FSU in the Classifieds

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
 
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.
 
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?
 
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.
 
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