what a price for a Yashica 124

[AndyH]

Have some examples to share? Not outliers like the OP's Yashica, but averaged prices that are "off the charts"?

I'm not saying it isn't happening, and I don't buy enough used gear to be an expert, but whenever I've checked KEH seems to offer reasonable prices, and with a warranty and good service too. Whatever comparable you have to offer should also come with a similar warranty for it to really be comparable.

I haven't got any particular loyalty to the KEH brand (Hunt's has been my go to for used gear since the Malden drug store days) but I'm also puzzled by this. I just looked at current listings and their prices seemed good. All my recent experiences with service have been top notch.

Andy

 

[ChristopherCoy]

Have some examples to share? Not outliers like the OP's Yashica, but averaged prices that are "off the charts"?

I'm not saying it isn't happening, and I don't buy enough used gear to be an expert, but whenever I've checked KEH seems to offer reasonable prices, and with a warranty and good service too. Whatever comparable you have to offer should also come with a similar warranty for it to really be comparable.

Sure. Nikon F5.... bargain pricing is still $300? mmmm....no thank you. The F5 I just picked up would classify as at LEAST "ex" condition, and I got it for $250 shipped!

https://www.keh.com/shop/nikon-f5-35mm-camera-body.html

 

[Paul Howell]

I buy from KEH, prices are within reason, what they rate as bargain is often in very good condition. Last was a non marco 135 2.8 in Minolta A mount, excellent condition.

 

[AndyH]

Sure. Nikon F5.... bargain pricing is still $300? mmmm....no thank you. The F5 I just picked up would classify as at LEAST "ex" condition, and I got it for $250 shipped!

https://www.keh.com/shop/nikon-f5-35mm-camera-body.html

I expect that we are looking more at supply and demand stuff here. I just looked at eBay and the average price for an excellent or refurbished bodies only seems to be comparable to KEH, without the protection of KEH's warranty and service policy. I'm generally buying older kit, and their prices are on the lower side of average for the condition IMHO.

Andy

 

[warden]

Sure. Nikon F5.... bargain pricing is still $300? mmmm....no thank you. The F5 I just picked up would classify as at LEAST "ex" condition, and I got it for $250 shipped!

https://www.keh.com/shop/nikon-f5-35mm-camera-body.html

Our definition of "off the charts" differs. Average eBay sold item price for that body is $291. KEH price is $299.

I checked Roberts camera, who I also like, but didn't see one there.

 

[StepheKoontz]

Sure. Nikon F5.... bargain pricing is still $300? mmmm....no thank you. The F5 I just picked up would classify as at LEAST "ex" condition, and I got it for $250 shipped!

https://www.keh.com/shop/nikon-f5-35mm-camera-body.html

I bought my F5 from them, it was rated "Bargain" and it easily would be rated as "exe" elsewhere.

 

[ChristopherCoy]

Our definition of "off the charts" differs. Average eBay sold item price for that body is $291. KEH price is $299.

I checked Roberts camera, who I also like, but didn't see one there.

eBay prices are off the charts too. I think sellers are banking on kids buying film cameras on trend. Except I'm not buying on "trending prices". I'll do without if that's the case.

 

[warden]

eBay prices are off the charts too. I think sellers are banking on kids buying film cameras on trend. Except I'm not buying on "trending prices". I'll do without if that's the case.

Now I get it. It's all off-the-charts expensive to you unless you're buying below retail and eBay prices. Nothing wrong with bargain hunting if that if it's your thing.

Your perception is that KEH has off the charts high prices while my perception is that they are average 2020 prices, neither noticeably low nor high. I haven't seen anything here that changes my mind.

 

[ChristopherCoy]

I haven't seen anything here that changes my mind.

Why did you think we were trying to change your mind to begin with? It's all just opinions and perspectives anyway.

 

[AndyH]

eBay prices are off the charts too. I think sellers are banking on kids buying film cameras on trend. Except I'm not buying on "trending prices". I'll do without if that's the case.

The trend is definitely upward, and it is certainly based on the increasing numbers of relatively affluent young photographers today. I don't see that trend as abating any time soon - it's entirely in line with the boom in all things artisanal and the craving for physical processes exhibited by all of the Gen Xers and Millennials who have to spend far too much of their lives in front of a computer screen. There is a limited supply of cameras and gear (obviously!) and a booming community of buyers, both amateur and professional, who are entering their prime earning years. I do think that the demand for mechanical cameras will continue to increase faster because mechanicals will outlast electronics in the long run. Mechanical Hasselblads have already become unaffordable to many of us, and Nikon Fs are well on the way. The film renaissance is already supporting a resurgence in consumables and new product lines.

I'm pushing seventy, so I expect that I can keep my mechanical film gear going for the rest of my lifetime and maybe pass it on to a new generation. I'm in acquisition mode for the gear I've always wanted but couldn't afford because I don't think I'll be able to afford it in the very near future. I'm building my Nikon F outfit, and looking for a few remaining Pentax M42 lenses and Hasselblad / Rolleiflex accessories I covet. My Retina and Super Ikonta outfits are complete so I'm just looking for a few parts cameras. Leica M gear is already out of my price range, and LTM lenses from Wetzlar are as well. So I'll concentrate on a few Japanese and Russian LTM lenses, and be satisfied with them.

What I'm really wondering about is whether there's a mechanical film era system that I want to get into for the first time. Mamiya RB and RZ don't hold much interest for me due to their weight and bulk, but I'm thinking Bronica might be worth taking an interest in. I'm sure there are others as well.

I say it's time to buy before they go up. If there is a sell off due to the economic impact of COVID-19, that may slow down the price inflation for a bit, and may even drop prices a little, but I don't see this surge in prices for many systems as ending soon. Miss the boat and you'll soon have to shoot Holgas and Dianas or win the lottery.

Andy

 

[muhco3]

Something changed. Something changed ALOT. And not for the good either.

Either their supply has dwindled, they've got new management, or someone is just having a bad year, but they are off the charts with their pricing.

Have some examples to share? Not outliers like the OP's Yashica, but averaged prices that are "off the charts"?

I'm not saying it isn't happening, and I don't buy enough used gear to be an expert, but whenever I've checked KEH seems to offer reasonable prices, and with a warranty and good service too. Whatever comparable you have to offer should also come with a similar warranty for it to really be comparable.

I don't buy a lot of photography supplies , but I Knew their website since 2013 , and in comparison the cameras selection (analog 35mm and 120 ) are much less and more expensive
I don't have a numbers to compare , but it is an overall look , you can compare their prices with eBay for example
I believe they mainly rely on bulk purchasing from stores closeouts and garage sales , they are quite friendly nonetheless
But it is sad to see a gold mine for analog photography go this way
Some people are defending merchants like if they get a commission or something !!

 

[MattKing]

KEH was at its best when they were buying up large inventories of closed stores. That supply is long gone.
Now they get most of their inventory from individual sellers, either by dealing individually or by travelling around and setting up buying tables at camera shows and in conjunction with some retailers. They come to the Vancouver, BC, Canada area once or twice a year.
They are also dealing a lot more in digital equipment.
They did change ownership a few years ago, and there was a definite change then, but since then it has basically been a reflection of how the availability of stock has decreased in the used marketplace.
At least their website has improved a bit from when they did the major change after ownership changed. That first "new" website was horrid!

 

[warden]

Why did you think we were trying to change your mind to begin with? It's all just opinions and perspectives anyway.

It's not about changing my mind - the reason I was asking for examples was simply to see if there are other suppliers I should be looking at instead of KEH, Roberts and eBay to determine the fair price of a used camera. Those are the three that I check but according to you they're all crazy prices, especially KEH who you said has recently changed, a lot, and for the worse. And there are others in this thread that feel the same but that's not my area of expertise.

So let me ask the question another way: If KEH and eBay prices are off the charts high, where should we be shopping instead? (I'm not interested in garage sales and flea markets and I'd like a warranty on my purchase so perhaps I'm doomed already.)

 

[AndyH]

It's not about changing my mind - the reason I was asking for examples was simply to see if there are other suppliers I should be looking at instead of KEH, Roberts and eBay to determine the fair price of a used camera. Those are the three that I check but according to you they're all crazy prices, especially KEH who you said has recently changed, a lot, and for the worse. And there are others in this thread that feel the same.

So let me ask the question another way: If KEH and eBay prices are off the charts high, where should we be shopping instead? (I'm not interested in garage sales and flea markets and I'd like a warranty on my purchase so perhaps I'm doomed already.)

I've had good luck with Hunt's and B&H, as well as KEH and Roberts. If you're looking for a warranty they're worth checking out.

My favorite place to buy old gear is still photo shows focused on this area. I've had excellent luck, I know how to check out gear, and it's easy to haggle if you have cash (I'm terrible at haggling - my wife won't let me go to antique shows and flea markets any more...). It's also fun to go hunting "in the wild" when we go out antiquing. This has become less successful however since the brick and mortar dealers discovered eBay!

Andy

 

[ChristopherCoy]

So let me ask the question another way: If KEH and eBay prices are off the charts high, where should we be shopping instead? (I'm not interested in garage sales and flea markets and I'd like a warranty on my purchase so perhaps I'm doomed already.)

All of these places are off the charts, because demand is off the charts. It's like that episode of American Pickers on the Bravo channel some years ago. They found a Polaroid SX-70 in a garage, under a truck, and 50 years of dust - and they paid the guy $400 for it. For the next month or so eBay prices soared on SX-70s. People were digging them out of junk drawers and attics and selling them for ridiculous amounts of money.

 

[Paul Howell]

There are some cameras that get an overblown reputation, the Pentax K 1000 is one, the Yashica 124 is another, both are very good cameras, but not great cameras. Prices are falling on other pro level cameras, such as the Nikon F5 and Minolta 9, so go figure.

 

[warden]

If KEH and eBay prices are off the charts high, where should we be shopping instead?

All of these places are off the charts, because demand is off the charts.

We know, you've said that already. I'm asking if you have any suggestions. It's ok if you don't want to share, I'm just curious and have nothing to purchase right now anyway other than a CLA, and that research has its own challenges.

 

[MattKing]

All of these places are off the charts, because demand is off the charts.

Our sense of "normal" was severely skewed by the short term glut of used film equipment that we saw between ~2005 and ~2013.
Long before 2005 there was a robust market for used photographic equipment, and the prices were a lot closer to what we are seeing now.
There are lots of inconsistencies in the data, but the current prices are a lot closer to normal now.

 

[ChristopherCoy]

Our sense of "normal" was severely skewed by the short term glut of used film equipment that we saw between ~2005 and ~2013.
Long before 2005 there was a robust market for used photographic equipment, and the prices were a lot closer to what we are seeing now.
There are lots of inconsistencies in the data, but the current prices are a lot closer to normal now.

Ah. So then my perspective is/was skewed since I started buying around 2009.

 

[abruzzi]

if its demand that is off the charts, then its not KEH that is out of whack, but your expectations. With a limited, dwindling supply of film gear, and more people wanting that gear, and willing to spend money for that gear, then price will go up whether some people thing the price is too high.

 

[AndyH]

Our sense of "normal" was severely skewed by the short term glut of used film equipment that we saw between ~2005 and ~2013.
Long before 2005 there was a robust market for used photographic equipment, and the prices were a lot closer to what we are seeing now.
There are lots of inconsistencies in the data, but the current prices are a lot closer to normal now.

Agreed. The high end stuff was especially cheap because the pro market went digital in such a massive shift. I concentrate on gear that seems to have been used by affluent amateurs - but that's getting really hard to find in the brands that also had significant pro usage. Most of the stuff floating around in Leica, Nikon, Hasselblad, and similar names these days is pretty well used. I've found the best bargains in lines like Zeiss/Contax, Retina, etc. that were not generally a part of the pro market.

Of course as the market of those buying for collectability and appreciation gets bigger, the number of working cameras available to us user-collectors dries up. And we're competing with a whole new generation of enthusiasts.

Get 'em while you can!

Andy

 

[ChristopherCoy]

...but that's getting really hard to find in the brands that also had significant pro usage.

See.... what I'm hearing you say is "BUY IT ALL! BUY IT NOW!" before it gets more expensive. Thanks! That's the permission slip I've been waiting on.

 

[AndyH]

See.... what I'm hearing you say is "BUY IT ALL! BUY IT NOW!" before it gets more expensive. Thanks! That's the permission slip I've been waiting on.

Well, I'd say "buy carefully" but otherwise, yep! I really don't think demand is going to dry up, and the supply is limited. If you've ever wanted a particular piece of kit, and can still afford it, the time is now.

Andy

 

[Ariston]

Have some examples to share? Not outliers like the OP's Yashica, but averaged prices that are "off the charts"?

I'm not saying it isn't happening, and I don't buy enough used gear to be an expert, but whenever I've checked KEH seems to offer reasonable prices, and with a warranty and good service too. Whatever comparable you have to offer should also come with a similar warranty for it to really be comparable.

KEH offers a good return policy, but their ratings are not as "conservative" as they once were. I have posted my experiences here on Photrio in the past, but people get worked up if you complain about their favorite retailer for some reason. Also, KEH's ratings are based heavily on cosmetics, not functionality. You can buy a "Good" condition item that does't even work. Just call them and ask.

 

[Kyle M.]

$630 is pretty crazy. I've owned 4 or 5 124G's including my current one and have paid anywhere between $200-$350 depending on condition. The one I currently own was $325 from Midwest Photo Exchange but it's practically like new with a near perfect case, lens cap, and factory lens hood. I don't think I could see myself paying over $350 for one. Maybe $400 for one that was like new with box and paperwork which I've seen for sale a few times. When it comes to MF I've owned everything from cheap off brand folding cameras to a Hasselblad and RB/RZ. In my honest opinion the Yashica Mat has an excellent lens and mine is sharper than the Opton Tessar in my Rolleiflex Automat was. The camera also feels better built than my Rolleiflex did. People can talk down on Yashica TLR's all they want but in my experience they have been an amazing deal for the money.