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The purpose of this Guide is to help those who know nothing about used film cameras, save time, trouble and unnecessary auction expense. It does not apply to film camera dealers or film camera collectors.
Probably 90% or more of the used film cameras now offered on online auctions don't have a real market value that offers a decent profit after taking expenses and labor into account. Why waste your time and money with photography, online work, and followup? Box cameras, as a rule are virtually worthless. Many American-made 35mm cameras of the 50' s, 60's, 70's and 80's are barely worth listing. The trouble is, in every category of film cameras there are exceptions to a general rule. The only realistic way to estimate the auction value of a film camera is by doing a search of Completed Auctions.!!
This has a second advantage. By reading the descriptions, you will learn what to include in your descriptions and get a better idea of how to photograph the camera. If you have what appears to be a camera of some value - according to your research - make it easy to buy by listing the maker and model name as well as all of the information on the lens barrel or on the ring around the front of the lens. For example, Zeiss cameras of all vintages sell well but those with Tessar lenses usually sell better than those with Novar lenses, assuming comparable cosmetic condition of the camera. Don't ask why.
There are truly valuable used film cameras like the early Nikons, Leicas, Alpas, Contaxes, and Kodak Ektras, to name a few. It is important to provide clear photos of the top, front, back, corners, and bottom of the camera as well as the slightest defect noticeable to the naked eye. Sure, if your camera is a Leica, it WILL be noticed. But with so many available, bidders will not stop long for a single muddy photo of what is supposed to be a genuine Leica. A wise Leica bidder will know that a poorly described and poorly photographed Leica is likely to have undisclosed (often unknown) defects that will cost dearly in the end. .
These considerations generally apply to all categories of film cameras. Incidentally, prices for medium-interest cameras generally are lower than they were in the 1970's - dollar for dollar! If you collect, you can thank your online auction house for that.
Probably 90% or more of the used film cameras now offered on online auctions don't have a real market value that offers a decent profit after taking expenses and labor into account. Why waste your time and money with photography, online work, and followup? Box cameras, as a rule are virtually worthless. Many American-made 35mm cameras of the 50' s, 60's, 70's and 80's are barely worth listing. The trouble is, in every category of film cameras there are exceptions to a general rule. The only realistic way to estimate the auction value of a film camera is by doing a search of Completed Auctions.!!
This has a second advantage. By reading the descriptions, you will learn what to include in your descriptions and get a better idea of how to photograph the camera. If you have what appears to be a camera of some value - according to your research - make it easy to buy by listing the maker and model name as well as all of the information on the lens barrel or on the ring around the front of the lens. For example, Zeiss cameras of all vintages sell well but those with Tessar lenses usually sell better than those with Novar lenses, assuming comparable cosmetic condition of the camera. Don't ask why.
There are truly valuable used film cameras like the early Nikons, Leicas, Alpas, Contaxes, and Kodak Ektras, to name a few. It is important to provide clear photos of the top, front, back, corners, and bottom of the camera as well as the slightest defect noticeable to the naked eye. Sure, if your camera is a Leica, it WILL be noticed. But with so many available, bidders will not stop long for a single muddy photo of what is supposed to be a genuine Leica. A wise Leica bidder will know that a poorly described and poorly photographed Leica is likely to have undisclosed (often unknown) defects that will cost dearly in the end. .
These considerations generally apply to all categories of film cameras. Incidentally, prices for medium-interest cameras generally are lower than they were in the 1970's - dollar for dollar! If you collect, you can thank your online auction house for that.
Guide created: 05/12/06 (updated 09/02/08)
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