[HUG ] Analogue melt down

While you, out there in the big world, discusses grading standards, the market 
for analogue cameras has silently died away here in Norway.  There is no way I 
can sell my Hasselblad V-system cameras, ranging from a a500C/M to a 203FE both 
with three lenses covering the most used focal lengths.  The market segment for 
MF analogue stuff was possibly as low as a 100 individuals here in Norway.  
Last year.  Now they are down to half of that and they are all well equipped.

Nor do I use my Hasselblad gear anymore.  For me photography is purely a hobby. 
 I have limited time to spend on it.  That time is better spent on learning how 
to use my 1Ds III (up from I and II) and the somewhat troublesome M8.  

I even have a Nikon 8000 ED with this hilariously expensive glas neg holder 
dusting away in the cellar.  My plan was t use it when I turn pensionair three 
years from now.  but I wont.  I would rather spend time on something less 
frustrating - the last years of my life.

Then the market for 2.hand gear has changed drastically the last few months.  I 
buy most of my new camera gear overseas, preferably in Abu Dabi or Singapore 
where the tax free price are very low.  Then I save 25 to 30% compared to 
buying it sales tax included here in Norway.  Now I can buy 2.hand  - but mint 
- 1Ds IIIs for a lower price i gave tax free half a year ago.  

Many camera freaks that have bougth very expensive equipment just a few months 
ago wants to get rid of it now.  There has been a sudden change in the 
'economical atmosphare' here in Norway.  This despite that we have never had a 
better purchasing power, according to statistics.  Nor are we that sunk down in 
debt as - say - Americans.  For banks to put money down the throats of people 
is illegal over here.  

The reason must be  1) the rising cost of higher interest rates and petrol and  
2) people are afraid of their jobs.  

There is no way I cna get rid of my Hasselblad gear to sivilized prices.  I can 
just as well sit with it and wait until a favorable digital back comes along.

Tom of Oslo

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