[brettday]

I hope you're all doing well. I just wanted to share an article about the Ricoh GR IIIx:

https://cardiocamerasandcoffee.com/six-ways-the-ricoh-gr-iiix-got-me-out-of-...reative-slump/

After working as a journalist in the world of photography for many years, my love for photography died. I had to do something, so I sold all of my gear and purchased a GR IIIx. It has been game-changing. Has anyone else experienced this? I'd love for you to read the article and discuss it with me. It will be a pleasure to chat with so many fans of GR cameras.

All the best,
Brett

[Michail_P]

This over -saturation is really a thing. I’ve been there. I used to draw and paint a lot before architectural studies steadily ruined part of my creative freedom. Then I rediscovered art through photography and it was a fantastic period. I could express myself and thoughts again.
I think you were negatively overflowed with your gear collection. Technicalities can destroy our love for the actual process. Have you tried shooting film in 2022? A nice idea for 2023...

[brettday]

This over -saturation is really a thing. I’ve been there. I used to draw and paint a lot before architectural studies steadily ruined part of my creative freedom. Then I rediscovered art through photography, and it was a fantastic period. I could express myself and thoughts again.
I think you were negatively overflowed with your gear collection. Technicalities can destroy our love for the actual process. Have you tried shooting film in 2022? A nice idea for 2023...

It sounds like we have experienced very similar things. I am so glad you found your love to create again. It really hurts when you lose the ability to be able to do that. How long did it take you to find yourself again?

And you’re right, being surrounded by gear all the time had such a negative impact. I had cameras and lenses everywhere, as it was my job to review them. Then I had my own gear, and I found it hard to separate my work from my passion, and it all just collapsed. I am so glad I am finding my way back now.

I did keep two film cameras. I have a pinhole camera, and I have my k1000. Your suggestion is excellent. I think in 2023, I will aim to shoot some film again. It has been many years since I last did. It will be a fun process to dive into again.

[RobA_Oz]

Thanks for the article, Brett. I have enjoyed reading your work, previously, although I hadn’t known about your condition, but I’m glad to read that you're dealing with it in a positive manner that allows you to revive your love of photography.

I can relate to your dilemma with choosing the right gear to go out with. Usually, if I’m not shooting using my car as a base, I just force myself to select a lens and take the consequences, which is a little like your decision to get the Ricoh GRIIIx, but not so discrete with a K-1, or even a K-3. The other thing that forces me to get out and shoot is doing so with a like-minded friend, who’s older than me, with more health conditions than I have, but who packs even heavier gear than I tend to!

All that aside, it’s good to hear about your turn-around. Good luck with diving back into film. I keep telling myself that I need to get a couple of my old film cameras back in action, but it hasn’t happened to any significant degree, yet. Don’t let me put you off, though!

[jcdoss]

Thanks for the article. I enjoyed reading it. I'm glad you addressed one thing that I've always felt held me back while shooting, that being the feeling of being conspicuous. I've been forcing myself to work through it when those feelings arise, since it would rarely make a difference in my shot. In my case at least, the problem is all in my head. I'm glad the smaller camera made a difference for you. Did you keep any Pentax DSLR? I use a K-1 mII with K, M, and A primes which I feel (most of the time) mitigates the size issue.

Good luck with your film project in 2023. I'm thinking of something similar.

[Sandy Hancock]

Nice article. I can relate on several levels.

Choice paralysis from too much gear is definitely a thing. I'm currently making an inventory of the stuff I can live without; it is a large list!

My GR III, however, is not on it

[brettday]

Thanks for the article, Brett. I have enjoyed reading your work, previously, although I hadn't known about your condition, but I'm glad to read that you're dealing with it in a positive manner that allows you to revive your love of photography.

I can relate to your dilemma with choosing the right gear to go out with. Usually, if I'm not shooting using my car as a base, I just force myself to select a lens and take the consequences, which is a little like your decision to get the Ricoh GRIIIx, but not so discrete with a K-1, or even a K-3. The other thing that forces me to get out and shoot is doing so with a like-minded friend, who's older than me, with more health conditions than I have, but who packs even heavier gear than I tend to!

All that aside, it's good to hear about your turn-around. Good luck with diving back into film. I keep telling myself that I need to get a couple of my old film cameras back in action, but it hasn't happened to any significant degree, yet. Don't let me put you off, though!

Thanks so much, my friend. I really appreciate it. And thank you for reading the article. That means a lot. You're right; having someone you can go out and shoot with makes a world of difference. I don't really have many people I can do that with here in Oklahoma. My regular photowalk buddy moved to Arkansas, which is a shame. I need to stop being such an introvert and meet more like-minded people. I definitely think trying to shoot some film will be nice. I got so far away from the process of creating and focused so much on gear due to my job that the passion died. Going back to film photography sounds quite grand. What film cameras do you own?

And unfortunately, my health really dived earlier this year. RSD and cluster seizures were bad enough. I certainly didn't want a heart attack at 41, but it's the card I was dealt. The only way I know how to deal with things is with a smile on my face. All will be well. One step, day, and photo at a time, and everything will be well.

All the best,
Brett

---------- Post added 12-04-22 at 16:15 ----------

Thanks for the article. I enjoyed reading it. I'm glad you addressed one thing that I've always felt held me back while shooting, that being the feeling of being conspicuous. I've been forcing myself to work through it when those feelings arise, since it would rarely make a difference in my shot. In my case at least, the problem is all in my head. I'm glad the smaller camera made a difference for you. Did you keep any Pentax DSLR? I use a K-1 mII with K, M, and A primes which I feel (most of the time) mitigates the size issue.

Good luck with your film project in 2023. I'm thinking of something similar.

Kudos for working through being uncomfortable. That's awesome. Sometimes, the best way to deal with our fears is head-on. I always felt so weird doing street with my K1-II and 31mm LTD. lol. The lens stuck out like a saw thumb because I had the silver version and the K-1 II; well, we all know what a tank that camera is lol. The GR IIIx has been a breath of fresh air. So liberating. I am thoroughly enjoying it. I did keep one Pentax camera. I still have my trusty K-S2. I have been toying with the idea of doing an IR conversion on it. Just need to decide if I want to drop $300 into a camera that cost me less than that when I purchased it on sale from Ricoh. lol. Which primes do you use on your K1-II?

All the best,
Brett

---------- Post added 12-04-22 at 16:19 ----------

Nice article. I can relate on several levels.

Choice paralysis from too much gear is definitely a thing. I'm currently making an inventory of the stuff I can live without; it is a large list!

My GR III, however, is not on it

Too much gear can certainly be overwhelming. Having an extensive personal collection, plus dealing with all the cameras and lenses that would be sent to me for review, just took its toll. I would love to know your thought process on how you're planning to make your gear culls. Yay for the GR III making the cut. They're such unique cameras.

All the best,
Brett

[RobA_Oz]

Thanks so much, my friend. I really appreciate it. And thank you for reading the article. That means a lot. You're right; having someone you can go out and shoot with makes a world of difference. I don't really have many people I can do that with here in Oklahoma. My regular photowalk buddy moved to Arkansas, which is a shame. I need to stop being such an introvert and meet more like-minded people. I definitely think trying to shoot some film will be nice. I got so far away from the process of creating and focused so much on gear due to my job that the passion died. Going back to film photography sounds quite grand. What film cameras do you own?

And unfortunately, my health really dived earlier this year. RSD and cluster seizures were bad enough. I certainly didn't want a heart attack at 41, but it's the card I was dealt. The only way I know how to deal with things is with a smile on my face. All will be well. One step, day, and photo at a time, and everything will be well.

All the best,
Brett

Hi Brett.
The simple answer to your question is: Too many!

Actually, my film cameras are mostly old Pentax SLRs that I once used and greatly enjoyed (a Spotmatic F, ESII and K2DMD). I also have my father’s old Kodak folding camera and a couple of non-working Voigtlanders. The outlier is my Leica IIIf (red dial) which is the one closest to the Ricoh GR in size and pocketability.

I’m fairly sure some of my children or grandchildren will take up the challenge, if I don’t.

Cheers
Rob

[brettday]

Hi Brett.
The simple answer to your question is: Too many!

Actually, my film cameras are mostly old Pentax SLRs that I once used and greatly enjoyed (a Spotmatic F, ESII and K2DMD). I also have my father’s old Kodak folding camera and a couple of non-working Voigtlanders. The outlier is my Leica IIIf (red dial) which is the one closest to the Ricoh GR in size and pocketability.

I’m fairly sure some of my children or grandchildren will take up the challenge, if I don’t.

Cheers
Rob

Fantastic. Sounds like you have quite the collection. If you don't use them, wow, your grandchildren will be in for a treat. There's no better way to learn than with film cameras.

[Cerebum]

I just subscribed to your project. This short note is so I can find this thread after work I loved the piece, it was hugely thought provoking and extremely well written

[btnapa]

I'd love for you to read the article and discuss it with me.

Hi Brett, I have felt the same slump about photography too. I did wedding photography and commercial work for years. I do landscapes now. My solution for the slump was to take my digital camera with only one lens and go out and create images. I always wanted that spectacular "award winning" image that never happened. So, now I cover my local landscapes and love what I am getting. I have considered the GRIII and will probably get one at some point. FYI, I have a cabinet full of new and old cameras and lenses. I let a few items go but that did not make much of a dent in the holdings!! I think I was probably a more adventurous (maybe even better) photographer with a K1000 film camera and a 50mm f2 lens than I am with multiple digital and film bodies and almost two dozen lenses. This is off-topic but I am dealing with similar health issues and the walks in nature do wonders for my health. I can probably write a book or two on that subject alone!!

[brettday]

I just subscribed to your project. This short note is so I can find this thread after work I loved the piece, it was hugely thought provoking and extremely well written

Thank you so much for the kind words. I appreciate them so much. I'm really glad you enjoyed the piece. Hopefully, Now that I have been cleared to get out and about more by my cardiologist, there will be many more. I hope you have a great Monday.

All the best,
Brett

---------- Post added 12-05-22 at 10:25 ----------

Hi Brett, I have felt the same slump about photography too. I did wedding photography and commercial work for years. I do landscapes now. My solution for the slump was to take my digital camera with only one lens and go out and create images. I always wanted that spectacular "award winning" image that never happened. So, now I cover my local landscapes and love what I am getting. I have considered the GRIII and will probably get one at some point. FYI, I have a cabinet full of new and old cameras and lenses. I let a few items go but that did not make much of a dent in the holdings!! I think I was probably a more adventurous (maybe even better) photographer with a K1000 film camera and a 50mm f2 lens than I am with multiple digital and film bodies and almost two dozen lenses. This is off-topic but I am dealing with similar health issues and the walks in nature do wonders for my health. I can probably write a book or two on that subject alone!!

I'm so sorry to hear about the health issues. These things are never good, though. I am glad that you're able to get out and about in nature. I may have to pick your brains regarding the health issues, though. This is all still very new to me. Being outside does the soul good; walking works wonders for the heart, and being able to capture everything is so rewarding. I love that we can use creativity to help us on our way.

What camera and lens did you use to help you get out of your slump? It's also nice when you go out and create without putting so much pressure on yourself to create 'the ultimate image' every time. I struggled with that for many years. Now, just as long as I'm out, I'm happy. Would love to see some of your work.

All the best,
Brett

[btnapa]

I may have to pick your brains regarding the health issues, though.

Brett, I am not a medical professional but my health issues made me pay attention and question medical professionals. PM me with your email or phone number and I will point you to some resources to read and YT videos to watch. The answers are relatively simple and easy to do but not too many people are willing to do it. I am doing it because I don't like taking meds unless absolutely necessary.

Sorry for the rant, back to the cameras. I have a Pentax K5IIs and six Pentax AF lenses and a bunch of legacy K and M42 lenses. However, my main landscape camera is a Sony A7RIV with a few Tamron zoom lenses. The YT guys I follow, talk about why they are taking pictures as opposed to how or what gear they use. It has been a revelation for me. I take my main camera with either a short zoom or a long zoom (one at a time) and go looking for my subjects/scenes to photograph. I am working on a specific project and the images are going to be compiled into an exhibit or some sort of presentation so a lot of people can see it. As I mentioned earlier, I have come to realize why I am taking the photos and want to tell a story.

As far as work samples, I do not have a website yet but I am working on one. I do some portrait work (to pay the bills) and on that site, I have used some of my nature pics as accent images. It is a mixture of Pentax and Sony images. I'll PM you the link as it is not launched yet and not ready for public viewing.

Cheers,
Boris

[Michail_P]

It sounds like we have experienced very similar things. I am so glad you found your love to create again. It really hurts when you lose the ability to be able to do that. How long did it take you to find yourself again?

Months... a little less than a year. It was more of an inner exploration. Good times. Inspiration is there, if only we can free our mind. I'll wait to see some film shots of yours!!

[Cerebum]

This is a heartwarming thread. I have emotional issues. I think my first breakdown was around 2000. Therapy was fantastic and gave me the tools to deal with the second in 2013 when I was made redundant. It is a constant battle but photography and especially this forum have been instrumental in my getting through it. I don't use social media as a stand in therapist, that would be dramatic lol, it is however a great place to see flags. I often didn't realise that I was dancing on the edge until I reacted unreasonably to the views of a fellow pentaxian! The support I received from the moderators, especially @TexAndrews & @BigMackCam were excellent, far beyond what I could expect, but the help I received from @SandyHancock was immense. I identified the fact that I was better when I participated. I was a single in/Daily in regular and it is genuinely good for my health. The guys on the "ins" are both excellent people and tremendous photographers, it has quite the community feel and is a tremendous, safe and inspirational form of motivation. Yours @brettday wouldn't be the first GRiii, @Minimonster posts epic stuff with his.

In terms of film, it could possibly become as overbearing as living cameras. Each film has its own character, as does each developer, then you factor in pushing and pulling. Take XP2, its brilliant and can be shot anywhere between 60 & 3200, it is designed to be developed in colour chem but you can use B&W developers and even coffee. All these variables fry your brain! I felt I should add the warning It is a wonderful experience though. Many people who grew up with film would never go back. It isn't tack sharp or instantaneous but, for me, therein lies the charm. Early cameras have a ritual that you have to follow. With leaf shutters you alter your settings first, with barnack leicas and Russian copies you wind the film, cock the shutter then set the exposure. Retinas have to have their focus set to infinity in order to close the cameras and if you forget to set the frame counter it stops working when it hits zero! The cameras themselves are beautiful pieces of engineering. I have two Twin Lens Reflex cameras (6x6 medium format). One is a 1946 Zeiss Ikoflex, the other is a 1972 yashica-mat. Using a TLR is an experience in itself. I have a Zeiss Nettar (6x6 again) which is a very basic folding camera that fits in your pocket, I have a fed3 Leica copy, a spotty, an MX a super complicated contaflex and a pocketable Ricoh rangefinder. Using them is less about the final image and more about the experience. Even viewing the images is different to digital. I have become completely absorbed by it. If you fancy trying film Brett, for its lack of immediacy I have two cameras you can have for free (assuming you are in the UK). I have a modern Pentax P30 that has a winding issue but is eminently fixable and a voigtlander Vitomatic ii that has a duff rangefinder so zone focusing is the way to go. As for film, XP2. You can have it developed by max speillman or do it yourself, either way, the results are stellar.