As to re-preciating I've semi restored a couple of LF cameras: one half plate, one 8x10 in progress. Neither are gee whiz cameras but they make me happy.
As to re-preciating I've semi restored a couple of LF cameras: one half plate, one 8x10 in progress. Neither are gee whiz cameras but they make me happy.
hi corran
i have done the same thing.
some of the plate/box cameras i use typically
cost about 20, maybe $30 when i bought them ...
i have been looking for septums for one ( supposed to have 12, came with 8 ), been looking for 15 years ...
i'd rather buy a camera so i don'thave to attempt to make my own ... anyways,
i have written articles and shown images in my blog and elsewhere from these junque cameras
and now unfortunately i can't afford to buy an extra junquer to use the septums .. trippled or 5x the price now ..
at least for the "upscale" model, the entry level clunquer model doesn't appear for sale much ..
but i am sure when it does there will be a tag " ultra rare " and somebody will buy it for $150-200 and have as fun with it.
you want these unloved things cheap but now they are loved and expensive, kind of like the 1972 rust bucket of a vw bug down the road,
the guy wants 15,000$ for something that has been parked in "salt air" and not run for 5-10 years... it used to be advertised as $150 "needs a little work"
( needs a little work used to be code for: sieized engine, flintstone mobile ( holes in floorboards ) rusted out heat channels, great for lawn sculpture or parts hog )
Counterpoint:
Seems to be a steady refrain that affordable, meaning almost free, gear is gone. I disagree, notice the 'Great Purge' thread here, where long term LFPF members 'have to clear' their abode. Purgers don't get top price as they are in a hurry. 'The End is Near' mentality. Others are good samaritans and give gear away to preserve the Art. I have bought out purgers, I have been given much but I also pay top dollar for something I want. Consider it as a whole and find what you spend on average.
How many people are throwing out film, prints and gear? Plenty as evidenced here.
We don't have industry numbers on film, chemistry and SG paper sales. Do we? We are missing data.
I added a new link to my sig below. A story about me 3 years ago. I have not changed my tune, and hope I don't as I endure frailties of age.
Tin Can
Tin Can
When's the last time you saw me post in the classified's? OK, now go see how often I post at all compared to before. 'nuff said. It affects the larger community. Lots of old timers losing interest.
Here is an idea! Prospective buyer puts money into a silo fund! They limit their exposure to the genre/items they wish to purchase. The rest of us gamble upon the likelihood of that occurring. I'm ready.
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