Bronica SQ-AM pricing question

[kjscrim]

Hi All,
I am a retired photographer (I've been done over 7 years now) and want to sell my medium formate equipment (finally). I have been searching around the internet looking for pricing ideas and have not found any reliable information. I came across this group while doing my search and I hope you might be able to help. What would you sell this for?? What would you be willing to pay for it? I will be selling this as a complete package only. I don't want to piece it out then end up with some stray parts.
SQ-AM black body
6x6 back
6x4.5 back
polaroid back
prism
zenza PS 80mm lense
speed grip
filters (cross screen, 80A, 81A, 2-diffusers)
+1, +2, +4, macros

Thanks for your help!!

 

[Nick Zentena]

Depends on condtion to begin with.

You could surf over to KEH and check out there prices. Things like the polaroid back and the filters have little if any value in a package. Some of us would consider them little more then extra weight to ship. Plus selling only in package limits your market and price.

 

[kjscrim]

It is in excellent condition. some minor surface scratching on the body and the lense is scratch free.
I'm not surprised the filters just add baggage so I wouldn't add that to the price. I'm just trying to get an idea of fair pricing. So much has changed in photography in the past 7 years!! With film regarded as "archaic" I'm not sure if I can even sell this....

 

[Nick Zentena]

Oh you can sell them. The problem is will the price make you cry?

I'm sure somebody here will be interested but surf over to www.keh.com for an idea what dealers are selling similar gear for with warranty.

 

[kjscrim]

LOL!!
I am going to cry!
I did check KEH (thanks for the link!) and they had close to what I have (just the camera, lense, prism, and back) for $800.00
Does that seem right?

 

[Marcus K]

Kjscrim, even though it looks like your equipment is worth $800 at KEH, that is far from the price you would actually get if you sold the equipment to them. A couple months ago, I sold KEH a SQ-Am (complete with orig. box), 80mm S lens, one 120 back, 2 220 backs, and a ME metered prism. I only got $180 for all this. The bronica "kits" on KEH are a bit overpriced compared to what you would find on eBay. I would estimate that your kit of bronica stuff would go for $400 or less on ebay.

I would recommend selling to KEH however, if you just want to get rid of all of the stuff at once, and not mess around. I have delt with them several times when selling my gear, and have bought (way too much) stuff from them as well. Always a good experience.

 

[mikebarger]

How much were you expecting to get?

Mike

 

[r-brian]

I have to agree with Marcus. Having just attempted selling my SQA outfit, I started the asking price at less than KEH and got virtually no response. I felt lucky to get $50 for my bargain condition body and $50 for a 6x6 back. The SQAM might be less desirable because of the built in motor and associated weight.

 

[vdonovan]

Idea: rather than sell it for the $300-400 bucks you might get on ebay (with attendant hassel), find a young person with an interest in art and loan it to them, along with some instruction. I've met several art students who started in digital and are now getting way into film, especially medium and large format. Spread the flame of film!

 

[mgb74]

While you don't want to end up with stray parts, if I were you I wouldn't hesitate to sell the 6x4.5 back, polaroid back (if you can find a buyer now), and the prism (if you also have a WL finder). That way, you still have a functioning package. Another point to consider: with Bronica defunct, there will be those Bronica users who need to replace (rather than repair) pieces of their system. You may actually get a better total return even with, for example, a leftover 80mm.

Your best bet to maximize the sale price - but not a "sure thing" - is to take your time and find someone local who will pay a premium for equipment they can inspect. This assumes that the prices have pretty much already reached rock bottom and that you live in an area where there is enough of a market. Alternatively, outlets such as APUG where there is still demand. Search out any Bronica-specific forums or groups.

Another approach, along the lines of what vdonovan suggested, is to donate to a non-profit such as a non-commercial school and take a deduction.