/p/, I think we can all agree that the gearfaggotry here has reached critical mass. Let's direct that enthusiasm in another direction: one that might actually result in some decent photographs!
I propose that we arrange a series of photographic exercises to help people improve their technique rather than slobbering over gear and never taking pictures.
Here's a few prerequisites:
>Zoom lenses should be prohibited, at least for earlier exercises.
>These exercises should require no more gear than a camera with manual controls and a single prime lens of any focal length. They should be possible to complete with any setup, be it film or digital, 8x10" or M4/3, rangefinder or SLR.
>"Possible to complete" does not mean "equally easy to complete." The purpose of gear is not to create new tasks, but to make certain tasks easier. With varying degrees of difficulty, virtually any task can be accomplished on any setup. This philosophy should encourage newbies to consider what equipment is best for them, not just blindly buy gear in a scattershot pattern.
>The parameters should be broad enough to allow for personal creativity, and narrow enough to force creative thought.
>In following, these exercises should necessarily impose a certain degree of stress. Time limits are excellent ways of accomplishing this, and not as detached as they sound: "take five portraits of one subject in less than fifty seconds, all from different angles" may sound harsh, but it does reflect the speed that many people demand.
What do you think? At worst, it could be a nice replacement for the weekly photo challenges (RIP). At best, it could be a decent learning tool out of /p/ -- imagine that!