Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/01/17
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]>I found Ben's data MOST interesting though, alas!, the actual selling prices >seem to be far below this. Ben, does this data come from the 'Bug? Marc, about 30-40% come from SB, the rest come from the web, the news papers and free-classified rags in my area. I have to be careful in that a small number of minty examples can skew (screw) up my numbers. There are sources in the SB mag that I will not include (no names mentioned), but others are spot on. I include serial numbers with my data and use it really as a guide when buying things. When I see a completed trade on Usenet I usually query the seller as to price and condition - I get a serial number when they are willing. I don't try to participate in the collector market so the Mint prices are of little value to me. What I have learned is the relative value of the various features of these cameras (RD vs BD, ST, PV, etc.) Also I've gained a pretty solid feel for various dealers' rating systems, for what this is worth. This helps me to avoid getting "nailed" on a purchase. An interesting inventory is Woodmere. They are pretty consistant, although somewhat on the high side. You are right about actual selling prices. The adage about cash being king holds true in this market. I'm not trying to hit homeruns on deals - singles and doubles are much easier to find. If I can buy something $100-200 cheap, I know I have room to resell it. Patience seems to be the key. Regards, Ben W. Holmes Boulder, CO USA bholmes@frii.com