$4.50: 300D body

Henry Richardson wrote:

Today I stopped by a store that sells all kinds of used stuff: books, games, guitars, electronics, etc. They have a glass case with a few old cameras and lenses so when I am in the area I sometimes stop there to take a look. Today they had 2 Canon 300D (Digital Rebel, Digital Kiss) 6.3mp bodies for 500 yen (US$4.50) and 1000 yen (US$9.00). They both worked and looked in pretty good condition. The 500 yen one had a bit of scuffs on the handgrip, etc., but still looked pretty good. I didn't ask to handle them so I was just looking at them through the glass.

I bought one in October 2003 along with the 18-55mm kit lens for $1000. I used it on big multi-week trips in Japan in 2003 and Ecuador in 2005. And I used it in Canada and all over the U.S. until I got a new camera in 2005. It was a really nice camera and I got some great shots with it. Sure, in 2021 I wouldn't pay $1000 for one, but $4.50 is a steal. No, I didn't buy it. I no longer have any Canon lenses and I have several Olympus and Panasonic bodies + a dozen lenses that I am using these days. Also, a couple of 1" digicams (Panasonic and Sony). What a deal though for less than $5!

great story.  those kinds of deals got me into shooting Canon DSLR, i have an old Rebel XS, very solid made in Japan camera. the only thing i miss is a higher iso; the quality however is all i really need.

nice thing about these older DSLR is that ebay is loaded with them as well as others.  they sold me my camera with two 18-55mm kit lenses.