Wondering why the cost of a pair of 16mm rewinds are so expensive in the U.S?; the average price I am seeing is $235, which equates to just over £175; while in the UK, the price can be anywhere between £25 - £40, and this may or may not include a board.

My experience after living in the States for 22 years is that used goods generally maintain a higher residual value than used goods in the UK (even though new goods tend to be 20 - 30% cheaper). That includes cars, furniture, white goods, electronics etc. I think the used market is more robust there simply because of the logistics of distance between cities, regions etc. The ability to just hop in your car and go and collect something is hampered by distance, and therefore sought-after items are perceived to be more of a rarity, even if they're not. Also, generally Americans have more disposable income than Brits, so they expect buyers to cough up. You've probably heard the US expression: 'money talks, bulls*** walks.'

It's funny though Martin, because I have had some real bargains with 16mm features, much less than I would have paid in the UK.

Yes, I can believe that, but I think generally you'll find the US more pricey.

It's also the reason that Craigslist is a very popular website stateside, and carves out a big chunk of eBay's margin. It's a virtual local sales noticeboard in each metropolitan area (and also exists here less prominently), but it's strategically important to Americans because it overcomes the potential time/distance conundrum.

That's true Martin, generally, the films are more expensive.