The other day, on my daily search for auction bargains, I was astonished at the bids on a couple of Grafmatics - 173.50 for a 4X5 with an hour or so left to go, and 88.00 for a 2X3 with time left. I thought THAT was nuts, well how about this one today - 455.00 for a 4X5 with a couple of hours to go.
I'll grant you it is a very nice one with no marks, BUT -------
I have been paying around 40.00 to 50.00 for a 4X5 in good operating condition and about 23.00 for 2X3s.
What's up with this? Am I missing something?

Let's hope it is an early symptom of a vast outpouring of enthusiasm for "Speed Graphics" -- we need all the help we can get in bringing usable equipment onto the market, and in fostering the emergence of aftermarket suppliers.

If people are lining up to spend $400 for a "Grafmatic," perhaps it will be worth the while of someone with a computerized numerically-controlled milling machine to start turning out "Pacemaker" rangefinder cams...

I paid $50 apiece for my two 2¼X3¼ "Grafmatics" about 25 years ago, at a camera store; they were in like-new condition. Three years back, I paid $100 for a 4X5, also in a store; I figure the ability to examine the thing close up before buying it was worth the premium. I wouldn't mind having another 4X5, but on the basis of your report, I will bide my time!

Glenn
I got an idea that you already know most of the reasons for this short term price jump, so this list is for others less eBay experienced.
List of reasons I can think of:
(1) Recent magazine article on the subject.
(2) Recent photo course that recommends the item.
(3) New people to hobby with plenty of money.
(4) Seller having a friend bid up the price(illegal on eBay).
(5) Buyer from outside the USA that doesn't realize how many of these items are available.
(6) Someone who thinks these items are good for investment.
(7) Others, like myself, that would rather pay more money than waste their time on eBay any more.
(8) Others, that would rather pay more to assure they have a workable item. I've paid higher for the 'Buy it Now' option.
Well, that's all I can think of.
Harry


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: worldphoto on 2004-04-26 09:42 ]</font>

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: worldphoto on 2004-04-26 11:34 ]</font>

to continue Harry's list:
(9). I won't be out bid!

Probably "bid blocking" which as mentioned is an illegal activity. I have received relatively few bad deals (out of almost 400) on ebay. I treat it the with the same philosophy as going gambling - don't spend more than you can afford to lose. I have gotten some incredible deals. Lately, there has been a large number of re-listed items due to things like those Grafmatics, which are bid with no intention of paying.

Hmm. I just bought a few last week off eBay. $50 each buyitnow. Didn't notice any abnormal prices then.

People on ebay as of late are really thinking they have gold, 4 months ago, I was picking speeds and crowns up for less than a $100.00 and now there are several that have buy it now prices in the 500.00 -800.00 range which is just plain goofy, at those prices I have enough graphic backs around here to purchase a nice used 4 x 4 pickup,

it will settle back down, and if it doesnt then heck we all have made great investments!

Dave