I have GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome).
I have this all-consuming desire to expand my collection of gear.
I spend time on forums researching about photographic equipment, which I'll invariably only use a little before going back on forums to enhance my gear collection again.
When I buy it I get a little rush from tracking it (usually from Japan/HK) via FedEx/EMS/DHL; then it arrives I'll put it through some tests and it goes in an airtight desiccant box and I might not use it again for a couple months.
I consider it an illness, my case is still not as bad as some people queueing up to buy the last piece of crap from Apple, but it's pretty bad bcos it's like a gambling addiction; I'm over extending my spending ability on a useless endeavour.
I talk myself into buy my gear bcos I usually get a good deal, but I still end up losing monetarily bcos other people suffer from the same illness and go through the buying/selling phase.
I've tried not going on to forums and blogs, but then wtf am I supposed to read? About bikes... I buy bikes, about kites... I buy kites.. . news... I start spewing my conspiracy facts and thinking the worlds going implode.
I know think ultimately it comes down to a subconscious dissatisfaction with my life, but I get pleasure from showing people my awesome photos.
Has anyone conquered their GAS? Yeah I know when you have kids it goes but only bcos they're your new GAS or you can't afford anything else... it also goes when you're unemployed and your Visa is maxed out.
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dont take up the guitar, its worse, doesnt matter how bad you play
but there are sites with like minded people
facebook - the gas station
the rude shock is paying for dinner in one of those cafes along the grand canal.
Well flysufferer, they are nice pics.
Some people buy all the best gear and still take crappy pictures.
Not me of course,.. I buy cheap gear and then take crappy pics. 
Actually, considering how cheap digital cameras are these days, some of them do a half decent job of taking pictures, providing you get the exposure settings right.
But I'm often impressed by the pics some people take with their super dooper digital SLRs, once they learn how to use them.
Select to expand quotepweedas said..
Well flysufferer, they are nice pics.
Some people buy all the best gear and still take crappy pictures.
Not me of course,.. I buy cheap gear and then take crappy pics.
Actually, considering how cheap digital cameras are these days, some of them do a half decent job of taking pictures, providing you get the exposure settings right.
But I'm often impressed by the pics some people take with their super dooper digital SLRs, once they learn how to use them.
Cameras aren't too expensive; having worked for a major camera manufacturer I can tell you there's a HUGE markup on DSLRs. The expense comes from the lenses. A good lens will cost ~$1-2k, a great lens ~$4k, and they're usually primes so you need a couple of them to cover your range, then there macro, ...
$4k and doesn't even have auto focus, so it's all manual...
Take up golf Flyboyo...it's a GAS, GAS, GAS
First you need some gear - GAS
Then some lessons - GAS
The you improve a bit, so buy more gear - GAS
But your game gets worserer, so buy some better gear. GAS
etc
etc
And it fills in time when the wind don't blow, or on the way to work
or the way home from work.
On way home from beach you can go to golf range. GAS
ALL THAT for just one (auxiliary) sport 
PS. You won't get very good at it for ages & ages. Guaranteed GAS
Select to expand quotePoida said..
dont take up the guitar, its worse, doesnt matter how bad you play
but there are sites with like minded people
facebook - the gas station
+1
currently saving money for brian may guitar. donno why. its not my style at all.
i am trying to convince myself that its for investment purposes. once the man goes they should bump up their values.
very nice pics but ease up on the saturation!! /my 2c
FWIW I get by with DSLR, 50mm f1.4 prime. Zoom with my feet.
Select to expand quoteFlySurfer said..Wineman said..
Take up golf Flyboyo...it's a GAS, GAS, GAS
Has it got the stage you think you may need help?
Um...yes
I play with 10-12 mates & they are very helpful.
"You prob don't have to worry about that water/bunker/tree in front of you"
"it's only a 2m putt"
"Your swing is a bit..."
Then over analyse over brekky & coffee afterwards.
Select to expand quoteWineman said..
Um...yes
I play with 10-12 mates & they are very helpful.
"You prob don't have to worry about that water/bunker/tree in front of you"
"it's only a 2m putt"
"Your swing is a bit..."
Then over analyse over brekky & coffee afterwards.
Have you bought a golf buggy yet?
Would you go the Homna or Maruman clubs?
Select to expand quoteFlySurfer said..
Try getting a shot like this with you 50mm foot zoom
Great shot - and brave!
Select to expand quotekiteboy dave said..
Great shot - and brave!
Never been stung by hornets or bees... one time I took a blanket to the clothes line... and shook it violently just behind me was a large hornets nest... A hornet hit my ear... I ran out of there bcos I remembered they were behind me... but no sting.
The camera was 3cm away from them... and I've got my sun bed next to 2 hornets nest which I lower and raise now and again, and even sun bake next to them... no issues so far.
People should just let them be.
Moths are cute...
I like photos give more photo now.
Just bought the nikkon p600 one of those infomercials fully got me. I watched it didn't want to wait got in the car hunted one down bought it. Than that wasn't enough gee I'd like to get some surf shots and booked a 5000 buck family holiday to coolangatta for three weeks. ( I don't know where this is going but there's a valuable lesson here somewhere) so I bought a 500 buck camera and justified a 5000 buck holiday cause I'd bought the camera. Than the missis knocked off work and I panicked ( rightly so) however she seemed as pleased as me about it. I came out smelling like a rose, she got a camera and I got to surf kirra.
Do it do it now you need it its new you'll get waves.
Select to expand quotekiteboy dave said..
ok I'm curious now what macro you're using. Love those shots.
What about my GAS?
I don't think I had the 2x extender for the hornet shots, cos I remember getting very close to them.
Jumping Spiders are super cool, bcos it's like they interact with you; but they don't stay still, and that shot was in really poor light.
Great pics guys!
How about an Elf Kite Flysurfer? And if I think I know who you are... Then you know what I am talking about! 
