Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/12/23
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Without taking it too far, all grading is subjective. I almost never grade anything 'mint' unless it is new-in-box, unopened, with cards, &c. It is better to list a really nice item as "E+++" and let the buyer be delighted. Better a lower price and happy customer, as this means repeat business. The battered stuff is where the problem arises. Most dealers list this stuff as "E-" so long as it works at all, which is a bit of a bother. "VG" would be, perhaps, a better grade, but most guys just don't put anything lower than "E-" if it functions in most ways. Look for the E- gear. It is better to attend camera shows, get to know the vendors, and let them know what you're looking for. (For instance, I have boxes of Kilfitt adapters and Exakta stuff I don't take to shows. And I generally have at least a boxload of stuff UNDER the table as I generally don't have room.) And get to know your local camera stores, so they'll call you first. I'm in an enviable position: I get referrals. When my local camera store can't come to terms with a seller, they give my name and I generally can work a lower-than-retail but higher-than-wholesale deal if I want the stuff for my own use. Truly, it CAN be Christmas-in-April when one of these deals comes through. And April is the best month for this, pace T S Eliot: folks are strapped for tax money and sell off the cameras. Marc msmall@roanoke.infi.net FAX: +540/343-7315 Cha robh bas fir gun ghras fir!