No camera, more fun - CoasterBuzz

On my last coaster trip, I decided not to take a camera to the park (in fact I took zero pictures), and it made it much more fun. I didn't have it worry about who would take the camera when I went on certain rides, what to do when we rode the water rides, etc. Even though I sort of regret not bringing it (I missed tons of great pic/video chances), I'm glad I didn't bring it. Anyone else seem to have more fun at parks when you leave the camera at home or at the hotel?

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I take a small but high quality digital cam that fits perfectly in the pocket of cargo pants. Has worked very well for me.

Now if I were to take in my Canon AE-1 with the 300mm Telephoto lens that would be a different story.

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1989, 9 years old, Bawling my eyes out because I didn't want to ride Magnum. I did anyway and now look at me. YOU CREATED A MONSTER DAVE!!! ;)

I agree, the less you take with you into the park, the less you have to worry about.

It increases the fun factor..

I do enjoy my times at parks when I don't bring a camera... Of course those are the same days I see new or interesting stuff where I say to myself, "I wish I had my camera!"

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.:| Brandon Rodriguez |:.
http://www.coasters2k.com

I was just thinking about that last night while I was at Kennywood. It's almost a pain in the backside, but it makes it all worthwhile when you get that AWESOME shot.

I guess it's not that bad, but I try to stay away from bringing the camera if it's not my first visit.

--Josh

Yeah, i do see how it would be much less of a pain to leave the camera behind, but in the end, the photos are so worth it. They last forever.

I've also noticed over the years that you get such better shots each time you visit a park, just because you become so experienced.

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I've never taken a camera or anything else for that matter into a park with me - its too much work. I usually even leave my cell phone and my wallet and keys in the car - take the money, the season pass, and the strap with the key tied to the end. Anything else just gets damaged, stolen or lost so I don't see the point of taking it in

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Steel - #1 Mantis, #2 Millie, #3 Wicked Twister
Wood - #1 Thunderbolt, #2 Villain, #3 Beast
"The key to a happy life is moderation" -- Jon Stewart

The less the better is always my approach. I really enjoy taking park photos but will only take my camera with me if I know there is going to be a non thrill rider in the group that I will be able to leave it with. Otherwise I prefer not to have to worry about it all day.

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signature withheld for no apparent reason

If I'm going somewhere other than Cedar Point, I bring my camera, but generally leave it in the car. If I feel like shooting I will, otherwise I just carry the little digital in the cargo shorts.

There is no reason to bring in loads of crap with you in the park... you're not camping in the middle of Yellowstone.

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Jeff - Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com, Sillynonsense.com
7/27: Subdivision Cam becomes party cam at the year's hottest Ohio luau!

I have taken my camera at times, however, what I've been doing lately is taking the little disposable cameras. One in each side pocket of a pair of cargo shorts and you have 54 shots at the ready.

I have carried my good camera (a Minolta) with me in a fanny pack, but it is too much to worry with, especially on those rides where you are not allowed to wear fanny packs. Besides, if a disposable camera gets lost or broken, no big deal... just out those pics. If the Minolta gets lost or broken or stolen I'm out a lot more.

This year for Hersheypark in the Dark (during day light hours of course), I am planning on taking the "good camera" to get some shots (I realize I have practically none of the old home park), but I do not plan on doing any riding during that vist.

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"Roland yelled 'Hey, man, we done run out of track!" (Bill Cosby, "Roland and the Roller Coaster")

*** This post was edited by SLFAKE on 7/23/2002. ***

I also find that to be the case. But in new parks I take cameras but in old parks I have already visited I leave it at home.

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Sean

My trip to Hersheypark last week was the very first time I've ever visited a new park without taking a camera in with me.

You are right, it was more fun not worrying about it, but I regretted it the next day. That's why I went around taking pictures of the coasters from the outside of the park. I got them back and they suck, so now I really wish I'd taken the camera in. The only pic I have of Wildcat, my favorite coaster there, is from way up by the Hotel Hershey. :(

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He let the contents of the bottle do the thinking; can't shake the devil's hand and say you're only kidding.

If I go to my homepark I usually only take the camera twice in the entire season, once for night shots and once for day shots. But if I am going to a park I rarely go to, I always take it.

But when I go to parks I try to bring as little as I can, money, pass(if needed), and that is usually it.

I always bring a camera with me, but I don't always use it. It's not a problem because I almost always have a backpack with me anyway (well worth what little trouble it is to save lots of money on drinks). I used to take pictures all over the park, but now I usually just take on-ride POV pics and every now and then I'll get a good one of a ride from in the park somewhere. I don't think having a camera makes it any less fun though.

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PLEASE READ: This post wasn't meant to offend or anger anyone; I apologize in advance if it does. So please don't post a reply just to rant about it. :)

I take my camera with me every where

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Formerly known as Glenn on Coasterbuzz.
Check out http://www.ckportal.zzn.com

When I get a digital camera, I'm going to take it with me and wear a back pack, it shouldn't be a problem.

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(Former Signature replaced due to bad joke with accident) The Beast at night-Two peas in a pod?

Teenage Ninja said:
"When I get a digital camera, I'm going to take it with me and wear a back pack, it shouldn't be a problem."

Unless you are at a park where backpacks are not allowed in the cues... Cedar Point comes to mind...

*** This post was edited by James K on 7/23/2002. ***

I take my camera and leave it in the car. After I have rode most of the rides I go out and get it and take pictures while walking around the park so it doesn't get damaged. Without the camera you don't have to worry about it breaking, or being stolen.

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Steel: 1)MF, 2)Goliath, 3)Magnum
Wood: 1)Villain, 2)Beast, 3)Roar(SFMW)

I, too, usually leave my camera in the car and then retrieve it and take all my pictures at once. But if I had a cheap disposable camera, I may bring it with me all day. My digital camera and film camera are fairly large and definitely not cheap. I would worry about them getting banged up on rides, or stolen if I left them somewhere.

I usually take my camera with me to a new park. I always wear cargo shorts, so it's never really a problem. I can snap a shot and zip it back up. But if I'm just taking my yearly trek to PKI or SFKK, I never bother. I've practically memorized both.

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"I am a pitbull on the pantleg of opportunity."
- George W. Bush