Collecting Slides

[spe3376]

Hi there! This is my first post, so please be kind...

I hadn't thought about getting into the slide collecting game until just recently when I was given a few for my birthday a few weeks ago. I browsed through Ebay and tried to Google "Collecting railroad slides" and such, and it all led me to more questions than answers.

I understand that when slides are mentioned in Ebay listings, the film type (Kodachrome, Ektachrome, Fuji Sensia, Ansco, Agfa, etc...) is usually listed. But what is meant when the slide is mentioned as "Original"? Does that mean that it's the only copy of that particular subject on a given day? Or could it mean that it's a copy and that the processing was Original Kodachrome?

I know that Dupes are just that - copies of another slide.

If in fact that is an original slide, does full ownership revert to me? I mean, if I end up with enough of one subject, could I use them to do my own Morning Sun type book in the future? (Giving photo credit to the original photographer - if known - of course.)

What is considered reasonable pricing for something like this? Some of the ones on Ebay go for only a few dollars apiece, or as high as over $50. I get that with the more rare subjects, the more interest, and the higher price.

Is this a very competitive collectible? Again, going back to Ebay, it would seem like the same 2 or 3 guys are bidding on everything. Why would someone need to bid on over 200 slides at once of various roads, engines, cars, etc...? Perhaps for resale? Publication?

I eagerly look forward to your responses. Thanks for your help!

stan

[jsoderq]

Original means it is the film that was in the cmera when the oicture was made.
As for as publication, you need a documented release from the original photographer assigning you full rights to the photo. Just because you buy it does not mean you can publish it.