How Did You Fare on Black Friday? - TDS Photography Podcast

This is The Digital Story Podcast #977, Dec. 10, 2024. Today's theme is "How Did You Fare on Black Friday?" I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

I survived Black Friday, but just barely. The barrage of camera deals, lens discounts, and alluring accessories that maybe I didn't need, but certainly wanted and were difficult to resist. This week I share with you my Black Friday temptation and my attempts to fight it off. All of that, and more, on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

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How Did You Fare on Black Friday?

I started out strong. On November 29th I browsed my usual suspects: B&H Photo and Amazon. I was relieved to see that there weren't any burning camera deals to tempt me right out of the shoot.

In the past, that wasn't always the case. I remember one year when Amazon was offering a new Nikon D610 full-frame DSLR, Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 autofocus prime, and a Nikon battery grip for some ridiculous price that I couldn't resist. So I bought it. And I've used the camera many times over the years and love it to this day. But it was an expenditure that I had not planned on.

There were some good deals this year, but nothing like that. I could save $400 on an M3 14" MacBook Pro. Even though mine is an older M1 model, it's running just fine.

I could save $2,200 on a Leica SL2-S Mirrorless Camera. It looks sweet, but it would still cost me $2,995. And I don't have any lenses for it. And we know how that goes.

I could save $300 on a Panasonic Lumix G9 II MFT mirrorless body. It's 25 megapixel sensor is certainly alluring, and I have a ton of lenses that would work great on it. But even after the discount, it was still $1,600.

All of these deals, and many more, were relativity easy to pass on. I enjoyed reading about them, lingering over the specs, fantasizing how I would integrate the new equipment into my workflow, and then just sigh and click to the next page.

I was feeling pretty good about my resolve and good judgment.

Then I received an email blast from Nikon: "4 Days Only! Refurbished Sale." I knew that I shouldn't look, but what harm could it do? I had already shown resistance to these Black Friday temptations.

I'm scrolling down the web page noting the discounts for the Z9 (yeah, right), the Zf (already have one), and the Z6 II (nice price, but no). Then it appeared. A black Special Edition Z fc with matching 16-50mm compact VR zoom lens for $850. Uh Oh!

I think the black Special Edition Z fc is one of the most handsome digital cameras I've ever laid eyes on. They're not available new anymore. And when you do find one it's well over a thousand dollars.

This one, totally refurbished with a matching lens, was $850 - plus free shipping, a substantial Nikon warranty, and in stock. Oh man...

I already own the 26mm Nikon Z pancake that would look great on the Z fc. Plus I have other Z optics. And this little guy at 800 grams would be a fantastic backup camera for the Zf.

It wasn't difficult to envision all of the scenarios where I could put the Z fc to work, and enjoy its handsome appearance at the same time.

I took a deep breath, closed the laptop, and walked away. An hour later, I was back. Then the next day, and the day after that.

I kept saying to myself, "Maybe they will sell out and it will put me out of my misery." But every time I opened the page, there it was calling to me.

This torture went on for 5 days. That's right. It wasn't even a 4-day sale. It's still on sale!

To help build up my resistance, I would pull out my beautiful OM-1, Pentax KP, or Nikon Zf. "I certainly don't need anything more than these three cameras" I would say to myself. And for a few moments, that would work.

This afternoon, before I wrote the podcast, I opened the 4-Day Sale page again. The Special Edition Z fc is still there! How do these people measure days?

But I have not caved in. I'm standing strong. I've survived Black Friday 2024. But I must remain vigilant.

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You can read the entire article on DigitalCameraWorld.com.

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An Opening for Our Costa Rica Workshop

A space has just opened up for our Costa Rica Photography Workshop, January 7-15, 2025. You can read all of the details and sign up by visiting our Costa Rica Workshop page.

The event is co-lead by Rob Knight and myself. Our group is limited to 10 participants. We've lined up guides, transportation, accommodations, and meals. All you have to do is pack your bag and get a flight.

If you have any questions about the event, you can post a comment here.

Hope to see you in Costa Rica!

Virtual Camera Club News

TDS Photography Workshops! Reserve your spot now. We have an exciting slate of online and in-person events. If you have any questions, use the Nimble Photographer Contact Form. I will get back to you ASAP.

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.

Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.

Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

See you next week!

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.