Can't really explain this one (Minolta Autocord)

Duceman · Nov 16, 2022

Normally on the Bay, Minolta Autocords go from between $100 to $200, depending upon condition. A lot of these are sold "as is" but at least there is nothing obviously wrong with these cameras (but who knows what lingers that will only be discovered after receipt).

This auction has me scratching my head as it is clearly identified as "not working" because the shutter is stuck (and no, I didn't bid on it): https://www.ebay.com/itm/134320121578

$123.50 for a camera that is clearly described as "not working"? Even as a parts camera, it's only worth about half of that. I understand that the shutter issue could possibly be fixed with the application of a little lighter fluid, but still, that's more than a bit of a gamble. After tax/shipping, someone paid ~$150 for this camera.

Is there something about this particular model of Autocord that makes it desirable?

dabsond · Nov 16, 2022

I have notice an increase in cameras listed as "for parts only". Nobody wants to stand behind what they sell anymore. In this instance, everyone thinks old film cameras are worth the exceptional prices they are charging.

Duceman · Nov 16, 2022

I can understand the "for parts only" as most of the sellers on the Bay have no idea what they have, or the knowledge to perform a simple function test. There is risk involved in buying such cameras, which is simply a part of reality of dealing with items on the Bay.

However, this camera was clearly marked as "not working" and the seller describes the problem in the description.

Dan Daniel · Nov 16, 2022

If you know what you are doing, you will probably get a nice Autocord for $150 plus some sweat equity. That shutter model rarely goes completely bad. Most likely a cocking rack travel issue and gummed up system.

Parts wise, the focus lever appears to be intact (but all shots show it in same position, so it is not certain that it is ok). That's $75 plus right there if you need one. Lenses may be clean (but no open shot with backlight, so rear group could be a mess), another $50. All the red dust means that it has been in its case, which is usually not a good sign but it does protect the cosmetics. Typical level of paint chips and such.

I've obviously looked at too many Autocords on Ebay. It's about 20 bucks above where I would have gone with it, but who knows what the buyer wants it for?

cramej · Nov 16, 2022

dabsond said:
I have notice an increase in cameras listed as "for parts only". Nobody wants to stand behind what they sell anymore. In this instance, everyone thinks old film cameras are worth the exceptional prices they are charging.

It's because of ebay's return policy that favors buyers almost 100%. Even if you do not accept returns as a seller, eBay will force a return of the item if it is in any way not as described, which can be easily made up by the buyer. That is, unless you list the item as parts/ repair. It's a loophole around the forced returns.

Say you sell a camera described as working but the 1 second shutter speed is too long. That's "not working as described" and then you're out the return shipping and the hassle of relisting. Now people see the relisted item and are wary. I had to sell a Hasselblad back as parts/repair because I no longer had a camera to be sure there weren't any light leaks. I knew it functioned fine but couldn't guarantee it 100%.

eli griggs · Dec 4, 2022

High prices for 'broken' or parts kit is pretty common, look up what KEH is asking for non functional Leicas this week.

Do the same with Hasselblad stuff, it's all too ridiculous, which is why I ask for broken/damaged stuff, here and elsewhere.

The Minolta Autocord (I have the '58 'export' model), is a very nice camera, with one weakness, the pot metal focus lever, and it's lense gives results as good a Rolliflex cameras, so I expect, high parts prices, go go along with quality cameras with no regard to the reality of a screw or spring.

Alex Varas · Dec 4, 2022

I got an Autocord years ago and I broke the focusing handle meanwhile servicing (then I realize what soft metal means). That’s said I have taken so many parts from that camera to fix others than yes, with the handle intact as Dan said the camera worths that for parts to someone doing Autocords regularly.

ags2mikon · Dec 4, 2022

And these trends on evilbay will continue. As those of us that hoard good cameras, only the "needs repairs/as is" will be left. Hang on to your good stuff and dump the junk. It won't be long we will be able to cash out and be millionaires.

rcphoto · Dec 4, 2022

I constantly pay too much for camera equipment, I knew I wasn't the only one out there.

Paul Howell · Dec 4, 2022

Normally on the Bay, Minolta Autocords go from between $100 to $200, depending upon condition.

Last I checked buy in now price for clean autocord is in the $300 to $400 range, buy as is seem to be going for less than 1/2 as noted between $125 and $150. At one time the Autocord was a hidden gem, then as prices for Yashica began to climb folks figured that the Autocord had better glass and less internal flare than a 124.

Duceman · Dec 4, 2022

Paul Howell said:
Normally on the Bay, Minolta Autocords go from between $100 to $200, depending upon condition.

Last I checked buy in now price for clean autocord is in the $300 to $400 range, buy as is seem to be going for less than 1/2 as noted between $125 and $150. At one time the Autocord was a hidden gem, then as prices for Yashica began to climb folks figured that the Autocord had better glass and less internal flare than a 124.

The ones in the $300-$400 all seem to be near-mint and shipped from Japan (add another $40 if being shipped to the states). I've picked up several functioning Autocords in the $100-$150 range. Generally, "parts" cameras fetch $80 or less.

Can't really explain this one (Minolta Autocord)

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