Mamiya 6/7: Why Not to Buy As-Is Broken Cameras
Originally posted on Instagram. Notes from the repair bench, kept here as a searchable archive. View the original on Instagram
I’m doing some year end inventory on parts and this post is about broken Mamiya 6/7 cameras. Specificaly about purchasing cameras that are sold “as is untested” on various online platforms. The cameras/lenses shown are ones that I purchased for parts this year.
All of these cameras in the photo are beyond economical repair. Most are either water damaged or suffered major impact damage. Most show only superficial damage, usually a scratched or maybe cracked top cover. But, on careful inspection fatal flaws are found.
The point of all this is that these cameras might look good enough for someone to sell to an unsuspecting buyer. Not uncommon. Seems like every week someone contacts me regarding a potential purchase for either a Mamiya 6 or 7 that according to the seller just needs a small repair. This is rarely the case.
Now, if you have a fairly valuable and in demand camera like a Mamiya 6 or 7, doesn’t it make sense that you would fix it before selling if it just needed a small repair? Why would you sell it at a discount?
So, my advice is to not buy these cameras in a broken state. Sure, we all like to get a bargain but often these types of cameras may need major repair or not even be repairable. Certainly there may be exceptions but only take the chance if you are a gambler and are prepared to take a loss.
