david_hedley Posted December 10, 2003 Share Posted December 10, 2003 I've always wanted one of these beauties, and have come across one at a good price - about US$1700. Here's the rub - this one has certainly seen some heavy duty action - it looks like an ex-journalist's workhorse. The lense barrel and part of the body have been substantially rubbed (probably by a camera bag), and the cover is separating from the A12 magazine (could probably be glued back on without too much hassle). Inside, again there are rubbing marks on the body / magazine interface, but I think that these are not exposed when the magazine is connected, and so should not cause flare. The fabled 38mm Biogon lense looks very clean, and the shutter seems to fire OK. The focussing ring feels OK, with just the merest hint of play in the movement. So, your advice please. Is this a bargain, that just looks a little ugly but will continue to give years of good service, or is it a dog that should be avoided at all costs? The seller also has a much cleaner 500C (almost mint) for slightly less money, complete with 80mm lense and A12 magazine. Would it be better to get this, and then a secondhand 40mm lense? (I'm thinking of moving back from LF to MF, but want manual cameras only). TIA, David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philippe_vandenbroeck Posted December 10, 2003 Share Posted December 10, 2003 I don't think it is a real bargain. I bought mine a few months ago for 2000$. I think that is a fair second hand price for a camera that is in very good condition, including an A12 magazine. I would not pay more than 1500$ for a well used SWC. We could start to talk bargains when the price dips under 1200$. Here is a Dutchman who sells an SWC for 1200 euro. Even with an expensive euro worth considering ... http://www.fotoapparatuur.nl/AanbiedingShow.asp?prd_id=3322 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harry_zet Posted December 10, 2003 Share Posted December 10, 2003 http://cgi.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2971195771&category=26057 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stephen_w. Posted December 10, 2003 Share Posted December 10, 2003 That is way too much for a user. $1700 should buy one a mint- C, T* ar an E+ CF, T*. "A little less" for a 500 series is also too much. Should be close to $1000. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_lewis Posted December 10, 2003 Share Posted December 10, 2003 Sounds a bit pricey to me too. You can find cheaper ones at KEH.com and eBay, if you're patient. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stan_strembicki Posted December 11, 2003 Share Posted December 11, 2003 I agree, that s$500.00 too much, even here in St. Louis you can get really clean swc903 for $1700. I Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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