Realist inflation?

[P3D <PTWW@xxxxxxx>]

While visiting family in Calif this week, I had a day to kill by myself
yesterday...so ended up wandering the streets of S.F., armed with my
trusty Realist--for snapping photos, and for self-defense in the event I
strayed the wrong direction in a strange town ;).  Happened to stumble
upon a sort of "camera shop row" in the downtown business district and
couldn't resist the urge to browse.  The 2nd shop I saw had about 4 windows
full of old/collectible equipment...and just 1 Realist, which appeared to
be in top cosmetic condition.  The $495 price tag left me quite curios as
to what sort of "special" Realist it must be, so I went in to inquire.
"I believe that's a Realist 3.5" came the response...and in fact it was.
My relatively untrained eye did not discern any reason why the camera
should have been priced so high, and the salesman apparently considered
the price quite normal for a basic Realist.

I wandered into another shop and spotted a Realist "outfit" (Realist with
Realist flash)...on special for the incredible "bargain" price of $350!

Is this Realist inflation or the high cost of California living? ;) ;)

Yet another shop had six different stereo cameras:  Kodak for $199;
VM Personal $249; Revere for either $325 or $375, I'm not sure which;
Iloca IIA they said was "mint," $375; Universal StereAll, $225; and
an Edixa for which I didn't see the price.

Paul Talbot, shopping reporter on assignment in S.F.


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