Do You Tell People How Much Your Gear Costs

[Ray Marrero]

I usually answer, "nevermind what is costs...."

or "expensive ..!.."

but rarely do I give out numbers.

[kjtw73]

I usually don't have a problem telling someone what I paid for the gear that I am using. I use my judgement in who I am telling though...

[hairy_moth]

I never tell people what I paid for anything or what I got paid for anything.
If it is a friend or family member, in an attempt to not be confrontational, I will often avoid answering such questions by answering with a question; e.g., "Why, are you thinking about getting a camera?"

[wyofizz]

The evasiveness of the majority on this thread is interesting.
Why do you react that way with a peice of equipment when anyone can google it
and find the price?
If someone clearly asks you what it cost,
Don't you worry about leaving a bad impression?

Dave

[Omlyn]

Its a very normal question for anything that is obviously worth more than $50. I answer depending on who asks...once I told this shady looking guy downtown at night that my bike was worth $200 when he asked (it was really worth $4K retail - if anyone ever pays retail is another question) just so he wouldn't be tempted to mug me lol.

[hairy_moth]

Originally Posted by wyofizz

The evasiveness of the majority on this thread is interesting.
Why do you react that way with a peice of equipment when anyone can google it
and find the price?
If someone clearly asks you what it cost,
Don't you worry about leaving a bad impression?

Dave

Because anyone can google it!

[CAL Imagery]

Originally Posted by wyofizz

The evasiveness of the majority on this thread is interesting.
Why do you react that way with a peice of equipment when anyone can google it
and find the price?
If someone clearly asks you what it cost,
Don't you worry about leaving a bad impression?

Dave

Anyone can google it, but the layperson won't remember the numbers and letters associated with a particular model.

[gymell]

Originally Posted by wyofizz

The evasiveness of the majority on this thread is interesting.
Why do you react that way with a peice of equipment when anyone can google it
and find the price?
If someone clearly asks you what it cost,
Don't you worry about leaving a bad impression?

Dave

Likewise, if anyone can Google it to find the price, then why are they asking the question?

I don't answer that question for a number of reasons. First, I find it incredibly rude and nosy to ask. Second, I don't generally like to go around advertising the value of my gear to complete strangers. You never know who is listening. Third, because often when the question is asked, it's with a tone and attitude leaning towards a judgment of how much I choose to spend on something I enjoy. It's usually not because someone honestly wants to know - because if that were the case they'd be on Google looking up instead of asking me, now wouldn't they? And why would I worry about leaving a bad impression on a stranger who has already demonstrated their rudeness toward me?

[Duff]

I was raised to be fairly private with my financial information and I continue that trend with questions about my gear.

With close friends/family, I don't have a problem discussing it, however, I refrain from making my siblings resent me because they do not have or do not choose to spend that type of money on a "hobby".

When it comes to strangers, I tend to deflect the question with a vague answer. "Yeah, it's not the cheapest hobby to get into, but you can find bargains if you look hard enough."

First, it is no one else's business what money I have invested in my gear, my home, my vehicle or my bank account. Second, I don't need to invite temptation. I believe 95% of society is harmless and well-intending... I plan for the other 5%.

[wyofizz]

Omlyn,
I can understand your reaction

Dave

[RDKirk]

Accountant, IRS.

Wife, if she corners me, and asks me directly, and I can't distract her.

[[Hyuni]]

People who don't have DSLRs, I will just generally say, "It's an expensive hobby" and be courteous. I've made the mistake of telling them my setup cost more than $1K before and they looked at me like I was out of my mind for paying that much money for a hobby.

For DSLR users, I usually tell them because they probably asked to gauge if it's something they might want to buy themselves.

Originally Posted by jruberto

In fly fishing, we have a joke. "I hope my wife doesn't sell my gear for what I told her I paid"

I'm guessing you have a few Hardy reels under your roof, too? haha

[rral22]

If they ask, I tell them.

A question. Why do people on photography forums, who a list of their equipment to use as a signature, think telling someone what it costs is inappropriate for some reason?

[wyofizz]

rral22,
The reason that I list my gear is that sometimes when I post a question it helps
the respondant with their advice or diagnosis of a problem.

Dave

[canonnoob]

I had this conversation with someone last night. I was letting a young child take a look at my gear and had a woman with a 20d and 70-200 2.8 come up and ask my I would let him take a look at it and take a few shots with it. I basically told them that yes the gear is expensive but if I spark an interest for photography in someones life then my job is good.


The little boy even had me go over and tell his dad that he wanted to get into photography.

**ps I was shooting with a 300 2.8 d200, siggy 70-200 2.8 and my 40d lol