Heads Up: Grab yourself a cheap Leica or rare Nikon lens??

[John Lawrence]

I know Auctioneers like to tempt bidders by putting low 'come and buy me' estimates on items, but these guys have taken it to a new level in their forthcoming auction:

http://www.specialauctionservices.com/viewProducts.php?cat_id=158&h_id=3

A few examples:

Lot 158 - A black paint Leica M2 with summilux - estimate £180 - £250

Lot 19 - A Mamiya 6 (the later one) with 50mm lens - estimate £100 - £150

I've no connection with the Auction house or anyone involved with the sale, but it's an interesting selection of cameras and lenses they have, including a Nikon 50 1.1 (with lens hood).

Well worth taking a peek - or having a punt?

John

 

[Robin Harrison]

This is auctioned via the-saleroom.com. I've entered bids on dozens of items there before (and not all crazy low ones, either) but have never won a single item, let alone got a bargain! No harm in trying, though.

 

[John Lawrence]

No harm in trying, though.

Exactly.

I post these links for a couple of reasons:

1 - while out shooting a few years ago, I met a group of photographers (including some members here) who bemoaned the fact that you couldn't find 'quality gear' at general auctions / charity shops etc. these days, and that to have a Leica, Rollei, etc. you had to be very rich.

2 - for the interest of others who like to view / drool over rare camera gear. I don't think I've ever seen a Nikkor 50 1.1 in a general auction before.

3 - because if you don't bid, you won't stand a chance of winning! Sounds silly I know, but a few years ago I posted details on another site of a Leica camera going for crazy money. All the replies were along the lines of, "oh a dealer will buy that...." I left it a couple of weeks and found out that no one had purchased it - so I ended up with a fully working Leica for less than the price of 30 rolls of film!

Best of luck,

John

 

[John Lawrence]

Just a quick update for those interested:

Black paint Leica M2 & Summilux lens sold for £1500

Black paint Leica M4 & two lenses sold for £1300

Mamiya 6 (with 50mm lens) sold for £500

Mamiya 6 (boxed, no lens) sold for £250

Pentax 67 sold for £150

(obviously these are hammer prices and exclude the buyer's premium)

John