve also simplified my life. I went from 7 lenses for the L-Mount to 2 currently for the M-Mount. Every bag has gotten lighter and smaller, my camera straps are less stressed, and I’m more interested in taking pictures than gear for the moment. Here’s hoping it sticks. I do have a hankering for Tri Elmar 28-35-50 lens but otherwise I’m safe.