FSU in the Classifieds

[David Hughes]

The main reason is the price. Most cameras don't bring as much in when selling as when they where bought...

In 1971 a Leica M4 with a Summicron cost UKP 336.50 and in today's money that would be a fraction under 4 700 pounds. Somehow I can't see it happening.

And what sort of investment merely gives you your money back, some of us expect growth...

Regards, David

 

[sevo]

A good argument for buying Leicas, then. My IIIa cost me £30 in 1969

At the bottom end of historical equivalents (by commodity prices), that would be equivalent to 500 (current) UKP, by income value even close to a thousand. You won't even recoup the lesser sum. Short of collectables, even Leicas do depreciate.

 

[rfaspen]

FSU stuff was more common in RFF classifieds some years ago. It still shows up sporadically, and usually it's items that are in good shape, or known performers. That's a good thing. I still like FSU gear; it mingles with my high-brow gear just fine.

I expect J-12's and J-3's to continue making an appearance. Also bodies in good working order. In the past few years I bought a NDVK Fed 1 here, also a nice J-3 that was shimmed for Leica (thanks Jan), a good J-12, Zorki-6, and a few other bits I can't remember. The rest of my FSU came from elsewhere. Back when the Bay had decent gear I got a Zorki-C and a Fed-3 that were in perfect working order from day one (and still are). I don't think that happens anymore.

As for items less than $100, isn't there a specific category for such items in RFF classifieds? Perhaps the ad fee for this category is lower?

 

[valdas]

As for items less than $100, isn't there a specific category for such items in RFF classifieds? Perhaps the ad fee for this category is lower?

The fee is 2$, not much, but if I sell 15-20$ worth J8 it will be more than 10% of the value. Add Paypay, shipping... And at the end it's not attractive either for seller or (if all extra cost passed to buyer) too expensive for buyer.