As you know, knowing exactly what you are buying or selling, for example on eBay, can make a big difference saving you money (i.e. not paying too much, or selling for too low).

Apart from the standard resources like McKeown’s, Kadlubek, Camprice, etc, here’s an underestimated resource for technical information I’ve come to appreciate:

Steimers Fotoliste.

Well known in Germany, this is a CD with detailed information about 8800 classic cameras, 3400 lenses, and 2000 accessories. There are also price indications based on 450,000 sales results. Many photo’s and many details.

There are two reasons I’m mentioning this CD.

1. The way the information is structured, allows for getting all kinds of related information. This is extremely powerful. For example: a Leica IID has a M39 screw mount. With one click you can also see which other cameras in the world have M39 screw mount. Franz Steimer has put an effort in this project which is astonishing.
2. There is a new version 2007-2008 available from Lindemanns, with even more information, including 1700 articles from Color Foto.  What’s not evident from the site is that there’s an upgrade from previous versions of the CD for half price.

The CD is in German, but the many pictures and graphical user interface shouldn’t withhold anybody to use it.

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