I was watch ebay these days, and there were several Hexanon lenses that are sold at "high" prices, such as,

$207 for a 24mm2.8 http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1204506878

$250 for a 85mm1.8 http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1204517859

$456 for a 57mm1.2 http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1204501227

and a 300mm6.3FL for $521, a 21mmf2.8 for $388, a 21mmf4 for $210 about a month ago.

I know Greg Weber is the seller of the first three lenses and he offers 6 month warranty, and these lenses are rarer Hexanons and must be in excellent shapes. However, these prices seems high to me, what do you think?

I am not complaining, only curious... :-) Seems more people are gettting the message -- Hexanon are excellent lenses?

Wenbiao

-- Anonymous, January 04, 2001

Answers

Konica lenses demanding higher market prices

Hi Wenbiao (and others),

I have also noticed the higher and higher price trend on Konica lenses at eBay, but it just isn't Hexanon lenses. It seems anything in Konica K/AR mount is in very heavy demand right now (not sure why right now myself) but it is causing inflated prices on this equipment.

In the past 2 months there have been very few "bargins" on eBay for Konica users. Seems the price trend is 50-200% higher than what they should be worth. A normal 50mm f1.7 lens is going for $20+ rather than just the $8-12 is usually goes for.

I have heard rumors on eBay (from other Konica collectors) that there is an Exteme interest by Overseas collectors on these items and buyers such as Winchip and Winningbid seem to pay almost ANYTHING to win an item, like a $300 T4 body!

If you have extra lenses to sell, now is the time to do it when the market it high, then buy low later on. All these lenses have been out for over 15 years (atleast) and will recycle again into the used market.

There are deals if you have the M42 screw mount to Konica adapter right now on the Screw mount lenses. I just picked up a Vivitar Close Focus 85-205 $75+ lens (going rate for it used on eBay) for $17.

Happy Hunting!

Mike

-- Anonymous, January 04, 2001

Higher prices for Hexanons

You're right! Prices do seem to be climbing a bit and some of it has to do with collecting, I'm sure.

I know in the collector car market, the "prime time" is between 20-50 years after the vehicle was originally built. I've heard this explained that one reason for this, in general, is that people reach a point in their lives when they have more $$$ to play with and often look for that sports car they loved when they were in young, but couldn't afford at that time. Now, due to career growth, their own kids now grown and the nest empty, house paid off or having moved down to a smaller one, yada yada, they go looking for those reminders of their youth. This renewed demand for an increasingly scarce item drives prices up.

Perhaps more importantly, though, from a marketing standpoint, cars reaching the 50 to 75 year age actually often start to lose value, as the prime "nostalgia" buyers stop buying and start dying!

I'd bet this is true of camera equipment to some degree, too.

With respect to the lenses you noted, I think the 85/1.8 was a good deal at that price, looked to be in great condition and was the later AE/rubber focus ring model, which seem to be less common. The 57/1.2 was also a late model. The 300/6.3 FL and 21/2.8 both pretty rare.

Certainly the 6 month warranty from "Mr. Konica" is of some additional value, too. I've bought 3 or 4 lenses from Greg and am very pleased with his service and willing to pay a little extra for less risk with a used lens!

On the other hand, I recently priced out a new, top of the line, Canon EOS/EF system (2 bodies, 15 lenses) and the total for just the major components came to more than $48,000 (shipping not incl.)!

Cheers!

Alan Myers San Jose, Calif.

-- Anonymous, January 04, 2001

Hexanon lenses,etc.

You're right about the prices, but the prices on ebay fluctuate like the stock market. I've been at it for about 2 1/2 years purchasing Konica lenses and accessories. Anyone that has been out there for far longer than myself could probably tell you that the MOST rare and desireable lenses will always bring premium prices. Check out the bid price on the 300 4.5 currently on ebay at $306. Going, going, gone?? (Glad I got mine at $116 s&h included.) I've seen standard lenses,etc. at times go for a far higher price than offered through some dealers. 57 1.2 Cameras etc. $169, Adorama $189. If you're short on patience but long on cash you'll pay through the nose. One last comment some dealers are looking for Konica lenses and with the limited number of them available I could only guess that prices will only continue to climb. So get out there and get the best of the lot.Dave

-- Anonymous, January 06, 2001

Just a note on the prices

Just a quick note on the prices of the 300 f/6.3, 21 f/2.8, and 21 f/4. These lenses were sold by a fellow in Yorkshire in England (near where I am) and sold for british pounds sterling. This makes £521 = $770 U.S., £388 = $574 U.S., and £210 = $311 U.S. All in all, this makes the prices these lenses seem even more ridiculously priced (although I sure was interested in the 300mm f/6.3 when I saw it!). Happy New Year to you all!

-- Anonymous, January 13, 2001