I've always purchased photography equipment new, except when looking for a specific unique item that had already been discontinued. Into the latter category fell a few lenses. Carol Flutot performed her CLAC magic on some of them but, for a couple of others, I decided to buy brand new Copal shutters, transferring the cells and scales. The last time I did that was two years ago.
Since then, prices have skyrocketed. If you're going to stockpile, consider used, because this is what new ones cost now:
and (be sure you're sitting down)
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