Are used camera and lens prices falling faster than we realize?

**UncleVanya** · 12-24-2022, 12:32 PM

Film prices and film camera process are soaring locally.

**Rondec** · 12-25-2022, 03:50 AM

I think it really comes down to a shrinking market. On one hand, a lot of people have moved to mainly shooting with their phones. On the other hand, SLRs are being abandoned for "better" MILCs. The end result is to have a bunch of gear dumped on the market that is perceived as old and out of date, even though for the majority of users it would be more than adequate to shoot with.

Maybe a last thing at this moment is that inflation has really driven down the amount of free cash that Americans have to drop on hobbies. If you buy gas or groceries, your paycheck just doesn't go as far...

**jersey** · 12-29-2022, 07:03 AM

Dunno about US, but here in Poland prices are falling, interest too. I was trying to sell my Limited primes, set them up for sale for slightly below 1/2 of new prices. Buyers were asking for 1/3 or 1/4 even on lenses with warranty. If you count in inflation the loss will be even bigger. At this point I wonder if I should keep them even as dust gatherers. Maybe after crisis it will go back up, maybe not.

**Kerrowdown** · 12-29-2022, 02:49 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by gatorguy

Are used camera and lens prices falling faster than we realise?

I'm still too busy using mine, to worry about such things...

And the Harem certainly doesn't wish to know it's getting cheap.

reh321 · 01-01-2023, 05:25 AM - **1 Like**

At a generic {non-brand specific}, photo discussion web-site, when I defended Pentax’s decision to investigate building film camera(s) again, I was told that (D)SLR is old technology, that Pentax is at least seven years behind Nikon. That attitude cannot be helpful to the sales of any brand’s DSLR.

Lord Lucan · 01-01-2023, 09:27 AM

It is not just because of mirrorless. Nothing much is selling, not cameras, lenses, other photo gear like flashguns, or anything else. I have had a variety of things on Ebay and most do not even get a page view, so I have given up for the time being, and some of those things have now been tossed into the ~~dustbin~~ recycling bin.

With the postal strikes in the UK my nearest village has lost it's mobile post office (probably for ever) and my next option for despatching a parcel would be to drive some distance into town. WIth the extra time and expense involved It has ceased to be worth selling anything under a certain value.

pschlute · 01-02-2023, 01:10 PM

Originally posted by reh321

At a generic {non-brand specific}, photo discussion web-site, when I defended Pentax’s decision to investigate building film camera(s) again, I was told that (D)SLR is old technology, that Pentax is at least seven years behind Nikon. That attitude cannot be helpful to the sales of any brand’s DSLR.

How can Pentax be behind a manufacturer (Nikon) that is no longer making DSLR ?

reh321 · 01-02-2023, 07:04 PM

Originally posted by pschlute

How can Pentax be behind a manufacturer (Nikon) that is no longer making DSLR ?

This person was saying that Pentax users keep comparing Pentax cameras to Nikon cameras - like the D500 and the D850 - of the past.

Jonathan Mac · 01-03-2023, 07:24 AM

Originally posted by pschlute

How can Pentax be behind a manufacturer (Nikon) that is no longer making DSLR ?

Nikon claim to still be making several DSLRs, just not developing more.

D3500
D7200
D780
D850

I think, from memory

**robgski** · 01-06-2023, 08:45 PM

I bought two used lenses in December, and received two lenses as gifts, the last thing on my mind right now is buying used gear.

gatorguy · 01-07-2023, 05:21 AM

Originally posted by robgski

I bought two used lenses in December, and received two lenses as gifts, the last thing on my mind right now is buying used gear.

I sold my old K70 for $275 recently, and have regretted it ever since. Great camera that I miss enough to almost immediately turn around and buy another for almost $100 more.

By the way, I've already sold the Sigma 500 4.5 (too unbalanced and less useful than I expected) for roughly $300 more than I paid, and to a reseller who will certainly at least double the price he paid me. For that particular lens I DID get a true bargain. But the other gear seems to be close to what stuff is currently selling for.

I with ya on lenses and cameras, I'm going to stop even looking and be tempted. I'm set unless a bargain price DFA21 falls in my lap. But there are some very good prices out there on well-cared for stuff for a patient buyer.

pschlute · 01-07-2023, 06:34 AM

Originally posted by gatorguy

I sold my old K70 for $275 recently, and have regretted it ever since

The one item I regret selling is the FA 24-90 3.5/4.5. I sold it because I had bought the K-1 with the D-FA 24-70 2.8. The older FA lens was lighter and would have made a better "walkabout" lens. Plus the extra 20mm of FL would have been handy.

I may buy one again at some point.

reh321 · 01-07-2023, 06:49 AM

Originally posted by gatorguy

I sold my old K70 for $275 recently, and have regretted it ever since. Great camera that I miss enough to almost immediately turn around and buy another for almost $100 more.

By the way, I've already sold the Sigma 500 4.5 (too unbalanced and less useful than I expected) for roughly $300 more than I paid, and to a reseller who will certainly at least double the price he paid me. For that particular lens I DID get a true bargain. But the other gear seems to be close to what stuff is currently selling for.

I with ya on lenses and cameras, I'm going to stop even looking and be tempted. I'm set unless a bargain price DFA21 falls in my lap. But there are some very good prices out there on well-cared for stuff for a patient buyer.

I won’t look simply because I don’t need anything right now, regardless of what prices are. If their prices are acceptable, I will consider a Pentax film pocketable, since I haven’t been able to locate the Olympus camera I know is around here somewhere.

whojammyflip · 02-18-2023, 01:38 PM

I was interested as to whether falling prices for Pentax kit had been discussed on Pentaxforums and found this thread. A Pentax DA 40mm went yesterday on Ebay for GBP 75. Strikes me that folks are abandoning Pentax. Its quite sad, I really rate Pentax kit.

**StiffLegged** · 02-18-2023, 03:02 PM

Originally posted by whojammyflip

I was interested as to whether falling prices for Pentax kit had been discussed on Pentaxforums and found this thread. A Pentax DA 40mm went yesterday on Ebay for GBP 75. Strikes me that folks are abandoning Pentax. Its quite sad, I really rate Pentax kit.

Someone got a bargain then. Others sold on eBay for about double that in GBP since the turn of the year, sometimes even more. I find Pentax lenses – the ones I'd be interested in – tend to keep their value. This is annoying for someone on the lookout for a truly cheap, working 20-40mm DA Limited.

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12-24-2022, 12:32 PM	#31
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,401	Film prices and film camera process are soaring locally.

12-25-2022, 03:50 AM	#32
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,652	I think it really comes down to a shrinking market. On one hand, a lot of people have moved to mainly shooting with their phones. On the other hand, SLRs are being abandoned for "better" MILCs. The end result is to have a bunch of gear dumped on the market that is perceived as old and out of date, even though for the majority of users it would be more than adequate to shoot with. Maybe a last thing at this moment is that inflation has really driven down the amount of free cash that Americans have to drop on hobbies. If you buy gas or groceries, your paycheck just doesn't go as far...

12-29-2022, 07:03 AM	#33
jersey Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: 3City agglomeration Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,056	Dunno about US, but here in Poland prices are falling, interest too. I was trying to sell my Limited primes, set them up for sale for slightly below 1/2 of new prices. Buyers were asking for 1/3 or 1/4 even on lenses with warranty. If you count in inflation the loss will be even bigger. At this point I wonder if I should keep them even as dust gatherers. Maybe after crisis it will go back up, maybe not.

12-29-2022, 02:49 PM - 2 Likes	#34
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,816	Originally posted by gatorguy Are used camera and lens prices falling faster than we realise? I'm still too busy using mine, to worry about such things... And the Harem certainly doesn't wish to know it's getting cheap.

01-01-2023, 05:25 AM - 1 Like	#35
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,177	At a generic {non-brand specific}, photo discussion web-site, when I defended Pentax’s decision to investigate building film camera(s) again, I was told that (D)SLR is old technology, that Pentax is at least seven years behind Nikon. That attitude cannot be helpful to the sales of any brand’s DSLR.

01-01-2023, 09:27 AM	#36
Lord Lucan Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: South Wales Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,961	It is not just because of mirrorless. Nothing much is selling, not cameras, lenses, other photo gear like flashguns, or anything else. I have had a variety of things on Ebay and most do not even get a page view, so I have given up for the time being, and some of those things have now been tossed into the ~~dustbin~~ recycling bin. With the postal strikes in the UK my nearest village has lost it's mobile post office (probably for ever) and my next option for despatching a parcel would be to drive some distance into town. WIth the extra time and expense involved It has ceased to be worth selling anything under a certain value.

01-02-2023, 01:10 PM	#37
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,198	Originally posted by reh321 At a generic {non-brand specific}, photo discussion web-site, when I defended Pentax’s decision to investigate building film camera(s) again, I was told that (D)SLR is old technology, that Pentax is at least seven years behind Nikon. That attitude cannot be helpful to the sales of any brand’s DSLR. How can Pentax be behind a manufacturer (Nikon) that is no longer making DSLR ?

01-02-2023, 07:04 PM	#38
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,177	Originally posted by pschlute How can Pentax be behind a manufacturer (Nikon) that is no longer making DSLR ? This person was saying that Pentax users keep comparing Pentax cameras to Nikon cameras - like the D500 and the D850 - of the past.

01-03-2023, 07:24 AM	#39
Jonathan Mac Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Madrid, Spain Posts: 10,894	Originally posted by pschlute How can Pentax be behind a manufacturer (Nikon) that is no longer making DSLR ? Nikon claim to still be making several DSLRs, just not developing more. D3500 D7200 D780 D850 I think, from memory

01-06-2023, 08:45 PM	#40
robgski Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,796	I bought two used lenses in December, and received two lenses as gifts, the last thing on my mind right now is buying used gear.

01-07-2023, 05:21 AM	#41
gatorguy Moderator Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Central Florida Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,092 Original Poster	Originally posted by robgski I bought two used lenses in December, and received two lenses as gifts, the last thing on my mind right now is buying used gear. I sold my old K70 for $275 recently, and have regretted it ever since. Great camera that I miss enough to almost immediately turn around and buy another for almost $100 more. By the way, I've already sold the Sigma 500 4.5 (too unbalanced and less useful than I expected) for roughly $300 more than I paid, and to a reseller who will certainly at least double the price he paid me. For that particular lens I DID get a true bargain. But the other gear seems to be close to what stuff is currently selling for. I with ya on lenses and cameras, I'm going to stop even looking and be tempted. I'm set unless a bargain price DFA21 falls in my lap. But there are some very good prices out there on well-cared for stuff for a patient buyer.

01-07-2023, 06:34 AM	#42
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,198	Originally posted by gatorguy I sold my old K70 for $275 recently, and have regretted it ever since The one item I regret selling is the FA 24-90 3.5/4.5. I sold it because I had bought the K-1 with the D-FA 24-70 2.8. The older FA lens was lighter and would have made a better "walkabout" lens. Plus the extra 20mm of FL would have been handy. I may buy one again at some point.

01-07-2023, 06:49 AM	#43
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,177	Originally posted by gatorguy I sold my old K70 for $275 recently, and have regretted it ever since. Great camera that I miss enough to almost immediately turn around and buy another for almost $100 more. By the way, I've already sold the Sigma 500 4.5 (too unbalanced and less useful than I expected) for roughly $300 more than I paid, and to a reseller who will certainly at least double the price he paid me. For that particular lens I DID get a true bargain. But the other gear seems to be close to what stuff is currently selling for. I with ya on lenses and cameras, I'm going to stop even looking and be tempted. I'm set unless a bargain price DFA21 falls in my lap. But there are some very good prices out there on well-cared for stuff for a patient buyer. I won’t look simply because I don’t need anything right now, regardless of what prices are. If their prices are acceptable, I will consider a Pentax film pocketable, since I haven’t been able to locate the Olympus camera I know is around here somewhere.

02-18-2023, 01:38 PM	#44
whojammyflip Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 417	I was interested as to whether falling prices for Pentax kit had been discussed on Pentaxforums and found this thread. A Pentax DA 40mm went yesterday on Ebay for GBP 75. Strikes me that folks are abandoning Pentax. Its quite sad, I really rate Pentax kit.

02-18-2023, 03:02 PM	#45
StiffLegged Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2018 Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,616	Originally posted by whojammyflip I was interested as to whether falling prices for Pentax kit had been discussed on Pentaxforums and found this thread. A Pentax DA 40mm went yesterday on Ebay for GBP 75. Strikes me that folks are abandoning Pentax. Its quite sad, I really rate Pentax kit. Someone got a bargain then. Others sold on eBay for about double that in GBP since the turn of the year, sometimes even more. I find Pentax lenses – the ones I'd be interested in – tend to keep their value. This is annoying for someone on the lookout for a truly cheap, working 20-40mm DA Limited.