MPP ? which model

[davkt]

Yep they all look to gone up quite a bit over the last 3 years or so engl. I know when I was searching I looked at all those you mention and as it is a camera that gets carted about to some less than camera friendly places went with the MPP as it seemed the most robust.

[IanG]

Which are these other cameras compared to which the MPP is selling for "more than their true value"?

I'm curious since I bought a MPP mk7 about two months ago, in excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition, for 300£ including a roll film back and 135/4.7 lens. I think I have looked at all options for an affordable field camera, such as the Speed/Crown/Super, Horseman, Wista, B&J, Busch, Meridian, and for me MPP seemed to be the best option. Others were lacking in quality, movements or were too expensive.

Edit: actually I paid less, 266£, and that is including VAT (if I buy from US, I have to add 27% VAT+customs on top of the sale+shipping cost...

Well you'll notice I said MPP's fetch more realistic prices as a kit, and that's exactly what you bought, take out the Roll film back and Xenar (a guess as it's f4.7) which would be roughly £120 or more if bought separately, then that leaves £146.

On that basis my realistic comparative price of £150-£200 for an MPP is about right especially as the Mk VII is the best model followed by the Mk VIII.

So this much earlier model is roughly twice the price you paid, although it's possibly been restored.

My rough comparison is Speed & Crown Graphics, reasonable condition prices (often with a lens), US $150-$300 (£95 -£180), MPP's Mk VII £150-£200, Linhof £300 minimum. Things like Super Graphics and the Toyo, Rittrek/Wista's etc vary wildly in price you can be lucky and pay £300 usually more though.

I've left out Busch Pressman's and Meridian's as they are less common and the Pressman has a snmall lens board & is a pain with modern WA lenses.

You made a Typo, total Duty & VAT on an camera or lens (& postage) imported from the US is around 21% at the moment, I was lucky and paid none on my 3 Graphics and also Busch Pressman.

So you did exactly the right thing in waiting and getting a good fair priced deal. My comments were more about the rather high UK prices some people are selling for on ebay.

Ian

[davkt]

You made a Typo, total Duty & VAT on an camera or lens (& postage) imported from the US is around 21% at the moment, I was lucky and paid none on my 3 Graphics and also Busch Pressman.

And don't forget the Parcel Force/DHL/UPS etc ransom fee once they have paid the tax on you behalf, can easily add a few more percent!

[Fourtoes]

Yep I know £300 is a bit cheeky but you never know. Nothing ventured nothing gained.

[engl]

Well you'll notice I said MPP's fetch more realistic prices as a kit, and that's exactly what you bought, take out the Roll film back and Xenar (a guess as it's f4.7) which would be roughly £120 or more if bought separately, then that leaves £146.

On that basis my realistic comparative price of £150-£200 for an MPP is about right especially as the Mk VII is the best model followed by the Mk VIII.

So this much earlier model is roughly twice the price you paid, although it's possibly been restored.

My rough comparison is Speed & Crown Graphics, reasonable condition prices (often with a lens), US $150-$300 (£95 -£180), MPP's Mk VII £150-£200, Linhof £300 minimum. Things like Super Graphics and the Toyo, Rittrek/Wista's etc vary wildly in price you can be lucky and pay £300 usually more though.

I've left out Busch Pressman's and Meridian's as they are less common and the Pressman has a snmall lens board & is a pain with modern WA lenses.

You made a Typo, total Duty & VAT on an camera or lens (& postage) imported from the US is around 21% at the moment, I was lucky and paid none on my 3 Graphics and also Busch Pressman.

So you did exactly the right thing in waiting and getting a good fair priced deal. My comments were more about the rather high UK prices some people are selling for on ebay.

Ian

Okay I see, I did not notice the later message, but the message I replied to was about comparing MPP prices to those of other cameras. MPP cameras seem like bargains to me compared with paying total 200-250£ for an imported Crown Graphic (which is the camera I had before).

About VAT, actually, Im not in the UK but Sweden. We have a higher VAT here, 25%. Customs is another 2-3%, to the total is around 27%. This will be added to the final cost (including shipping) whenever buying from outside of Europe, but I have never had anything added when buying from eBay sellers in Europe.

[IanG]

The £ seemed to imply you were in the UK, apologies

Juggling the Vat/Import duties is getting worse. the UK's set for a 2.5% rise at the end of the year.

With your Vat even higher it becomes a more critical factor.

Ian

[Fourtoes]

Didnt sell, oh well.

[bbjorkum]

I'm pretty sure the red leather on your camera is not the original one. It looks rather rough compared to the finish these cameras usually have.

.-) Bjarte

[IanG]

Didnt sell, oh well.

It's difficult selling to get a good price. Some MPP's get listed with low starting prices and fetch well over £300, it all depends who's looking and bidding.

I was given some MPP dark-slides a couple of years ago, I asked where the camera was and got told it had been given away no-one wanted them any more

Ian

[Fourtoes]

Bjarte - actually the leather/ette covering is in very good condition and is far from rough.

Ian - yep totally agree, just thought I'd chance my arm at that price. I relisted it as a lower ish buy it now with offers. I'm in no rush so if it sells it sells.