09/19/2011 23:44
I think it sounds a bit too expensive also. If I was ordering 10 or more cameras I would expect a better price. Zorki-1 cameras are being sold on Ebay for $60 - 80 and so the camera buyers in Russia are probably paying about $20 - 25 for them or even less at times.
We could tell "moscowphoto" what we are willing to pay and if he can't do it, maybe some other Russian camera dealer can.
Alternately, once we know exactly what we want and how many pieces will be ordered we can open the job up for bids. We can see whose bid comes in the lowest.
I know that ebay sellers "tiger_antiques" and "confdntart" both make or sell these kind of cameras ... maybe one of them can be less expensive. I have bought from both with good results.
Regards, Bill
09/20/2011 05:59
I agree with Colin and Bill.
Moscowphoto is an excellent seller of fantasy cameras: he has now beautiful Fed-Zorkis on eBay (beautiful, even if I will never buy such a camera).
But they are much cheaper than the price he proposes for our anniversary camera.
Does he have an explanation?
Amitiés. Jacques.
09/20/2011 07:46
I agree with everyone. I'll try to find out, he's really slow to respond.
I also moved this topic into members only forum section
Vlad
09/20/2011 18:12
Just FYI, in the last email he wrote regarding Zorki-1 and FED-1 prices:
На первые фэды и зоркие цена выросла, т.к. камер почти не осталось, а те что можно найти.
очень выросло в цене.
The price has increased for first Zorkis and FEDs because there are almost none left and those that I can find went up in price a lot. I can check with other sellers as well..
09/20/2011 19:14
It sounded like a good idea at the time..but I guess with the way the current economic situation ..and prices going haywire..what would be the best solution?
Go for the high priced cameras anyway.... look into the cheaper one....put the project on hold...do more research, at the moment I think Vlad has done far more than enough, so we shouldn't even think about it!.
If only we had one of those 'Crystal Balls'
09/20/2011 20:31
Re reading my last posting .. it sounded like I though we should get the Zorki 1 for just $US120.. my point was these refurbished cameras are one of his bread 'n butter lines and of cause the special order price would be higher.. but how much higher?
In my other posting my comment was "I may be totally wrong and will end up eating Humble Pie."
Looking at the facts n figures the second anniversary FED 2 camera sold for $US157.. the average price on ebay for the fed 2 is about $US60 .. so the extra cost for refurbishing and the art-work would have been in the region of $US100
Now looking at the Zorki1 the ebay average price is around the $US80..so for my money about $US180 would be a good starting price not the quoted $US250
Now looking at other ebay stores that referbish cameras .. Moscowphoto has far the best price for the stock item. The more you look at the price other charge the $US250 dosn't sound that high ( still too high for myself)
But I still don't understand have he can sell referbished camers for just $US120
Oh dear DO I have Egg on my Face!!! as well as eating Humble Pie!!!!.....
09/20/2011 20:40
You have all valid points. If I ever end up getting ahold of it.. he still hadn't replied.. I asked for his phone # this time.
A crazy idea - what if we all send him Zorki-1's for modification?
Vlad
09/22/2011 10:53
I just got off the phone with the seller and the maker of these cameras. Basically I managed to talk them into $180USD for the Zorki-1 on condition that we don't change the engraving graphic from 2-year model (since they already have the template) except for saying 5 years instead of 2 because making template is very expensive (Bill, I'll have to talk to you separately about your "special" model, it may be a problem according to the maker, or at least will possibly cost significantly more). But he has to find out final price of chrome/nickel first so I have call the maker again directly tomorrow.
He explained the reason the other ones on eBay are much cheaper is because they arrive to seller already pre-made and these will have to be done per order and because of low availability of Zorki-1's which is probably main the reason for much higher price, but I told him, we're willing to spread the process out a few months so he can find some more on a more reasonable pace and ship them out as he makes them to various buyers. This brought the price down significantly.
So are we all on the same page if the cameras are $180USD + $50USD for box(tentatively)?
Thanks,
Vlad
09/22/2011 16:51
Ulrich,
I would assume so, they fully refurbish the cameras, all the cameras I received from them before were in "Like New" condition.
I just want to mention once again, once we place a deposit, we may not see the actual camera for 3-4 months.
Vlad
09/22/2011 18:13
Now that sounds really good....I have my deposit ready for sending.... Vlad many thanks for all you have done for this project.
Re-the finish the talk so far has been on the lines of 'chrome and black wood'.. 'chrome and light wood' both sound fine .. but I reckon black enamel and redwood or leather would be fantastic ! Colin
09/22/2011 19:52
Colin,
I thought we settled on black wood and chrome or nickel top (whatever is available), that was what was discussed on the phone today..
Cheers,
Vlad
09/22/2011 20:40
Yes Vlad your correct it was settled on black chrome/nickel .. sometimes my brain and fingers arn't in sync LOL.. with the chosen finish I reckon it should look really ace!
Colin
09/22/2011 20:55
Latest tally
Name - Qty
Vlad - 1
Jacques - 1
Fred - 2
Colin - 1
Ulrich - 1
Guido - 1
Kris - 1
Bill - 2
David - 1
Total: 11
09/24/2011 01:30
>>>> confirmed <<<< just one for myself.
Colin
09/24/2011 01:49
Vlad,
sorry, for the third time: add me please to the list!
Regards, Alexander
