EBoy Seller: SP314 & Come Back to Russia

[valdas]

Myself, I live in the part of world that is called by some "FSU" (and I'm very happy about the fact it's now "former")...
There are two things that's worth mentioning - 1) stuff manufactured in USSR was really of poor quality (or rather QC was non-existent that's why you never know what you get). I remember buying brand new Jupiter in the shop - aperture ring was unmovable... 2) business culture is still very different there (in most of cases) from what you have in old market economies (the more you go to the east, the more different it is). I bought myself once Tair (ex+++ condition) on ebay from Russian guy and when I mounted it on my Zenit it would not focus to infinity... When I inspected the lens closer i found that the lens mount was glued (!!!), it was not original. Bad luck probably...

Anyway, when you combine those two factors there is a significant likelihood you won't get quality stuff quite often from FSU... It's not that all traders in FSU are not honest, many of them are, but I wonder why in Russia they have saying about foreign investors - they come to Russia with money and go home with experience...

 

[atelier7]

why not just post a wanted to buy here, or wait someone to sell here?

I got quite hooked on FSU cameras after i joined this forum, and bought quite a number of cameras and lenses from ebay. (fed2 x2, Fed1, zorki 4k x2, zorki 3m, kiev 4am)

i've found that sellers are rather inconsistent - in that you may have a good experience once, but the next time round it may not be the same.

i do feel (my perception, and you may have a different opinion) that over time, the quality seemed to be falling.

perhaps, much of the good stuff has already gone overseas...

 

[pakeha]

hey Valdas, how is it in Lithuania, you are close to the source so you probably have good info, however, FSU does not have a monopoly on crap. The worst two purchases in my life was 1. an american washing machine made by GE and 2. a french car. I would think that many people who purchase FSU cameras do so with an understanding of what may lay ahead,[ the next frame could snap the shutter elastic etc], and a small amount of research will show where most of the `stock' is. In the end i think it is up to each individual to make a decision based on research and live by that decision without bagging an entire group cause their $50.00 camera broke, if not it is probably best to be safe and predictable - buy a leica, and join in discussions on what side to put your wrist-strap on, regards

 

[valdas]

hey Valdas, how is it in Lithuania, you are close to the source so you probably have good info, however, FSU does not have a monopoly on crap. The worst two purchases in my life was 1. an american washing machine made by GE and 2. a french car. I would think that many people who purchase FSU cameras do so with an understanding of what may lay ahead,[ the next frame could snap the shutter elastic etc], and a small amount of research will show where most of the `stock' is. In the end i think it is up to each individual to make a decision based on research and live by that decision without bagging an entire group cause their $50.00 camera broke, if not it is probably best to be safe and predictable - buy a leica, and join in discussions on what side to put your wrist-strap on, regards

sure, you are right. but with all my expericene on that side of the wall i sold all my FSU stuff and now enjoy leica, contax and rolleiflex

p.s. speaking of French cars - have you ever had a car made in FSU? tehy are cheap... :angel:

 

[Chillibones]

I think with 50 year old cameras and lenses you shouldnt pay too much or expect too much. Expect your purchase to need some 'attention' and you won't be dissapointed. So far I have bought maybe 9 or 10 cameras and numerous lenses from eastern countries and have had no major problems, maybe I'm lucky or maybe I'm realistic, its only like shopping at a yard sale after all. 🙂