Worst kept secret pushing p&s prices up ?

[farlymac]

My 2 cents to this thread, eBay always has people selling the fujifilm klasse for around 400-500 usd. However a quick look at the used section on yodobashi cameras website shows that the current price of the camera in Japan is around 89-120 usd. If I was ever in the market of a klasse I would just fly to Japan to pick one up (or even 4 or 5) if they can sell for that price that eBay gougers are selling at.

Same thing is happening for the ricoh gr1 here. A year ago they were selling for 170usd for a mint gr1v, not its triple or double the price even for faulty LCD ones.

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]

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

 

[pvdhaar]

Except when you are specifically looking for one, they tend not to show up. 🙂

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..

Lowest prices are set on non-premium models of brands that no longer exist, like Minolta, Chinon, Agfa, Konica, Yashica..

 

[Ljós]

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

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]

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 😀

 

[jsrockit]

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]

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]

Compact size has always captivated some and been lost on others.

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 !

What I find attractive, particularly with the Mju series, is the small size and stealth with which they can be used.

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]

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]

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.

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]

...

But used camera sales go in cycles, so what's hot today, may just be someones junk down the road. So junk stores, flea markets, Salvation Army and Goodwill, antique shops, and yard sales are the best places for bargains. Just don't go looking for one particular camera, or you'll pass up a future jewel. I'll buy anything that looks like it will work, or isn't too hard to repair.

PF

I have done exhaustive studies on ebay price variance. Obviously they are influenced by tides and phases of the moon. 😀

 

[matic]

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]

...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

 

[semilog]

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]

You must have a user ID on eBay to look at completed listings, and you must be logged in.

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]

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]

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.

Lucky old you. A really neat camera; like the XA2 but with the +EV switch and DX.

Regards, David

 

[John Bragg]

Finally ! I managed to track down a mint example of a black Mju ii. I now have two users and this beauty....

 

[David Hughes]

Congrats. David

 

[John Bragg]

Congrats. David

Thanks David. I know this is pure indulgence on my part but I just wanted a black one in immaculate condition.