Gary & others,
I think you missed my point as to my comments on Ebay. I am not a
collector of OM equipment or any other photographic equipment. However I
have used much OM equipment in my work. Since the early 1990's Olympus
has really cut back on production of this OM series and started asking
new prices which basically doubled the customary pricing from a few
years ago. The gray market for the new equipment has also dried up. In
1994 Ritz Camera unloaded all of the warranted "B" goods from the Oly
USA warehouses and OM prices started going up. However we all know that
there is probably much more OM equipment out there than is being used.
I'm the only known pro in San Diego who still uses it. It's arriving at
near collector status has puzzled me. I know many on this list are
serious collectors of this equipment and seek to purchase specific items
any way that they can. Ebay auctions right now seem to be hot for
collectors of everything from Pokeman & Beanie Babies to Zuiko 28mm
shift lenses. There seems to be a collector frenzy on so many things
that one hesitates to throw out their old running shoes. Like I said
I'm not much of a collector so I can't understand owing something for
the mere enjoyment of just owning it. Sure I have known many
photographers who have small collections of collectable Leica's and
Rollei's over the years. I guess it is no different with the more
modern classics from Nikon, Olympus, and Canon. So my comments as to
how one should logically purchase camera gear for use on particular jobs
was obviously not aimed at the serious collector. It's a market I do
not always understand. When prices of used (or new) OM equipment go
beyond it's reasonable economic utility derived from using it, I must
bow out of any discussions based upon my status as a user/photographer
trying to make a buck from the output from the camera. Back in 1974 my
initial reasons for purchasing my first OM-1 (before the MD model) were
that it was cheaper and smaller & much quieter than comparable Nikon &
Canon equipment. So even though I'm convinced that almost every product
made for this OM series was of excellent design and functionality (yes
even the single coated lenses), I have not gotten to the point of
building an alter to place and worship this equipment.
Gary, I would not be surpassed if you were an Ebay dealer who likes to
sell to the serious collector. I think the Ebay forum is an excellent
avenue for securing the highest possible price in any frenzied collector
driven market. However, I cannot understand why any serious
professional photographer would have the patience and and assume the
risks of purchasing needed tools from sellers he or she has never heard
of, nor should automatically trust when all the seller is trying to do
is secure the highest possible price via the auction format. I can get
on a phone and call several local (brick and mortar) or mail-order
dealers who I regularly purchase all types of supplies from and usually
find what I need in the way of photographic equipment at reasonable
prices with a warranty of quality. They will usually give me what ever
grace period I need to test the used products with a 100o questions
asked return policy. They know I am a loyal customer who will spend
much money from them in the future as I have in the past. As to sales
tax well usually when I buy locally I do not pay shipping which is
sometimes over inflated on sites like Ebay.
As to used OM product, I know there is much out there. A few years ago
(in midst of the last economic woes) I had dozens ex-OM users track me
down and beg me to purchase their dust collecting OM inventories.
Unfortunately I did not have too much extra pocket cash for these
purchases but I did get a few needed back-up systems.( i.e. 3 T32
flashes in 9+ condition for $60ea and extra TPower Control brand new
$100). So my point that there is a great amount of OM product that is
out there that is not being utilized for professional or profitable
use. Soon some of these collectors or hoarders will decide something
else needs to be collected and will off this gear at reasonable prices
for those who intend on actually using it. As to all you serious OM
users on this list I would not be too discouraged by the shocking bid
prices on Ebay or anywhere else. Just purchase what you seriously need
right now and wait for those special items to appear at reasonable
prices. They will. Again OM gear, as good we all know that it is, will
never appeal to the really serious collector over a long period of time
as have Rollei and Leica. The main reason is that Olympus just made too
damn much of it and it was never marketed as anything but user
equipment.
As to pricing the fair value of excellent quality OM gear, that is is
easy. Just look at the B&H new prices and figure that a truly excellent
condition used piece would be about one half or so of the new piece. Of
course there are market specialists such as Paul the Olympus Guy who
seems to stay close to the the market. So as far as I can see Ebay is
just a place were collectors go to pay whatever it takes to get that
piece which really makes them happy.
I hope I have cleared up my opinion of Ebay as it related to used OM
gear and certainly did not intend to offend any one of those sellers who
rely on Ebay collectors to achieve success in their business ventures.
I'm sure my comments about Ebay will not effect anyone of those who
truly enjoys purchasing in this auction forum. It's simply is not for
me, and I have hoped I stated why.
Phillip Franklin
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