My approach is to say something like, “Flashlights are one of my interests, and I have a small collection of them, as well as mod and build them for myself and friends.” So I’m not directly saying I’m a collector, nor am I directly saying I’m an enthusiast; but at the same time I have identified myself as someone with working knowledge of flashlights. I think not putting a label to what I do makes others a bit more comfortable, as it’s just a little hobby of mine, not some kind of cult or underground thing. And as many folk have some kind of hobby or pastime, they may be more apt to relate.