Originally posted by RGlasel This was an innovative, but not really pro level rangefinder camera in the sixties and seventies, surely you bought it to put on a shelf, not use it for photography. If the exterior isn't damaged, I would say you got your money's worth. If you don't agree, send it back USPS in the same bag. Unless the bag gets torn and opens up, it provides as much protection as a foam filled hard case.
I bought it to use and I have dim view of "shelf" collectors (see below).
I'm running some slide film through it today and tomorrow. I'll send it to Swan in San Clemente to be processed on Monday.
According to the research I've done, the Electro's six-element Yashinon f/1.7 45mm lens is held in universally high regard, the metering is solid, and it's one of the most underrated rangefinder bargains one can find. Unfortunately, it appears their popularity is growing (see below). Finding one in black is very difficult. The Electro 35 GSN was the first 35mm camera I ever bought. I bought it from a family friend after saving up money over a summer of washing dishes in a truck stop on Krome Ave in Florida when I was thirteen. It was silver. The silver one is the one I wanted to re-acquire. It was 1976.
A year later that same family friend was switching the B&W room of his photo lab over to color (B&W was no longer popular enough to continue servicing in 1977 for many photo labs). He sold me all the gear from his B&W lab for $500.00. I worked a lot that summer of my fifteenth year. It wasn't till much later, years, that I fully grasped how little he asked for it and what a gift it really was; illustrated to me how rewarding a good work ethic should be. That Electro 35 and that darkroom took a lot of abuse back then and instilled a love of photography that just wouldn't go away. I have wonderful memories of my hours in the darkroom watching the B&W images I captured with that Electro 35 slowly appear in the developer tray.
Sorry about the nostalgia trip, thanks for letting me vent earlier, and the insight is much appreciated.
When I get them back I'll scan the slides on my cheapo flatbed and post some pix .
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A personal note on collecting for, "the shelf"
I come from a working class family. I support union labor for the working class and I don't buy things that can't be used. I have a rather dim view of "collectors" as their dalliances drive prices up. They take note of everything that makes those who are less financially fortunate happy and immediately want it for themselves for no other reason than to possess something that makes someone else appear happier than their station in life should allow, thereby driving prices up.
I told you I have a dim view of them. Really dim.
---------- Post added 03-29-2014 at 07:45 PM ----------
Originally posted by ChrisPlatt That's absurd, and unfortunately all too many sellers believe it's good enough.
Chris
Agreed.
---------- Post added 03-29-2014 at 08:28 PM ----------
Originally posted by 6BQ5 Wow! Interesting situation!
Without seeing the packaging it's hard for us to guess what kind of forces the camera had to endure. USPS is not always gentle with how they handle packages but if there was enough bubble wrap and if it was tight enough around everything then the package may have just harmless bounced and skidded around, dissipating the forces through motion and squirming. Can you post a picture of everything?
If you can prove that the camera sustained damage due to poor shipping methods then you are golden. Buyers nearly always win on eBay in disputes. However, that means you have to run a roll of film through it. If your pictures come out with light leaks or whatever then you have proof. I always felt that most Yashica cameras are pretty tough and would make excellent self defense weapons if necessary.
I believe that you can still leave negative feedback for anyone regardless of their seller status. They cannot retaliate. If you're feeling kind then you could leave a neutral feedback. I've left neutral feedback many times. Negative feedback goes to malicious intent for me.
I'm not wanting to be malicious, especially considering the 14 day return policy, and will only leave negative feedback if he doesn't allow enough time to evaluate the slides