Are unconventional buying practices affecting the median values of used gear

Stavri · 02-27-2015, 11:55 AM

I't seems that more and more users are disclosing prices of gear bought in thrift stores, craigslist, garage sales, estate sale you name it during their reviews in the database. While I share their excitement on such bargains of gear that might otherwise see neglect, I feel that their disclosures are bringing the used price median values down considerably. I for one make a habit of not disclosing my unusual purchase prices (or methods) and I'd like to hear other peoples opinions on the matter.

**jatrax** · 02-27-2015, 12:07 PM

It's what they paid for it. What do you think they should answer?

timb64 · 02-27-2015, 12:08 PM

Is your concern for buyers or sellers?From my point of view ,the more transparency in the market,(i.e. information about sale prices)the better.

vonBaloney · 02-27-2015, 12:10 PM

Yes, that's true, but to put it bluntly, so what? What's going to happen? Maybe someone will expect to get a low price on a lens that should have a higher price? Big deal, they won't buy it -- they aren't really in the market for it anyway probably except at their fantasy price. I don't think it really affects the true potential buyer who is smart enough to know what it is actually worth in the marketplace when you aren't counting on getting a random deal from a lucky find somewhere...

**geomez** · 02-27-2015, 12:12 PM

I feel that the prices of used K-mount lenses has gone down quite a bit in the last couple years. I've done a lot of buying and selling on the PF marketplace and ebay and the sales prices of the kind of stuff I've bought and sold in the past is considerably lower now. It's pretty discouraging considering I have about ten lenses and a couple tripods I'm hoping to list in the near future.
That said, I think buying and selling used gear in the digital age hasn't changed much. As long as I've been on PF people have been joyously disclosing the bargains they've managed to get on used gear. So I for one disagree with your theory.

**boriscleto** · 02-27-2015, 12:16 PM

Just yesterday someone resurrected a thread from 2008 about prices of used lenses going up...

normhead · 02-27-2015, 12:17 PM

I like hearing when others get bargains. It gives me hope. I will never pay the asking price of so many of these used lenses, the only way I'll ever get one is if I see it at the Sally Ann or something.

Stavri · 02-27-2015, 12:18 PM

Originally posted by timb64

Is your concern for buyers or sellers?From my point of view ,the more transparency in the market,(i.e. information about sale prices)the better.

I'm all for transparency but I don't think a Goodwill deal on a bunch of lenses reflects their value but should be categorized as a lucky find. I believe that the value of gear should be determined between two informed parties. As an example the latest review of the -F 50mm f1.7 (one of my favorite lenses) state its value as $30, a thrift store purchase non-including the PZ-10 camera attached to it. Although the market price values here at the forum vary I've never seen a -F 50mm f1.7 sell for that much. I personally think the price should be left blank or n/a. The lucky finders should get their own thread on detailing such exploits.

Does this graph make sense?

jayman_1975 · 02-27-2015, 12:22 PM

Those sorts of deals are only available once and awhile and only to those in the right place at the right time. I can guarantee you that in the place I live, I will never come across a garage sale/craigslist/estate sale and make a once in a lifetime score on pentax gear. That being said, I'll be paying going used rates available on this site and a few others. I'm sure there are lots of people in my boat as well.

**monochrome** · 02-27-2015, 12:23 PM

At the same time, I don't think an A*85/1.4 isn't really valued at $1699, except to the person who hits the Buy It Now button.

**jatrax** · 02-27-2015, 12:33 PM

Originally posted by Stavri

I personally think the price should be left blank or n/a. The lucky finders should get their own thread on detailing such exploits.

And how do they all know they are 'lucky'? If someone is knowledgeable and watches prices, yes they know roughly what the going price is. But someone who does not buy and sell and just picks up a lens at the thrift store may not realize they got a deal. If they paid $10 they paid $10, that's it.

You could also complain about reviewers giving an old FA zoom lens a glowing 10 when it's really a piece of cr#p but they are excited about it. It's a 10 to them, so that's what it is.

And why is

Originally posted by Stavri

their disclosures are bringing the used price median values down considerably

this an issue? Lower prices are a good thing. Unless you have a stash of FF lens you've been hoarding waiting to make a killing when the FF comes out.

Stavri · 02-27-2015, 12:39 PM

Originally posted by jatrax

And how do they all know they are 'lucky'? If someone is knowledgeable and watches prices, yes they know roughly what the going price is. But someone who does not buy and sell and just picks up a lens at the thrift store may not realize they got a deal. If they paid $10 they paid $10, that's it.

You could also complain about reviewers giving an old FA zoom lens a glowing 10 when it's really a piece of cr#p but they are excited about it. It's a 10 to them, so that's what it is.

And why is this an issue? Lower prices are a good thing. Unless you have a stash of FF lens you've been hoarding waiting to make a killing when the FF comes out.

...you got me

After I sell all my -F glass and left with no lenses, I'll buy the FF and just stare at it for hours.

mrNewt · 02-27-2015, 12:53 PM

I think price transparency is a good thing.
It helps potential buyers... it lets them know that an item that they saw in a newspaper can (or cannot) be purchased for less if they do a little bit of shopping around.

Stavri · 02-27-2015, 12:56 PM

Originally posted by mrNewt

I think price transparency is a good thing.
It helps potential buyers... it lets them know that an item that they saw in a newspaper can (or cannot) be purchased for less if they do a little bit of shopping around.

If I go by the lowest point in the graph, one will have to wait a long time for the -F 50mm f1.7 to drop to $12

mrNewt · 02-27-2015, 12:59 PM

Originally posted by Stavri

If I go by the lowest point in the graph, one will have to wait a long time for the -F 50mm f1.7 to drop to $12

A smart buyer will average... and not wait for miracles to happen all the time

.

I once got a Chinon 50mm 1.7 for $10 CAD at my local used equipment Henry store.
Deals sometimes do happen... rare... but they do and give hope.

02-27-2015, 11:55 AM	#1
Stavri Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: at a Bean & Leaf Photos: Albums Posts: 1,832	Are unconventional buying practices affecting the median values of used gear I't seems that more and more users are disclosing prices of gear bought in thrift stores, craigslist, garage sales, estate sale you name it during their reviews in the database. While I share their excitement on such bargains of gear that might otherwise see neglect, I feel that their disclosures are bringing the used price median values down considerably. I for one make a habit of not disclosing my unusual purchase prices (or methods) and I'd like to hear other peoples opinions on the matter.

02-27-2015, 12:18 PM	#8
Stavri Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: at a Bean & Leaf Photos: Albums Posts: 1,832 Original Poster	Originally posted by timb64 Is your concern for buyers or sellers?From my point of view ,the more transparency in the market,(i.e. information about sale prices)the better. I'm all for transparency but I don't think a Goodwill deal on a bunch of lenses reflects their value but should be categorized as a lucky find. I believe that the value of gear should be determined between two informed parties. As an example the latest review of the -F 50mm f1.7 (one of my favorite lenses) state its value as $30, a thrift store purchase non-including the PZ-10 camera attached to it. Although the market price values here at the forum vary I've never seen a -F 50mm f1.7 sell for that much. I personally think the price should be left blank or n/a. The lucky finders should get their own thread on detailing such exploits. Does this graph make sense? Attached Images Last edited by Stavri; 02-27-2015 at 12:32 PM.

02-27-2015, 12:39 PM	#12
Stavri Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: at a Bean & Leaf Photos: Albums Posts: 1,832 Original Poster	Originally posted by jatrax And how do they all know they are 'lucky'? If someone is knowledgeable and watches prices, yes they know roughly what the going price is. But someone who does not buy and sell and just picks up a lens at the thrift store may not realize they got a deal. If they paid $10 they paid $10, that's it. You could also complain about reviewers giving an old FA zoom lens a glowing 10 when it's really a piece of cr#p but they are excited about it. It's a 10 to them, so that's what it is. And why is this an issue? Lower prices are a good thing. Unless you have a stash of FF lens you've been hoarding waiting to make a killing when the FF comes out. ...you got me After I sell all my -F glass and left with no lenses, I'll buy the FF and just stare at it for hours. Last edited by Stavri; 02-27-2015 at 12:54 PM.

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02-27-2015, 12:07 PM	#2
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	It's what they paid for it. What do you think they should answer?

02-27-2015, 12:08 PM	#3
timb64 Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: /Situation : Doing my best to avoid idiots! Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,510	Is your concern for buyers or sellers?From my point of view ,the more transparency in the market,(i.e. information about sale prices)the better.

02-27-2015, 12:10 PM	#4
vonBaloney Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 6,029	Yes, that's true, but to put it bluntly, so what? What's going to happen? Maybe someone will expect to get a low price on a lens that should have a higher price? Big deal, they won't buy it -- they aren't really in the market for it anyway probably except at their fantasy price. I don't think it really affects the true potential buyer who is smart enough to know what it is actually worth in the marketplace when you aren't counting on getting a random deal from a lucky find somewhere...

02-27-2015, 12:12 PM	#5
geomez Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Roanoke, Virginia, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,760	I feel that the prices of used K-mount lenses has gone down quite a bit in the last couple years. I've done a lot of buying and selling on the PF marketplace and ebay and the sales prices of the kind of stuff I've bought and sold in the past is considerably lower now. It's pretty discouraging considering I have about ten lenses and a couple tripods I'm hoping to list in the near future. That said, I think buying and selling used gear in the digital age hasn't changed much. As long as I've been on PF people have been joyously disclosing the bargains they've managed to get on used gear. So I for one disagree with your theory.

02-27-2015, 12:16 PM	#6
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	Just yesterday someone resurrected a thread from 2008 about prices of used lenses going up...

02-27-2015, 12:17 PM	#7
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	I like hearing when others get bargains. It gives me hope. I will never pay the asking price of so many of these used lenses, the only way I'll ever get one is if I see it at the Sally Ann or something.

02-27-2015, 12:22 PM	#9
jayman_1975 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 385	Those sorts of deals are only available once and awhile and only to those in the right place at the right time. I can guarantee you that in the place I live, I will never come across a garage sale/craigslist/estate sale and make a once in a lifetime score on pentax gear. That being said, I'll be paying going used rates available on this site and a few others. I'm sure there are lots of people in my boat as well.

02-27-2015, 12:23 PM	#10
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	At the same time, I don't think an A*85/1.4 isn't really valued at $1699, except to the person who hits the Buy It Now button.

02-27-2015, 12:33 PM	#11
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Originally posted by Stavri I personally think the price should be left blank or n/a. The lucky finders should get their own thread on detailing such exploits. And how do they all know they are 'lucky'? If someone is knowledgeable and watches prices, yes they know roughly what the going price is. But someone who does not buy and sell and just picks up a lens at the thrift store may not realize they got a deal. If they paid $10 they paid $10, that's it. You could also complain about reviewers giving an old FA zoom lens a glowing 10 when it's really a piece of cr#p but they are excited about it. It's a 10 to them, so that's what it is. And why is Originally posted by Stavri their disclosures are bringing the used price median values down considerably this an issue? Lower prices are a good thing. Unless you have a stash of FF lens you've been hoarding waiting to make a killing when the FF comes out.

02-27-2015, 12:53 PM	#13
mrNewt Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: ON, RH Posts: 2,181	I think price transparency is a good thing. It helps potential buyers... it lets them know that an item that they saw in a newspaper can (or cannot) be purchased for less if they do a little bit of shopping around.

02-27-2015, 12:56 PM	#14
Stavri Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: at a Bean & Leaf Photos: Albums Posts: 1,832 Original Poster	Originally posted by mrNewt I think price transparency is a good thing. It helps potential buyers... it lets them know that an item that they saw in a newspaper can (or cannot) be purchased for less if they do a little bit of shopping around. If I go by the lowest point in the graph, one will have to wait a long time for the -F 50mm f1.7 to drop to $12

02-27-2015, 12:59 PM	#15
mrNewt Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: ON, RH Posts: 2,181	Originally posted by Stavri If I go by the lowest point in the graph, one will have to wait a long time for the -F 50mm f1.7 to drop to $12 A smart buyer will average... and not wait for miracles to happen all the time . I once got a Chinon 50mm 1.7 for $10 CAD at my local used equipment Henry store. Deals sometimes do happen... rare... but they do and give hope.