Sean writes:
> "Ouch" just means that
> they seem much more expensive than similar lenses by other companies.
> My understanding is that not many Zuikos are being manufactured any
> more...does that raise/lower their market value? Should that tell me
> to avoid them?
The following is strictly my opinion:
Not many manual focus lenses (except budget 35-70mm variable aperture zooms
for entry level cameras) are being manufactured, period. Plus the used
market is so active it decreases demand. One reason for low demand on new
lenses is that their prices are much higher today than mid 1980s prices, even
after adjustment for inflation. The manual focus SLR price wars are over - a
war that drove prices really low versus their 1970s levels. Consumers paying
new prices typically want "new" designs, regardless of whether thay are
actually improved.
Does limited production drive up prices? Well, I don't think the level of
production matters since the Olympus products being sold aren't limited
edition (like, say a Lake Placid Canon F-1). One might argue that the OM-3Ti
is made in small batch production and that demand, while extremely low, tends
to exceed supply during parts of the year when the camera inventory is zero.
The 90mm f/2 Macro might just be the highest demand "expensive" OM System
lens today, but I've never heard of supply shortages like I have with the
OM-3Ti. (Before someone in Slovenia says they can't get one, note that
distribution inequities are different than worldwide supply shortages).
Zuikos are often commanding higher prices than their competing camera
manufacturer lenses because the system has a cult following and it is
evolving into becoming collectable. More of the equipment seems to be held
by users and used stuff (unless it is commonly sold items) gets sold very
fast if the seller is at all knowledgable about getting the word out and
pricing at market value. How fast is fast? Here on the OM List we have seen
it be a matter of minutes. If someone hesitates to reconsider a FS posting,
chances are that they will miss out.
Gary Reese
Las Vegas, NV
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