How to Value LF Equipment

[Islandor]

Hi, was curious as to why CollectiBlend is not mentioned as a source of finding estimated valuations? Are theirs way off or do you guys have any opinions about that site??

[Dan Fromm]

Poor coverage, data from auction houses catering to rich collectors, ... Not a good guide.

[Islandor]

Poor coverage, data from auction houses catering to rich collectors, ... Not a good guide.

That is interesting, I would have thought that valuations based on open auctions was a pretty decent way judging value, and I think they use eBay as well. Anybody else have opinions on it?

[goamules]

I've looked at that site over the years. Their prices always seem fairly high, but sometimes correct. That's their problem, they're all over the map. Uncommon lenses that only sell once every couple years may be that one lens that a collector want's, and pays $2,000 for a Lancaster Rapid Rectilinear. Or a Struss slips by because of a poor listing, for $300. If that's all the data they have, that becomes their "average price."

Look at the prices for the common and unloved Dallmeyer 3D: http://collectiblend.com/Lenses/Dall...-5cm-dia).html

Average $1000-1100
Very good $1400-1500
Mint $2400-2600

Yet the extremely desirable and most sought after Dallmeyer 3B is listed at:

Average $800-900
Very good $1200-1300
Mint $2000-2200

Would you want someone offering you $800 for a decent condition 3B, with patina and a bent focus knob?! Would you want to try to buy a 3D from a seller that say's it's "mint" and wants $2600?!

[Jac@stafford.net]

The word 'mint' should be banned from auctions, and 'minty' grounds for hanging.

[Alan Gales]

The word 'mint' should be banned from auctions, and 'minty' grounds for hanging.

I have sold a few mint condition items on Ebay. I skipped the "mint" word and just said that with my eyes I can't find anything wrong cosmetically with the item.

[unixrevolution]

I have sold a few mint condition items on Ebay. I skipped the "mint" word and just said that with my eyes I can't find anything wrong cosmetically with the item.

"Mint" should only be used to describe coins. Or maybe mints. But I would describe camera gear as either "New" or "Like New".

[Alan Gales]

"Mint" should only be used to describe coins. Or maybe mints. But I would describe camera gear as either "New" or "Like New".

Funny!



I did sell a camera once that was NOS ("New Old Stock"). It had been lost in a camera store stockroom and found many years later. I did ok on it. I don't think people believed me. Maybe I would have gotten more if I had listed it as "Mint".

[Willie]

The word 'mint' should be banned from auctions, and 'minty' grounds for hanging.

"Minty" should specify... peppermint, spearmint, etc.

[damonbates]

WOW thank you for all this. A great resource.