McBroom's Camera Bluebook, Sixth Edition (Paperback)

~ Michael McBroom (Author) "There are essentially three ways to buy a new item: 1. Your local camera shop..." (more)
Key Phrases: redeye reduc, auto film loading, metered manual, Storage Type, Viewing Method, Closest Focusing (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Since its debut, McBroom's has become the bible of the used camera industry, and there's nary a dealer who doesn't own one. The book also found a following among camera buffs but was of little interest to the general public and therefore a marginal purchase for most libraries. The advent of online auction services like eBay, however, has completely changed that. If you're looking to sell grandpa's old Graflex or your dad's dusty Nikon, McBroom will tell you what to expect for it. This latest incarnation has been revised to update prices and now includes the latest tech developments, such as APS and digital cameras. This edition retains the standard format of an introduction to each camera brand, detailing the models and the years they were built followed by charts listing each body and lens and their estimated value based on physical condition. There is also information on accessories such as flashes and light meters. The book is capped off with a roster of manufacturers' URLs. Nobody thinking of buying or selling used camera gear either online or through a dealer should make a move without consulting McBroom's. Recommended for all public libraries.
-Michael Rogers, "Library Journal"
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Formerly McBroom's Price Guide to Modern Cameras, this work has been retitled to better reflect its primary purpose: to provide prices and descriptions of popular used photo equipment. Special or limited-edition models have been omitted, as this is not a price guide to collectibles. McBroom is a photographer, writer, and camera collector.

Following the introduction, buying pointers are offered for new and used photo equipment. Individual coverage is given to 35mm cameras (Canon, Leica, Minolta, Olympus), independent manufacturers of lenses, medium-format cameras, large-format cameras, and large-format lenses. Exposure meters, strobes, and accessories are also described.

Entries may include a picture and provide a history of the camera and pricing information. Prices of new equipment are also noted, as this allows the buyer to make an informed decision when purchasing used items. Prices for used equipment are based on information collected from businesses, photography magazines, and camera swap meets. Value is based on cosmetic condition, as it is assumed that an item's mechanical, electrical, and optical features are in good working order. Condition is noted using an evaluative system from Shutterbug magazine: new; mint (new condition, but previously sold); mint minus (lower end of the mint range); excellent (light signs of use); and user (noticeable signs of use). A glossary and index complete the work.

While there are such guides to collectible cameras as Price Guide to Antique and Classic Cameras (6th ed., Centennial Photo Service, 1987) and numerous articles in various photography magazines describing new and used equipment, McBroom has created a convenient reference for all popular camera brands. Libraries serving camera buffs will want to consider purchase. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Amherst Media, Inc.; 6 edition (January 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1584280131
• ISBN-13: 978-1584280132
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #713,300 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Misleading title: NOT UP TO DATE, August 8, 2007

By	In the Middle of the Road (Connecticut) - See all my reviews

As one reviewer notes, this book is now in print 7 years, which makes it somewhat older than that given the time taken for preparation and publishing.

Some of the information is useful. But the cameras that were new way back then are not new now. Used film camera prices vary according to collectability, usability for those who choose to use film at least on occasion, and sometimes for no good reason. But there's no connection to anything that was true when this book was published.

Digital cameras are largely replacing film, like it or not. A book published about higher end digital cameras today would be largely out of date in 18 months and incomplete well before that.

The primary value of this book is that it's almost a historical short book on the value of cameras that one author considered worthwhile in 1999-2000. It gives you a picture of reasonable camera outfits. Otherwise, virtually useless.

16 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good if you buy/sell used photo equipment, April 28, 2000

By	Jeff Roberts (NJ, USA) - See all my reviews

Well laid out. Impressive library of informatin here. To the person who complained about not enough detail on Zeiss, you should have read the authors' forward in the very front of the book.

If you are the type to browse "Ebay" or other online auctions, or buy at flea-markets etc., you should not be without this book.

It is a guide for mainstream photographic equipment, that the average photographer is going to want to buy. It is not a guide to specialized, high end or collectible goods.

That being said; heres' my soapbox: I would like to see more detail in the area of lighting equipment. Currently, lighting has only prices listed, with none of the listings of features etc. of various models, such as the cameras and lenses do. Ditto for exposure meters. Also, how about going into the darkroom? I think alot more people would be interested in a buying guide to enlargers etc. than a 4x5 view camera.

Overall, I'm satisfied with the book.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Why does this book exist?, December 29, 2005

By	Arturo DiGenero - See all my reviews

I really can't see the purpose of this book for either buyers or sellers. McBroom gives very little information about the cameras themselves, certainly not enough for anyone to make a decision about whether to buy a particular camera -- in many cases he gives only a price. Moreover, he restricts himself to only relatively common and recent cameras for which more accurate pricing information is readily available from eBay.