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Post by lloyd528 on Mar 23, 2014 8:18:52 GMT -5
I just introduced myself and now I am ready to ask my first question. I have been using Collectiblend, Worthpoint and Ebay as my resources for estimating the value of a camera before I purchase it. Ebay always seems to post prices far in excess of the other two. Worthpoint seems to post values at the bottom of the three. I am interested in a Universal Univex A5 camera, on sale for $76. Two Ebayers are selling it for $100 and one for $75. Collectiblend and Worthpoint value the camera between $20 and $30. That is quite a discrepancy. How do I judge the "real" value more accurately? Is there a better website to make that judgement? I should really look at all the forums here to see if I am already in the right place but I thought I would ask out loud for starts.
Hope you can help me with this. Lloyd528
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 23, 2014 17:31:28 GMT -5
The best way is to search for that particular camera on Ebay and modify the search to include completed sales so you can see what they actually are selling for. I have found that often if the listing has a "Make Offer" option, seller will take as much as half what the listing says--especially if the item has been for sale for several weeks. Bottom line is any item is only worth as much as buyers are willing to pay.
W.
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Post by lloyd528 on Mar 23, 2014 20:51:16 GMT -5
Wayne, thanks for your advice. Have you ever used Worthpoint or Collectiblend? What is your opinion of those two websites. Do they tend to undervalue or do you feel they hit pretty close to the street value of cameras? Last question, is there a region in the U.S. where cameras are more of a bargain? I have been restricting my collection to cameras from 1895-1950 if that helps. Thanks again, Lloyd
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Post by Deleted on Mar 24, 2014 15:06:37 GMT -5
Lloyd:
I'm not familiar with the websites you mentioned. I'm not actively seeking any cameras unless a bargain happens to appear on our local Craig's List. I also could tell you what areas are likely to have the best camera deals. On one hand the more heavily populated urban areas may have more to pick from but I tend to think they might be cheaper in rural ares as there aren't as many potential buyers. I live in a rural area and some time ago got a Nikon F2 with f1.4 lens and a Vivitar 28-200 zoom for $80 and a near Mint Nikon FA with a Nikkor 35-105 lens for $60. I also picked up a Nikkormat FT3 with a 55mm F/1.2 Nikkor for $55 and sold the lens for about $300 on line. The FT3 was at an estate sale and the FA and F2 were on Craig's list. In all the cases the cameras started out being listed for at least twice what I actually paid for them. About the only pre WWII cameras I see are run-of-the-mill Kodak folders.
W.
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Post by philbirch on Aug 11, 2014 18:09:50 GMT -5
I just introduced myself and now I am ready to ask my first question. I have been using Collectiblend, Worthpoint and Ebay as my resources for estimating the value of a camera before I purchase it. Ebay always seems to post prices far in excess of the other two. Worthpoint seems to post values at the bottom of the three. I am interested in a Universal Univex A5 camera, on sale for $76. Two Ebayers are selling it for $100 and one for $75. Collectiblend and Worthpoint value the camera between $20 and $30. That is quite a discrepancy. How do I judge the "real" value more accurately? Is there a better website to make that judgement? I should really look at all the forums here to see if I am already in the right place but I thought I would ask out loud for starts. Hope you can help me with this. Lloyd528
HI resurrecting this old topic because its always difficult to value an old camera. The value of anything is how much the buyer is prepared to spend and and how little the seller is prepared to take for it. Collectiblend and worthpoint are both using McKeown's estimate as to this camera's value. I have two editions and it has the same value in both. The camera is not anything special, but made by a small American company in small numbers making them quite scarce. The most valuable of this series of cameras are those made for special events, Universal would make and print a special front plate with your club's name on it or the film or product you are promoting. These were very limited editions and can be worth $250 to $300 or more if it was a famous film or motoring merchandise. However for me, looking what ebay has sold it for in the past is my best guide. If ebay routinely sell these for $70 to $100, then I guess thats what it's worth.
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