8mm Forum: a Question about the market for films.

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Posted by Neil Townsend (Member # 952) on July 25, 2019, 10:31 PM:

I have been away from this site for quite a while. It has been a while since I bought or sold a film print. Thinking of paring down my collection; keeping a couple projectors and some favorite prints. How is the market now days? I used to get in ebay bidding wars...still competition for prints? Thinking I will get around to selling some prints I have been thinking of selling for some time.

Posted by Melvin England (Member # 5270) on July 26, 2019, 03:12 AM:

Hi Neil,

As far as Ebay UK is concerned, the demand for prints, in my opinion, is as buoyant as ever. I don't think you will have too much trouble selling them, but please don't put too high a starting price on them like you will see on certain listings. Be sensible. You don't possess the Holy Grail as some people seem to think they do, so be reasonable and the rod will start to catch the fish!

For your info. 400'ers Alien / Star Wars / Raiders of the Lost Ark / Phantasm all seem to do exceptionally well. We do also have a very large contingent of serious American collectors on this site, so good luck with your pursuit !

Posted by Joe Caruso (Member # 11) on July 26, 2019, 10:38 AM:

Indeed, there won't be a "book" on film values and such because of so much diversity - Ours is a unique hobby/business where the items have to be literally hand-held and discussed, then finally screened - Cheers, Shorty

Posted by Osi Osgood (Member # 424) on July 26, 2019, 11:56 AM:

I have to say that in the over 10 years that i have done ebay, whether buying or selling, i have noted two things ...

a. the "median" price for films has dropped considerably.
b. The number of "desireable" titles has dropped significantly.

My assessment is ...

Serious collectors pretty much have what they want and they aren't going to part with they're collections as a general rule. I agree, you've spent, in some cases, a lifetime finding those rare print, why part with them if not necessary.

Also, good desired prints TEND to come forth during the holiday months as, people who are still looking for major titles, but are short of cash, may let the desireable prints go up for auction.

really great deals on super 8 prints are getting to be few and far between, unless you run into "odd' ebay auction where someone doesn't know what a good title they have, and just let it go for pennies. [Smile]

Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on July 26, 2019, 12:07 PM:

Very situational:

"Bob" and "Bjorn" are on seperate continents. They are the only two people in the world that want a particular film.

It comes up on E-bay and Bob and Bjorn bid it up to $100. Bob sneaks in a bid in the last two seconds and "wins" the auction for $101.75.

"Jim" sees this happen, has a print of the same film and decides he wants $101.75 too.

Bjorn is feeling stung now, bids a $150 opening bid (mentions NOTHING to his wife!). Bob loves his new print and is now looking for something else. Bjorn is the sole bidder and gets his print for $19.99 plus shipping!

Jim is shocked! For a mere 20 bucks he would have rather kept the thing!

Who really "won" here?

Is there really a predictable market?

(Don't be the second seller of Grizzly Adams!)

Blackhawk L&H 400s with sound usually run about $25, but there are so many they actually become a commodity. It's like a bus: you don't chase it too hard because there will be another pretty soon.

Posted by Leon Norris (Member # 3151) on August 10, 2019, 10:23 AM:

There was a book put out called film collecting! I have it ! Its hard back! It tells you every you need to know on collecting films! A must have! I was told there was a second book put out! I brought this book from blackhawk films years ago! And still in great shape!

Posted by Osi Osgood (Member # 424) on August 10, 2019, 10:43 AM:

... but boy ... the market has "reely" changed since that was written! [Smile]

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