other part of the equation

[jano]

On occasion, I've seen people make comments about the resell value of cameras. To some, this is an element of consideration. I don't wish to take that away, however silly I think it is (but that's beside my point).

What I haven't seen, however, is people using the ROI as part of the calculation. This is an important part if you're going to put at least some weight, no matter how minor, on resale value. If you purchase a camera to either use or put it on your shelf to look at.. think of what you actually get out of this. The fun you have, the conversations evoked, the shutters you've clicked.. is this "loss in value" worth it? Whether it's $50 or $400.. if you have no fun, don't get any good use out of it, then a poor resale value certainly becomes a consideration. Make sense? In other words, you can look at the loss on resale as the cost of the fun you have, the clicked shutters, etc.

*shrug* 😛

Jano

 

[Nick R.]

I'm not sure if you're refering to the initial price of the item or to degragtion due to use. For the former, things that cost more initially usually give you the most fun and have a higher resale value. Convertables are more expensive than sedans but have a higher resale value all things considered.
Re the latter, for some keeping an item pristine as time takes its toll on sister models is fun. If it wasn't for fondlers, we wouldn't have so many nice M3's floating around.
However, for people who want to use an item but still want to keep it pristine to insure max Return On Investment, well, IMO, that's no fun at all -counting every scratch and ding in terms of dollars lost must be hard on one's nerves.

 

[ywenz]

value of a camera is relative for each person.

 

[jano]

Not quite what I meant. Let me try again: to those people who consider resale value as part of their decision, don't forget about the "return on investment", too. i.e. if you pay $500 for a camera that soon as it goes out the door is suddenly worth $300.. did you get your money's worth out of that $200 difference?

I think I'm just overanalysing this 😛

 

[Nick R.]

Unless you're buying bullion or disposable diapers, you can say that about practically anything. Truth is, if you're thinking about such questions your probably better off buying used. People who don't think about such things, God bless them, buy new and move on.

 

[jano]

I'm not thinking about them at all.. I prefer buying new when I can, could care less about resale value on such a small dollar figure. Like I said in the first post, I see people mentioning resale value on occasion here and elsewhere. This came into my head for those who do consider resale value, to not forget the part about having fun with or using the camera. The apparently "lost" money isn't quite lost, and can be contributed as to the cost of using/having fun with the equipment. I thought it might be helpful... but in retrospect it's not only over most people's heads, but also silly.

This came up because I had a similar conversation with an associate at work when I complained about the high price of my new surfboard. They told me, sure, one time cost, but look how many years you'll have it, and look how much fun you have with it. And if I ever get bored with it, I can sell it for a bit anyway. They have me it was one of my better investments 🙂

 

[pvdhaar]

Don't know whether you should look at this merely from the financial side..

There is some emotional value in not completely wearing down equipment, and being able to hand it to someone else who'll put it to good use.

What's more, if I know one of my cameras/lenses would see a good second life with someone else, I even set a lower price than I initially do if money is the only consideration..

 

[ChrisN]

Jano - I can relate to that line of thinking. For myself, camera gear is bought with disposable income - I'm lucky enough that in my late forties I can afford a few little luxuries like this. The day I buy it (and it's just about always second-hand equipment) I mentally write-off any monetary value and just enjoy the use of it. When the time comes that I no longer "need" that bit of kit or stop having fun playing with it or owning it, I can pass it on, or sell it on, and any monetary return is a bonus!

 

[ampguy]

some collectables significantly appreciate

some collectables significantly appreciate

generally in relation to the demand and their appeal to affluent baby boomers -- vintage guitars and amps are one such example.

Unless you're buying bullion or disposable diapers, you can say that about practically anything. Truth is, if you're thinking about such questions your probably better off buying used. People who don't think about such things, God bless them, buy new and move on.

 

[jano]

Yep, that's it, Chris from Australia has it 🙂

Peter, there are zillions of ways to consider it, some with no rhyme or reason. This is just one facet I was making a useless comment on *shrug* 😛