farlymac
PF McFarland
But that's how the market on such things work. If it's hard to come by, the price will go up as the bidding wars ensue, then the BIN sellers take note of that, and raise their prices. I found an R1 and GR1 both in an antique store, and paid $28 for the R1, and $40 for the GR1. The GR1 had a note saying it was unused, and looked it. Came with the box, instructions, warranty card, and lanyard. Deals can be found when you're not looking for them. That's what busts my photography budget every month.
PF
David Hughes
David Hughes
Hi,
The trouble with ebay is that prices are erratic but it's the bidders doing it. Often you'll see two or three fighting over something (especially if it started at 99p) and pushing the price up and one for sale an hour later for a pittance that no one bids on.
When I spot a bargain I now check all the others for sale and check a couple of dealers. Then decide on a bid and stick to it. I try for charity shop prices mostly and sometimes it works.
Vaguely described ones are worth checking too (try "camaras" f'instance).
Regards, David
The trouble with ebay is that prices are erratic but it's the bidders doing it. Often you'll see two or three fighting over something (especially if it started at 99p) and pushing the price up and one for sale an hour later for a pittance that no one bids on.
When I spot a bargain I now check all the others for sale and check a couple of dealers. Then decide on a bid and stick to it. I try for charity shop prices mostly and sometimes it works.
Vaguely described ones are worth checking too (try "camaras" f'instance).
Regards, David
pvdhaar
Peter
That sums up the whole problem in a nutshell; it is a form of tunnelvision. If you simply must have that one brand/model that everyone is bidding on, then you'll have to bleed to get it. But if the intention is to get a compact to shoot with, then there are other brands/models that haven't got inflated prices and that should do the job equally well..Except when you are specifically looking for one, they tend not to show up.
Lowest prices are set on non-premium models of brands that no longer exist, like Minolta, Chinon, Agfa, Konica, Yashica..
Ljós
Well-known
Yes! But... those other models which are not blogged/forumed/hyped about... they can't possibly be any good! And so the hunt continues ;-) ;-)
btgc
Veteran
It's still a secret to me, why compact cameras with limited capabilities (AE-only, no hot shoe, sometimes hit-or-miss AF etc) are so often fetching many times more than SLR of same era with full controls and as decent or better lens?!? Must be fun factor...but I also own a small fleet of compacts
It's still a secret to me, why compact cameras with limited capabilities (AE-only, no hot shoe, sometimes hit-or-miss AF etc) are so often fetching many times more than SLR of same era with full controls and as decent or better lens?!? Must be fun factor...but I also own a small fleet of compacts
Compact size has always captivated some and been lost on others.
John Bragg
Well-known
It's still a secret to me, why compact cameras with limited capabilities (AE-only, no hot shoe, sometimes hit-or-miss AF etc) are so often fetching many times more than SLR of same era with full controls and as decent or better lens?!? Must be fun factor...but I also own a small fleet of compacts
What I find attractive, particularly with the Mju series, is the small size and stealth with which they can be used.
btgc
Veteran
Agree. I sold my 35 GSN and kept 35 MC - because it's very compact and I don't need that one and half extra stops of GSN every day. I like DP1 - because it's small and capable, yet lens is usable from max aperture - but I passed on on SD SLRs.
Say, bulky Pentax 928 has less wide and less fast lens than Fuji Zoom Date (Silvi) F2.8 - but compare prices of them....despite 928 having real exp. compensation (+-3EV) instead of lock-and recompose of FZD. Picture wise 928 is as capable (except focal length diff.) but go buy FZD/Silvi for price of 928 !
By stealth I understand lack of attention from others. People think this is another clunker they used to have and can ignore me toying with compact which has great metering and killer lens. Go do that with SLR+(28-100)+bracket mounted flash and motordrive. Well, that's another genre and is doable, but why use launch missiles to hit just a bird?
Ronald_H
Don't call me Ron
The Mju-II is fantastic and underrated. I have owned 5 so far and worked one to death. That took 11 years. I always look out for them at flea markets and such. Usually I pay 2-3 Euros for them. 50 dollars seems a bit steep though. Still, if I had to, I would pay 200 Euros for one. To me its worth it because I have never seen a camera that can do what a Mju-II can do. Sure, there are lots of things it can't do, but the same holds true for my Leica M2.
btgc
Veteran
I say same of Yashica Electro 35 MC. It allows to control aperture and set distance whatever you like (from what's available, British would add). None can do Mju ][ which I still count as great camera (my first one, worked to death, repaired and keep as a honour weapon, not a battle gun).
oftheherd
Veteran
I have done exhaustive studies on ebay price variance. Obviously they are influenced by tides and phases of the moon.
matic
Member
yes, i agree that this is true as they are both japanese market only.
people on a car site i used to frequent used to lament the JDM (japanese domestic market) for great products that the japanese keep to themselves. it seems it translates over to cameras as well
more like there is less of a market for these things in the US ...unfortunately :bang:
David Hughes
David Hughes
...great products that the japanese keep to themselves ?
But do you really want a camera with "Kiss 3 Model" written on the front?
Regards, David
But do you really want a camera with "Kiss 3 Model" written on the front?
Regards, David
semilog
curmudgeonly optimist
GR-1, Contax T, Minolta TC-1 were always premium cameras from the start, selling new for $500US or more in 2013 dollars. The MjuII was always a lot less money and many more were sold. I scored 2 Yashica T5's and an MjuII at Goodwill for a total outlay of $17 or $18.
muf
Well-known
It used to be like that, but not for a long time now. Anyone can see completed listings, whether a member or not. Logged in or not. It only helps the madness that is the pricing from other peoples prices.
I will though admit there are still bargains to be had. I bought an mju II (Stylus Epic) about 4 weeks ago for £10 that was advertised as an mju I. It had just been listed and I suspect it would have lasted no more than 10 minutes longer if I hadn't got it. It's a minter as well with the weathproof sticker still on it.
Paul
John Bragg
Well-known
Oh well. Patience can be rewarded. I just found an Olympus XA3 for 99p on evilbay. Time to get the re-sealing kit ready and bring a mini marvel back to use.
David Hughes
David Hughes
Lucky old you. A really neat camera; like the XA2 but with the +EV switch and DX.
Regards, David
John Bragg
Well-known
Finally ! I managed to track down a mint example of a black Mju ii. I now have two users and this beauty....
David Hughes
David Hughes
Congrats. David
John Bragg
Well-known
Thanks David. I know this is pure indulgence on my part but I just wanted a black one in immaculate condition.