Acquired-gears-In-Deficiency Syndrome

Let me be straightforward: How many cameras do you own?

Your Market Research Here

The Sydrome

I own several, including a Ricoh, two Minoltas (the 7000i not working now), three Olys (one film P&S, two free bank gifts), a Polaroid and some lens, flashes and accessories. As those gears are acquired over a period of almost two decades, I am at a relatively early stage of what I call the Acquired-gears-In-Deficiency Syndrome, or AgIDS. Personal encounters and forum browsing show that 99.9% of the photographer population is infected:

"How did you do the motion look in a photo? I can’t do it with my 450D." (Is the dial on my friend’s 450D glued to P mode?)

"I own a LX3 and have just ordered a G10." (Does he know that LX3 can actually take photos? A typical terminal case.)

"How do you spot-meter?" (But the user is talking about his high-end DSLR!)

A novice using an expensive camera asked: "Why does the LCD of my GRDII flicker when pointing to the TV? Is that normal?" (That’s not normal in any sense!)

"I’ve being using GX200 for some months and just found that there is a snapshot mode!" (This is a near terminal case.)

"I am new to photography and am hoping to buy the 4D. Any suggestion?" (Okay, you wish to buy gears which outgrows your skills at the moment so that they can last longer. Well, the other day I saw a motorist on an expensive, high-powered two-wheeled Harley with a Learner’s License on it. I gasped: First of all, is it a manageable learning tool for a novice?)

The Cure Unfortunately, the sickness is incurable. The only way to make the infected feel less painful is to continue the endless hunting and buying. So, here comes the question:

HOW CAN WE KEEP BUYING NEW GEARS AT LOW PRICES?

(Keep shopping)

ANSWERS: If you buy stuff online:

1)try this: http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1033&message=30178527

2)try pre-ordering with dealers

If you buy at a shop:

3) Cheap prices make strange bedfellows: Some locals in the online community arrange meetups to do the purchase together; or as I did, ask if you could join forces with prospective buyers in the office

4) Come to Hong Kong or go to Shenzhen: Take for example, a grey market G10 is selling for HK$2,740 (around US$343). A proper one with a one-year-warranty is selling for about HK$3,000; a proper GX200 for HK$3,470 (some two weeks ago; now is with a 15% Christmas discount). If you know your way, go to Huaqianglu in Shenzhen (China’s city at Hong Kong’s doorstep). I bought a Light Sphere at a very, very low price there.

5) Talk till they drop: Bargain your way out until the sales people drop the price. I have some experience in bargaining in the context of Hong Kong. Give me some time to write them. I will include some useful Cantonese to make you sound like a local when you shop here. You may also see if my tactics suit where you live. Until tomorrow.

(Shop till you drop)