I have been watching LF cameras on e-bay since I got into LF last spring and for the life of me I can't figure out what drives camera prices!
I started out by building a 4x5 monorail which cost me under $200
When I watch the sales on e-bay over half a year, I see cameras go in three distinct price ranges:
The least expensive are the older wooden cameras that end up selling between $150 and $250, sometimes even including a basic lens.
The next group seem to have some "collector value" or some other mysterious appeal and sell in the $500 to $800 range, even thought the appear to be in similar condition to the cheaper cameras, appear to be equally functional, and don't seem to have anything to differentiate them from the bottom of the line $150 cameras.
The last group is the "in demand" cameras that sell for $1500 to $2000. Again, they don't seem to differ in function or condition from the $150 cameras. Names like Deardorff automatically command high prices.
Can some of you more worldy-wise enlighten me on the difference between a $150 wooden camera and a $1500 wooden camera?
Since I am looking for a profitable hobby for retirement, maybe I should consider giving Wisner a run for their money? ;-)
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