For Sale FS: Rare Nikon / Kodak Hawkeye II digital body and winder

[bjsmith7474]

Ok…here's the deal. I'm more of a user than a collector, so I'd like to see this find a good home.

Kodak Hawkeye II body and winder. This is a Nikon F3HP that was modified by Kodak to fit a 1.3mp digital back. It's actually the predecessor to the acclaimed DCS line of cameras. As such it was manufactured in approximately 1989 in extremely low numbers ( probably about 50-100). Most of these were for the military and government agencies, and were used and abused.

This one is in overall nice shape, and appears to function fine, although I can't power it up b/c it doesn't have the DSU (digital storage unit). I've attached photos, which show condition and elements of it's hand-built construction (the winder is a single piece of aluminum, and the focusing screen was marked out with a sharpie to show the area that the sensor actually covered).

Right now I'm just looking for offers, since I really have no idea how much this rare piece of history is worth. Please feel free to contact me, or to send me information on anyone who might be interested in this rare digital body.

 

[bjsmith7474]

 

[Dr Croubie]

Well, you could always ask Roger over at lensrentals.com if he wants another piece of history.

 

[Ken Nadvornick]

That's a cool link...

 

[coisasdavida]

I once took apart a DCS420 (as shown in the link). It was interesting how much of the insides had little notes, rough cuts and marks. I looked like there were made one by one trying to fit everything inside the case by hand.

 

[Prof_Pixel]

send me information on anyone who might be interested in this rare digital body.

Since it's only part of the system, I doubt it's worth much. The George Eastman House already has one, but if you'd consider making them a gift, you could take a tax deduction.


See here for some interesting information on the subject. http://eocamera.jemcgarvey.com

 

[bjsmith7474]

Pixel,

It's worth quite a bit. It's one of 50-100 made. The one after this, the DCS 100 has sold for over $1,000 for the body only. The Hawkeye II had a production that was 1/10th that of the DCS 100.

And yes, I know the GEH has one. I contacted them, and with their assistance and Mr. McGarvey's I authenticated it.

 

[Prof_Pixel]

I guess things are worth what people are willing to pay for it. I worked on the original DCS at Kodak. In the past, there was some interest in purchasing a DCS system for patent litigation issues that I worked on and that may have driven the $1000 price.

 

[summicron1]

if you think it is a real rarity you could contact an auction house that specializes in photographic junque and see what they say. With the right promotion and publicity you could possibly drive interest/price. If you just put it on eBay you'd get bupkis.

 

[fotch]

Its only worth what someone is willing to pay.

 

[Richard S. (rich815)]

Its only worth what someone is willing to pay.

Hush! I gots loads of gear worth way more than that!

This item is rare and unique and may be worth a decent coin but I think the buyer might be rare and unique too and just as hard to find.

 

[captbrs]

I have a DCS 420 it is the first digital camera I owed bought it back in 2003 or 2004 only paid about $150.00 for it then. It did take surprisingly reasonable pictures.

 

[bjsmith7474]

bump…thanks!

 

[bjsmith7474]

bump..thanks.

 

[bjsmith7474]

bump. I'll also trade for Nikon lenses - anything from AIS to modern, or older lenses if they've been converted to AI.

Thanks!

 

[bjsmith7474]

bump.