I've bought most all of my gear used, including a nice collection of Canon's professional lenses. I learned over time that with a bit of care and willingness to wait, it is possible to get great prices on first rate gear. I've sold a few cameras and a few lenses, learning, of course, that cameras don't hold their value while lenses do. With Canon's recent increase in prices for lenses I'm discovering used prices are escalating as well. Surprisingly, lenses I've owned for awhile are getting MORE valuable rather than less. I'm certainly grateful I bought gear when I did, but I can't help but shake my head at prices for used lenses. This is an expensive hobby!

Yeah, nobody told me about this when I bought my camera 10 months ago. That's why I selling most of my gear.

About a month ago some guy posted desperate need of 35L & 135L for a wedding shoot in 2 days on Craigslist, I replied that I have both like new in box make me an offer. He replied $1200 cash for both lenses. I laugh and deleted his email, I guess he is not that desperate or have no idea about prices.

haha! i too think i made great investment with my L lenses but the problem is i am willing to sell my stock investment but not too sure if i will be ready to sell my L lenses till it becomes valueless like the FD lenses...

rjp1267 wrote:
Can you guys/gals explain how you come up with the prices for your used equipment?

It is based on law of supply and demand. Canon raises the price of new lenses. Older lenses increase in value because nobody wants to pay for higher price.

The value of the item is based on whoever is willing to pay for it. When I sell items here on FM, I price my product based on the last price sold.

kodakman wrote:
rjp1267 wrote:
Can you guys/gals explain how you come up with the prices for your used equipment?

It is based on law of supply and demand. Canon raises the price of new lenses. Older lenses increase in value because nobody wants to pay for higher price.

The value of the item is based on whoever is willing to pay for it. When I sell items here on FM, I price my product based on the last price sold.

I do this too but look at as many as I can for the last few months. Sometimes you get outlier pricing. Good lens always hold thier value regardless of brand because they last a lifetime. Bodies, wow, they drop in price like PCs and TVs. The nature of electronics in general.

carlsbadbum wrote:
About a month ago some guy posted desperate need of 35L & 135L for a wedding shoot in 2 days on Craigslist, I replied that I have both like new in box make me an offer. He replied $1200 cash for both lenses. I laugh and deleted his email, I guess he is not that desperate or have no idea about prices.

What an idiot - I'll give you $1250

If you keep your eye on the board and have done a bit of research so you know what a lens is worth, you will occasionally find a great deal. I've scored big a couple of times. I've also picked up a fine L lens on craigslist for a killer price. Obviously, I knew the market much better than the seller did.

On FM you can tell when a seller has offered a great deal because buyers will be circling the ad like sharks when blood is in the water, pushing and shoving if necessary to grab the deal.

In my experience, decent deals often come from sellers who've been around a long time and who aren't insisting on squeezing every last centavo out of a deal. But again, as a seller you need to do your homework so you can move quickly when what you want is available at a fair price. Asking for photos from a seller with a great reputation is typically a sure way to lose a deal. Trying to squeeze the seller to make a better deal can also lose a deal. If you know the price and it is in the ball park, and if the seller has a good reputation, my advice is to grab the item. If you don't, someone else surely will... the early bird gets the worm.

I was talking with a friend about this last evening, recalling the old saw that a "sailboat is a hole in the water into which one pours money." Photography isn't quite as bad for the simple reason well cared for equipment can retain value. I've even made a slight profit on a used Canon 1D I bought on Rob Galbraith low these many years ago. It hasn't happened again, and I doubt it will with camera bodies. But lenses are like gold...