Fair price for Mamiya RB67 Pro S + 50mm + 90mm + 127mm + 180mm?

[Taiko]

Hi all,

I'm a hobby photographer transfering from digital to medium format and looking into buying a Mamiya set. I found an offer for a used set consisting of a Mamiya RB67 Pro S + 50mm + 90mm + 127mm + 180mm, a 120 filmback and a Mamiya suitcase. The lenses are all Sekor C's. The seller is asking 900 Euro's, about 1100 Dollars. Would this be a fair price? Assuming everything is in good working order, mechanically and optically.

Richard

 

[markbarendt]

It sounds a bit high to me.

I typically check keh.com to see what the going rate is here in the USA, given the mention of Euros, you'd need to add shipping costs and whatever else the EU adds.

The other place I look for prices is EBay's completed listings.

 

[Taiko]

I figured it would be a bit high. I indeed checked with keh.com, though with shipping/insurance costs and import duties it could add up to an additional 30-35% on top of the KEH prices.
I will make a bid of 700 euro and see if the seller is willing to negotiate.

Thanks for your input. By the way, are you from dutch or belgian origin? Seems like it, judging by your last name

 

[agfarapid]

That price of 700 euro seems fair. I have virtually the same kit and I have been more than content with the results. The "C" lenses perform admirably and are outstanding for close up work. You might expect to have to replace the light seals on the back though. Good luck.

 

[markbarendt]

I figured it would be a bit high. I indeed checked with keh.com, though with shipping/insurance costs and import duties it could add up to an additional 30-35% on top of the KEH prices.
I will make a bid of 700 euro and see if the seller is willing to negotiate.

Thanks for your input. By the way, are you from dutch or belgian origin? Seems like it, judging by your last name

I don't have a solid family history on the name, my elders have said German but beyond that there is no physical proof or a verbal history/myth about that grand fathers history.

 

[mgb74]

With cameras like the RBs, that were used commercially, so much depends on their history and condition. Worth more if used sparingly; worth less if used heavily or not at all. And whether the lenses received a professional CLA recently.

Also, has the camera and lenses been used recently and, if so, can you trust what the seller says?

If you're comparing against completed auctions on ebay, you need to filter out the auctions where items are sold as is with no definitive comments on their functional condition in the listing.

 

[nicholai]

I paid 500€ for RB67 ProS with 50mm and 127mm, 120 back and Polaroid back, waist finder.

 

[dnjl]

As a point of reference, I paid 500,00 euro in Belgium for a ProSD kit with K/L 127mm and 180mm, three 120 backs, L-grip, PD prism finder and WLF. Not a true bargain, but nonetheless a good price.

 

[Jeff Kubach]

You might consider another 120 back.

Jeff

 

[bushpig]

That's a great set, but the price is a bit high. Especially if you don't NEED all of those lenses.

I paid about $300 for a Pro-S, 120 back, pop-up finder, 90mm C lens, and a Sekonic light meter.

The 50mm C goes for maybe a couple hundred on it's own. The rest are usually cheaper.

And you're almost surely gonna want at least one extra back (I could use another 120 back or two myself as I only have two).

Anyways, if you can't find a better deal and have the money to spare, it's not a terrible deal. Just not the best deal out there.

Good luck and happy shooting.

 

[paul ron]

I figured it would be a bit high. I indeed checked with keh.com, though with shipping/insurance costs and import duties it could add up to an additional 30-35% on top of the KEH prices.
I will make a bid of 700 euro and see if the seller is willing to negotiate.

Thanks for your input. By the way, are you from dutch or belgian origin? Seems like it, judging by your last name

The price is a bit high but as you are figuring in what it would cost to ship, that is fair.

Be sure to include a return policy of some sort so if there is anything is seriously wrong with the klit, you have that option.

But regardless of the price, figure in having the light seals done and a general CLA.

Before using the camera, read the user manual first! This is a tricky camera for beginers n missuse can cause serious damge. Remeber to cock the lens and the body before mounting a lens or it will lock the camera up. A manual is available here....
http://www.butkus.org/chinon/mamiya/mamiya_rb67_pro-s/mamiya_rb67_pro_s.htm
Be sure to make a donation to the guy?


If the seals are gummy you will have to replace them (maybe DIY?) Check the bellows carefully for light leaks using a bright light inside the camera in a dark room, dry fire the lenses while looking through them to be sure they are working properly, advance a test roll of film through the back.


.

 

[bushpig]

The price is a bit high but as you are figuring in what it would cost to ship, that is fair.

Be sure to include a return policy of some sort so if there is anything is seriously wrong with the klit, you have that option.

But regardless of the price, figure in having the light seals done and a general CLA.

Before using the camera, read the user manual first! This is a tricky camera for beginers n missuse can cause serious damge. Remeber to cock the lens and the body before mounting a lens or it will lock the camera up. A manual is available here....
http://www.butkus.org/chinon/mamiya/mamiya_rb67_pro-s/mamiya_rb67_pro_s.htm
Be sure to make a donation to the guy?


If the seals are gummy you will have to replace them (maybe DIY?) Check the bellows carefully for light leaks using a bright light inside the camera in a dark room, dry fire the lenses while looking through them to be sure they are working properly, advance a test roll of film through the back.


.

Make sure to listen to this guy. He's the resident expert on the RB system around these parts.

 

[Taiko]

Thanks for the replies and good advice guys!

I've decided against buying the set and place a bid on a Pro-SD with K/L 127mm. In the event I don't win the auction, I'll probably order from KEH. I've learned that the 30-35% import duties I calculated was a bit too high. If I'm correct it's somewhere between 20-25%. Guess I'll find out soon enough

Since I'm new to the format and film in general, I figured one lens is probably enough for a good while. Untill I've figured everything out technically. Not just operating the camera, but developing and scanning the negatives as well. I like a challenge and figuring things out though. So I'm very excited getting started!

Great tip on the manual, I will certainly read it.

Cheers,
Richard

 

[Taiko]

The CLA is also something I didn't consider.
Let's see if I can find such a service here in the Netherlands.

 

[MattKing]

The CLA is also something I didn't consider.
Let's see if I can find such a service here in the Netherlands.

One thing I have always wondered is what KEH's response would be if you requested that their repair department did a full inspection and CLA (at your cost) before they shipped the camera.

Would they still permit you to return the camera for a refund?

Would they charge you for the inspection and CLA if a serious problem was revealed?

Would they agree?

They do have a busy repair department.

If you ask them these questions, it would be great to hear their response.

 

[Marc B.]

I've decided against buying the set and place a bid on a Pro-SD with K/L 127mm.

Taiko,

I think this is a wise decision.

Pro SD, RB's, will accept all of the modern KL series of lenses,
and should you choose...also, the motorized 6 X 8 film back.
SD's are the newest or latest model of the RB.

As others have mentioned, the sellers asking price of 900 euro for the Pro S kit, is...overly optimistic.
As prices here in the USA are often less then in Europe, 600 euro,
or 1/3 less, could still be considered a bit high for that Pro S kit.

Marc

 

[benjiboy]

I may be cynical, but I'm always amused by these posts about "a fair price", what's a fair price depends on if you're the buyer, or the seller .