When did the Mamiya TLR prices crash?

[cmedin]

It seems the not long ago I was looking at C330s with a basic 80mm lens and viewfinder and the prices were way up there... lately I've seen some sell on craigslist and ebay for $200-300. Is my memory foggy, or did prices come crashing down on these things recently?

 

[photogdave]

I've noticed the same thing. I felt lucky to sell my spare C33 and 80mm for $350! Now hopefully I will be able to find a 55mm for $50 and I'll be happy!

 

[cmedin]

Glad I'm not the only one.. seems like you can often get a C330 for less than a 124G these days!

Not that I'm complaining. 🙂 I still have to get a TLR... the Ikoflex is looking mighty interesting, cupog has one CLA'd for $70(!).

 

[Finder]

I bought my C220 with 80mm lens for $280 new. So $200 used does not sound bad.

 

[Bryce]

I've paid pretty close attention being an owner (C330, 55mm, 80mm, and 135mm plus hoods, paramender, and prism).
If I were just thinking of tinkering with medium format, now would be a good time price wise...
It seems like the only MF gear to really hold its value in the last few years has been the rangefinder models and some of the specialized wide angle ones. Even Hasselblads are very very cheap compared to five years ago.

 

[drewbarb]

It seems like the only MF gear to really hold its value in the last few years has been the rangefinder models and some of the specialized wide angle ones. Even Hasselblads are very very cheap compared to five years ago.

It's a great time to be a silver photographer. Just keep buying film and paper.

 

[Bryce]

Drewbarb-
Agreed, and doing it!

 

[cmedin]

I'm waiting for a decent Hassy kit in the sub-$400 price range. Give it another year or so. 🙂

 

[ferider]

I'm waiting for a decent Hassy kit in the sub-$400 price range. Give it another year or so. 🙂

You can get that already: a 500EL with Planar. The EL is a fine camera ....

Roland.

 

[cmedin]

Where? I've been looking for 500CM kits and they are still a little high, hadn't looked at any EL stuff though.

 

[ferider]

Where? I've been looking for 500CM kits and they are still a little high, hadn't looked at any EL stuff though.

KEH is usually good on Hassi lens prices, better than ebay.
They currently have a BGN 80 F2.8 C T*BLACK (B50), for US $275.00.
A non T* chrome lens would be even cheaper (and they are very good).

There is no EL body around that I know off, currently, I'll point one out
when I see one. Trick is to find one with A12 and finder for US 150-200 or
so .... The other option is the 500C, if you don't mind the standard screen.
CM and ELM are more expensive used.

I am using standard 9V batteries with adapters in my EL, it works very
well since the several years that I have it.

Roland.

 

[rich815]

I'm waiting for a decent Hassy kit in the sub-$400 price range. Give it another year or so. 🙂

An ol' 500C and one of the early chrome lenses and you could od it easily. Thing is for only a couple hundred more you can get a 500CM and a later lens that might actually be repairable.

About 6 or so months ago I got a 500C, a 500CM, 80 Planar C (late T*), 150 Sonnar CF, four A-12 backs, hoods for both, Hassy UV filters for both, quick release plates on both, quick release mount, 90-degree Hassy finder, Polaroid back, extension tube, WLF findersw for both camera bodies, rapid wind cranks on both too, with a rigid hard case, neck straps.....all in MINT- condition for less than $2000. 😀 😀 😀 <-----me

 

[cmedin]

Sounds like you have too much Hassy gear and want to sell me some for cheap, Rich! 😀

What's the most basic solid kit I should look for? I don't care for anything fancy (like metering), but I'd like something I can count on for a decade or so...

 

[ferider]

They are like Leicas - except more modular .... If stuff works when you get it,
and you use it regularly, it will keep working. Things that go wrong are usually
shutter related, somebody not attaching a lens right, or light leaks in the
backs.

Metering is easy and cheap to get with a Russian finder. But the WLF
is nicer to use, IMO - forces you to compose ....

Roland.