Hasselblad Reality Check

John Koehrer · Apr 10, 2020

Much of the perceived value is what the present owner paid for the item.
If it was bought new, he may have paid over $2k. Thinking he doesn't want to take of a beating,
he hasn't faced reality yet. He may even take it to the grave.

Pioneer · Apr 10, 2020

Buy the Pentax. You will not be disappointed.

Deleted member 88956 · Apr 11, 2020

thuggins said:
... Another guy had a Kowa 6 with the standard lens for $500! Since it never hurts to have a backup, I offered him $160 which is about what I paid for same kit. He acted insulted. ...

Yet, your offer was insulting.

btaylor · Apr 12, 2020

The Kowa Six is a very capable and great handling camera, kinda sorry I sold mine (but too many cameras!). A nicely functioning one is worth about $300 or so. You could save a ton of money and probably put together a 3 lens Kowa system for $5-600. I sold my Kowas and bought Hasselblad- guess what? The Hassy doesn’t take better pictures or make me a better photographer.

guangong · Apr 12, 2020

As I remember, Kowas did not have a sterling reputation regarding reliability. Whether true or not, there was a reason Hasselblad and Rolleiflex were considered professional workhorses and others were not.
On the other hand, perhaps one can assume that a Kowa still working today has passed survival test.

Finny · Apr 13, 2020

on this website there is a nice overview of the Kowa cameras (unfortunately in german, but hey ... )
http://www.sw-fotowettbewerb.de/kowa-six.html

johnha · Apr 13, 2020

As has been pointed out, the Hassi & Pentax are completely different cameras. You should reconsider why you want the Pentax and why you're thinking of the Hassi (especially one with a lens you don't think you'll use). My preference would be to buy from a dealer with good returns or warranty service.

Alan Gales · Apr 13, 2020

Just to give you an idea of price.

I sold a black 500/cm including film back and 80mm CF lens just a few years ago on eBay. It was in mint- condition with just a few light scratches on the bottom tripod socket. It had a Beattie Intenscreen installed plus the original screen included. Everything was working like it should with accurate exposures. I got right at $1,000 which was the going rate on eBay at the time.

ChristopherCoy · Apr 13, 2020

Alan9940 said:
Value depends a lot on the type and age of the components. .

Wrong. Value depends on what one person is willing to pay for it. What the OP is unwilling to pay, someone else will.

BrianShaw · Apr 13, 2020

ChristopherCoy said:
Wrong. Value depends on what one person is willing to pay for it. What the OP is unwilling to pay, someone else will.

Preach!

ChristopherCoy · Apr 13, 2020

BrianShaw said:
Preach!

Sorry. It just struck a nerve. I lost a SWEET deal on a camera kit just a few weeks ago over $100. I didn't want to pay the asking price, and someone swooped in and bought it WHILE I WAS NEGOTIATING!

thuggins · Apr 17, 2020

ChristopherCoy said:
Sorry. It just struck a nerve. I lost a SWEET deal on a camera kit just a few weeks ago over $100. I didn't want to pay the asking price, and someone swooped in and bought it WHILE I WAS NEGOTIATING!

I've been there too.

With the recent craziness, I've made a point not to order/buy things for various reasons. But while killing time on the auction site I came across a 55mm Kowa lens starting at $65 with a buy it now of $85. There were no bids and the lens looked very clean (along with the ever trustworthy description of "works great"). I wasn't going to risk it over 20 bucks, so the lens is on its way!

Sirius Glass · Apr 17, 2020

thuggins said:
I've been there too.

With the recent craziness, I've made a point not to order/buy things for various reasons. But while killing time on the auction site I came across a 55mm Kowa lens starting at $65 with a buy it now of $85. There were no bids and the lens looked very clean (along with the ever trustworthy description of "works great"). I wasn't going to risk it over 20 bucks, so the lens is on its way!

Smart move. That is what I do.

Alan Gales · Apr 18, 2020

What is something worth? It's worth what someone is willing to pay for it.

Personally, all I care about is what I am willing to pay.

thuggins · Apr 26, 2020

My MF SLR jones got satisfied in a much cheaper (and quirkier) way.

Hasselblad Reality Check

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