The value of large format cameras

[Joseph O'Neil]

If anyone ever doubted the true value of large format cameras in relation to other cameras, look at these numbers from the government of Canada official surplus sales page:

used film Nikon with lens- $100
https://www.gcsurplus.ca/mn-eng.cfm?...1&sf=ferm-clos

used DGITIAL Nikon SLRs, with NO lens 15 of them - $300 for all of them

https://www.gcsurplus.ca/mn-eng.cfm?...1&sf=ferm-clos


used MF Hassleblad with lens - $150

https://www.gcsurplus.ca/mn-eng.cfm?...1&sf=ferm-clos

another used Hassy with more accessories - $250

https://www.gcsurplus.ca/mn-eng.cfm?...1&sf=ferm-clos

and then....

Used large format Lindhof, 4x5 sheet film camera with one lens - minimum bid starting at $1,500.00

https://www.gcsurplus.ca/mn-eng.cfm?...1&sf=ferm-clos

So, for all those "naysayers' out there - not that we have any on this forum ( ) - if we assume actions speak louder than words, what does all that tell you about the value of your LF gear?

[darr]

Joseph, the auction ad on my end reads:

(Minimum Bid: 1,500.00)

1 (lot(s))
Description:
Linhof Cameras and Accessories

(1) Linhof camera, model: Technika 4 x 5
Series: 2151063 (with accessories -please see photos)

(1) Linhof Studio camera, model: Kardan-Master 4 x 5 (L-System), Series: 6821112.
with accessories (small lenses, protective, framing etc.) please see photos.

(1) Linhof lens, Technika Sironar Rodenstock 1:5.6, f = 150mm Series: 9216458.

(1) Linhof lens, Technika Luminar 1:6,3 Series: 4618743.

(2) Lindhof Super Rollex 56 x 72 , series: 1155144, 1151641.

(1)Lindhof Cine Rollex 56 x 72, series: 1441114.

(1) Linhof Viewfinder

*** Serviceable, may require repairs ***

Linhof Cameras and Accessories

That is more than one camera and one lens!

[Ed Kelsey]

It's a pittance compared to digital.

[Jay DeFehr]

Joe,

I'm afraid those links don't tell us much; too small a sample size. The Linhof lot includes two cameras and at least two lenses, by the way.

A used Leica camera recently sold at auction for $100,000

Here's a used DSLR for $10,000.

Here's a used Hassy for $5,000+.

And you can get a brand new 4x5 field camera for less than $800.

What does this tell us about the relative value of different kinds of cameras? Not much-- too small a sample size.

[Ben Syverson]

Linhof is overrated anyway. Linhof is what Leica shooters buy when they move into LF because they're so used to the idea of an expensive "best" brand. In reality, an inexpensive Super Graphic beats a Technika in every way that matters.

[Corran]

Different cameras for different needs...I have digital, 35mm, MF, LF...maybe ULF someday...

I just make pictures so what do I know.

[Letoco]

Linhof is overrated anyway. Linhof is what Leica shooters buy when they move into LF because they're so used to the idea of an expensive "best" brand. In reality, an inexpensive Super Graphic beats a Technika in every way that matters.

Right. Provided that very little from large format photography matters for you. :-)

[Frank Petronio]

Linhof is overrated anyway. Linhof is what Leica shooters buy when they move into LF because they're so used to the idea of an expensive "best" brand. In reality, an inexpensive Super Graphic beats a Technika in every way that matters.

Maybe you should actually try a Linhof before you insult a lot of good photographers?

Not that this thread deserves deep thinking, likely the OP was only making a wry assertion.

[Ben Syverson]

No insult intended to any Linhof shooters—I'm sure they're great machines. I've only played with one in a store, so what do I know!

[E. von Hoegh]

Linhof is overrated anyway. Linhof is what Leica shooters buy when they move into LF because they're so used to the idea of an expensive "best" brand. In reality, an inexpensive Super Graphic beats a Technika in every way that matters.

Really? Perhaps you'd care to list all those ways. I don't think you know what you're talking about.