Price Variance on GS/GSN

shashinka-ichiban · 03-07-2011

Maybe this has been discussed and maybe a million times, but I didn't see a thread on it, and searches on forum software tend to suck like fox so I'll ask anyway.

first off, I love my GSN though it took buying six of them to get one that worked relatively well if at all. In the end, I boguht one that was claimed to have been refurbished. I suppose one can refurbish a camera but forget to change the light seal, but that's a whole differant story.

Regardless, it seems a lot of these cameras on eBay are from estate auctions. And for a while the average going price was like 10-25 USD. However lately I see prices all over the place from 10 bucks all the way up to 175 for a used and untested Electro GS or GSN. I realist that some of it is greed or ignorance on the part of the seller, but one would think a little research would be in order.

farlymac · 03-07-2011

Since most camera shops are no longer in existance, and the age of most of the Yashicas are approahing 40 years, folks just don't have a source of information as to the value. And with as many G series cameras that were made, that should be enough to keep the value depressed somewhat. You can go into some antique shops and find Yashicas for $75-100, but that's the kind of price you expect in such a place.

But they go on eBay, see where some greedy idiot has listed his 'mint' GT for over $200, and think they can get at least 3/4 of that for theirs. Never mind the filter ring dents, the gooey seals, and the corrosion eating it's way through the system from a battery that was first put in the camera when it was brand new. And there are a lot of folks out there just to make a quick buck, and don't care how much they lie about the condition. But then that is a societal problem, not to be solved very soon.

And old cameras are getting trendy now, with certain models commanding more attention than others. And as far as SLR systems are concerned, you now have your M 4/3 crowd out running around snatching up anything they think they can mount on their camera, whether it focuses at infinty or not.

This is something that may moderate in time, but don't hold your breath waiting for it. And keep a lookout for good bargains. Check out some other auction sites, you never know what will show up. That's how I got my GL, which is a very rare camera here in the USA. It was beat up, but I got it back in shape, and it is now my favorite rfdr. Until I get a GX that is.

PF

yashica fellow · 03-08-2011

I hear ya, and I feel your pain

.
I do have to disagree with the comment about repairs, or as known CLA, clean, lube and adjust.
I purchased a GSN from a fella who worked f/Yashica until he retired, located to Atlanta GA, and started a business restoring Yashica cameras. He is the Yashica Master, and anything you get from this guy is as new, period, seals and all.
$165.00 US paid for this jewel, and I have bought three from him, I would not take less than $300.00 even if I were willing to sell. I have a manual f/a GTN set that has the following info wrote on the back of it, Yashica GTN kit complete $225.00, 1978, now if it cost that then and with today's inflation, to purchase this outfit now would be well in the $1000.00 range

. Why do you ask since I can go to eBay and bid until I win, pay and get f/$35.00. Here's the flip, fungus in lens, battery compartment looks like a melted hot mess, flip the film advance and hit the shutter release (POD not), no little click sound that means the shutter is not operating, let alone the focus/range finder glass is cracked. Get the idea, I should know, I bought and repaired enough of them!

I know also some on eBay think, classic, that only applies to cars. When you have bought enough of them, you learn to ask questions and go w/your gut reaction.
I have @ this time over 10 models of Yashica cameras, all work and are in pristine shape. I have all the bells and whistles that go with them, pristine shape as well.
I have a small fortune in them, but not as a investment, but for the purpose of use and the pure joy of owning these little marvels of mechanical photography made in Japan.
Yes, I said use as long as film is still being made, I will take photos with them, after all, that's what they were made too do.
So, in answer to your question, how much you spend depends on how bad you want and what shape the item is in.
Please do not get me wrong, I have purchased GSN 35's f/$25.00 that still took great photos, right up until sending for a CLA. A CLA will run you $150.00 today's price.

shashinka-ichiban · 03-08-2011

Know exactly who you are referring to as so far as the Yashica rangefinder refurbs go. Thought about getting a GS or a MG and sending it down to him for a new skin.

I consider the one I got to be middle of the road. Needs a new hinge seal, I think the meter and contacts are wonky. Sometimes the meter works, and sometimes it doesn't, and there is a slight ding on the ring, but other than that it works pretty well. But every other GSN I haver won I Sent back because either the entire battery compartment was corroded from the battery still inside or the camera just flat out dead. Shame too, cause I'd like to have had a GS (as opposed to a GSN)

Still, I think the range on eBay is just a bit wild.

btgc · 03-08-2011

200 is rather on high side, but 100 for working Electro is OK, I think. And I wouldn't pay premium for GSN over G model. Black models? I'm skeptical about GTN but I own black 35MC and it IS cooler than silver

Frontman · 03-09-2011

There is very little difference between the full-size Yashica Electro cameras, other than the flash shoe and film speed range. They all use the same lens and shutter, and all take the same quality of photographs.

I sell a lot of the smaller Yashicas, as they are much less prone to the problems which are common to the big Electros. From time to time I sell a GS or GSN on eBay, but I usually sell them for $80 or so. This price is for a fully tested camera with a clean lens and new seals. Surprisingly, it usually takes a fee weeks for one to sell, which is sad considering how scarce good working Electros are.

ColSebastianMoran · 03-09-2011

eBay can be crazy, but the buyer can be rational.

The untested Electros on eBay are worth $10; it probably won't work. The OP says one out of six, and that feels about right.

I wrote a short article on how to test an Electro, see:

http://photo.net/leica-rangefinders-forum/00X19k

Mark Hama in Altanta has an excellent reputation. Russ Sisco (b1bmsgt) has put Yashicas into excellent shape for me here in the US. Jeff G. (frontman here) buys in Japan and puts cameras into excellent shape selling on eBay as Sangetsu03. IMO, cameras worked by any of these three are worth $100 to $200 depending on cosmetic condition; functionally they will be perfect.