What would you get?

[chuasam]

Not sure I could advise as this person has done things I wouldn't have done.
Buying two different camera systems? I'd have done some reading; done some research and bought into a single brand and be done with it. Perhaps re-evaluating in a few years time (since I'd have the money to) but I'd keep it simple.

If all they want is happy snaps then - honestly - they've got the gear they need. If their attitude on flash is as you say they've got the gear now they need the training. Tell them your rate per hour and offer them lessons or teach them for free or point them toward some good local training (in person training). Encourage them, but in the end let them do what they want.

I've found them a local photography instructor. It's not my job to judge. I've stated before in another thread that a lot of amateurs buy 5D MkIII cameras and was panned for it.

Last week, a lady bought a 5DsR (with the 24-70 f/2.8 L II) for her 10 year old son who wanted to learn photography. He had also just gotten a $100,000 piano as encouragement to learn music.
I both pity and envy.

Like I said: we don't judge.

He wanted a 1Dx Mk2 but it was backordered due to the upcoming Olympics so he picked up a pair of D5 because he was too impatient. And then asked for the 1Dx Mk2 as well just incase the D5 wasn't as good and because he wanted to make sure he had the best.

I'm racking my brain to find solutions that would add value to his purchase and hence the thread.

 

[Overread]

Why are you trying to add to the value of his purchase?

If you just want to spend money for spending money's sake send him to Leica you don't get much more expensive - or get him into video; those proper dedicated video systems (eg the modular RED system) make DSLR setups look like cheap change (which is why variable aperture video in DSLRs took off so fast for the amateur video market)

If you mean value as in quality then he's got it he's just got to learn how to use it which means lessons and practice and learning. About the only gear you could suggest would be lighting gear.

 

[PaulWog]

Proof that I'm not trolling.

That's not proof of anything. It's a picture of a 1dx box and that's it.

 

[chuasam]

Proof that I'm not trolling.

That's not proof of anything. It's a picture of a 1dx box and that's it.

and yet lesser evidence has led to many a Holy War.

 

[chuasam]

Why are you trying to add to the value of his purchase?

If you just want to spend money for spending money's sake send him to Leica you don't get much more expensive - or get him into video; those proper dedicated video systems (eg the modular RED system) make DSLR setups look like cheap change (which is why variable aperture video in DSLRs took off so fast for the amateur video market)

If you mean value as in quality then he's got it he's just got to learn how to use it which means lessons and practice and learning. About the only gear you could suggest would be lighting gear.

Ah you mistake value. Value for you is one thing. Value for another might be being able to show up at a photo walk or outing or party with the glitziest camera.

His goal seems to be bragging rights. As such, a Leica MP limited edition with a complement of asph lenses are in order. I don't know video or carry Hasselblad FWIW.

I'm an enabler.

 

[Designer]

Super rich and photography equipment?

I'd probably set up an entire photographic studio (large, please) with backdrops, Profoto strobes, lots of modifiers, camera stands, laptop on a stand, editing room with a new computer, and a receptionist who looks like Uma Thurman.

 

[PaulWog]

Ah you mistake value. Value for you is one thing. Value for another might be being able to show up at a photo walk or outing or party with the glitziest camera.

His goal seems to be bragging rights. As such, a Leica MP limited edition with a complement of asph lenses are in order. I don't know video or carry Hasselblad FWIW.

I'm an enabler.

I am a skeptic. More definitive proof is needed.

If I won 20 mil in the lottery, I would have these lenses for certain (in addition to what I already have): Nikon 600mm f4e, Nikon 24-70 (non-VR), Nikon 70-200 VR-ii, Nikon 58mm f1.4, Nikon 35mm f1.4, Nikon 24mm f1.4, Nikon 20mm 1.8, Nikon 105mm Micro.

I would also consider these lenses if I were really hellbent on spending: Nikon 800mm f5.6e, Nikon 400mm f2.8e, Nikon 200mm f2. Also the Sigma 120-300 f2.8 if I wanted to go impress indoor soccer player friends. I already have an 85mm 1.8, but I would consider an 85mm 1.4 (since an 85mm 1.8 doesn't set itself apart from a 70-200 f2.8 VR-ii as well as the 1.4 does).

As for camera bodies, I would pick up a D810, a D500, and I would consider a D5.

Filter systems and accessories would be a large part of the purchase:
SW150 hard grads (1 stop, 2 stops, 3 stops)
SW150 soft grads (1 stop, 2 stops, 3 stops)
SW150 ND filters (3 stops, 6 stops, 10 stop)
SW150 polarizer
SW150 holder & adapter so I can set up on 24-70 & 70-200 in addition to ultrawide

One nice carbon fiber tripod, a gorillapod pro, a couple SB-700 flashes, a couple SB-910 flashes, some reflectors and softbox stuff, some other studio stuff that I wouldn't have thought of. I would set up some specialist portraiture lighting systems.

 

[waday]

Why not also get a fully loaded MacBook Pro for travel, a fully loaded Mac Pro for home, a few awesomely large displays?

 

[PaulWog]

Why not also get a fully loaded MacBook Pro for travel, a fully loaded Mac Pro for home, a few awesomely large displays?

And an island.

 

[waday]

Why not also get a fully loaded MacBook Pro for travel, a fully loaded Mac Pro for home, a few awesomely large displays?

And an island.

Too much overhead

 

[chuasam]

Why not also get a fully loaded MacBook Pro for travel, a fully loaded Mac Pro for home, a few awesomely large displays?

Because I don't make money from him buying Apple products.

 

[PaulWog]

Why not also get a fully loaded MacBook Pro for travel, a fully loaded Mac Pro for home, a few awesomely large displays?

Because I don't make money from him buying Apple products.

Buying for someone in China and bringing it all over in one go? That doesn't make sense. I'm off. Not sure what it is.

 

[snowbear]

PM me your credit card or PayPal information and I'll PM you my suggestions along with my consultation fees.

 

[chuasam]

PM me your credit card or PayPal information and I'll PM you my suggestions along with my consultation fees.

Hahaha I just wanted a wall to bounce ideas. Managed to get this far on my own. The biggest problem with the big lenses is that he doesn't like to carry even more stuff.

Put it this way. When he asked for Cfast cards I said they were kinda pricey he glared at me and said: I want two of the biggest cards.

The next logical step is to sell him big roller cases that beckon with slots to fill.

 

[Overread]

Just import and sell him a Leica
One of the rare limited edition gold ones

If all he wants is high price, street cred and small you can't get any better than that really in the photography world.

Also for someone who doesn't want to carry stuff he's bought a lot of expensive stuff that's pretty darn heavy to carry!