Re: I can't believe how pricing has dropped on MF gear

Excellent points Bob !

Bob Monaghan wrote:

> see http://medfmt.8k.com/brondejavu.html on camera price inflation
>
> hasselblad lens prices esp. inflated in US$ terms much faster than
> 1970s/80s inflation over a decade+ period, resulting in a huge cost
> increase. 
>
> Buyers of the older C series lenses often had them for $250-400
> or so new in 1950s and 1960s, used them 30+ years, now selling and getting
> $$ back (well, dollarettes back ;-).
>
> the mfger is no longer guaranteeing availability of repair parts for older
> C series lenses, so many pros are dumping the older backup lenses for
> newer models for which parts are available (i.e., newer shutter model
> etc.).  Zeiss also doesn't have replacement elements available for some
> older lenses now etc. So this has reduced the valuations with hasselblad.
>
> so the situation has changed, in that the older lenses are no longer
> repairable and supportable as in past, which greatly impacts pro
> valuations of these lenses, and is leading to a selloff IMHO by pros too
>
> Final factor is low cost new cameras, such as $750 USA warranty mamiya
> 645E with lens etc; makes it hard to pay top $$ for older gear as in past;
> this is about half cost of just a few years ago, thanks to chinese
> factory and reduced markups etc. in USA.
>
> and lots of photographers are changing careers in the economic downturn...
>
> my $.02 
>
> bobm
>