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Value of yet-unseen darkroom equipment

rwreich

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Jul 28, 2012
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344
Location
Greensboro, NC
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Hello all,

I am going to meet someone today regarding the purchase of some darkroom equipment. I haven't seen it yet, but I don't want to go in without having a ball-park idea about what it may be worth in today's market.

She claims to have:

"an Omega Type D II enlarger and what appear to be several lenses for it, a large (heavy) double roller, a Graflex camera (not in great condition), some heavy stainless trays, a safety light, and other miscellaneous stuff."

Could anyone advise me on what the enlarger, the lenses, and the roller may be worth? I am probably not interested in a camera in poor condition.

Thanks in advance!

- rwreich
 
The value is what the market wants to pay for it, and today not that many seek darkroom equipment, but if there is something rare prices can go through the roof

Omega Type D II in good condition, i would not say more then $250,
lenses for Omegan: totally depend on what it is... if they are clean and good working condition $50 - $200
double roller: $20
Graflex camera: depend on what camera it is, try to find out which model it is an look it up on Dead Link Removed
Misc stuff: $100


Hope that helps a tiny bit
 
It also depends on how bad you want it, how often other equipment pops up for sale, your negotiating skills. If you don't it need right away, you are in a better position to offer less. In today's market, less than $100 for all. JMHO Good Luck
 
I bought my complete and clean Omega DII with variable condenser and one lens for $40. I bought my D2 with fixed condenser with lots of parts and no lens for FREE! The latter needed lots of work.

All of my lenses are EL-Nikkor 6 element type in GREAT condition. I paid anywhere from 40 to 60 dollars each. Several 4 element types were given to me free.

Remember THIS when you make an offer.... Right now and for forseeable future, supply greatly exceeds demands overall. Many get simply thrown away. An only problem is, supply doesn't always happen where needs exist. (meaning it's often not conveniently located) That also mean, there is very likely hood, you are the only interested party for her....

Assuming you have D2 with ALL parts and few GREAT lenses, I'd start with $100 (which is a fair value) and go up to $150 only very absolutely necessary.
 
Thanks for the information... I am very hopeful that this could work out in my favor, but I also don't want to take advantage of the situation. I'm prepared to pay about $170.00 in cash if everything looks good. Now, I am realizing that this is not unreasonable.

Thanks again!
 
Make sure to get the particulars of the Graflex. There are folks out there (myself included) who will pay reasonable prices for a Graflex even in rough condition.
 
 
True, Parker - After viewing the enlarger and extras, I decided that it really wasn't worth the work it would have taken to bring it up to speed. I took some pictures of the stuff, but it was pretty grungy and the bellows were in tatters. I'm confidant that I'll find a better deal...
 
The value typically is in the lenses (if they are good, modern lenses) and negative carriers. And - even beyond the lack of demand for darkroom gear - sellers overestimate the value of an enlarger that is dirty and stored unused in a damp basement for years.
 
Yes, Fotch - that's exactly what I thought. I felt bad because the lady just wanted someone to be able to use it, but in the end it's just not the kind of project that I'm looking for. I want to make art, after all, not become a repair technician!

fotch said:
From the looks of it, free would be to much. JMHO
Click to expand...
 
Where was all this junk? I live a couple hours south of Greensboro at the SC state line.
 
As far as picking up a used enlarger, the key is to find the whole package, so at least nothing is missing on arrival, such as negative carriers, lens boards, condensers or light sources etc., what may seem as a great deal at first, such seemingly small but critical parts will take your bill multi-fold in no time, enough to check prices of that "small" stuff to see how easily can one be taken for a ride, I have also noticed that many or some sellers break down their package and basically give away the baseboard with column, then charge a fortune for the remaining pieces one at a time
 
I might be interested in the two Graflex cameras I see in the photos. Any way to contact the owner?
 
BentleyR - This lady is a friend of a friend. She was hoping to see these things used, but I don't know about being contacted by unknown persons. They aren't going anywhere too soon, so I'll ask her when I talk to her next week. I'll let you know what comes of that.

BentleyR said:
I might be interested in the two Graflex cameras I see in the photos. Any way to contact the owner?
Click to expand...
 
Just as an idea....

These things doesn't often come as a complete package. Because many have been stored in neglected condition, many things go missing. It is also nice to have spare parts. If you are set on Omega D2 or DII, you may want to get what's being offered here for parts. Of course, it's not worth much money but if the lady is willing to let the stuff go for hauling them away or for very little money, it is worth something.

Cleaning these things up isn't hard. It just takes some time and effort. My first one came pretty much complete. Second one was a basket case. It took me some time, money, and effort but I was able to make it a good unit. Some generous APUG member came to my rescue as well and I also shared my spare with those in desperate needs.

If the lady wants it used, that's one way of dealing with this.
 
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