How best to sell AE-1 + off-brand zooms?

[bernard_L]

An acquaintance gave me his "old camera" and I decided to sell it on the auction site (I will not put them for sale on APUG), returning the proceeds to him. It's a Canon AE-1 with standard 50/1.8, which I thoroughly checked out. Also two off brand zoom lenses, Sigma 35-135 and Sigma 80-200.

• I several times read the advice is to sell separately. But this advice generally applies to, say, a Leica M3 and a few Summicrons, or equipment in the same league
• But if I put up for sale just the body and standard lens, I'll be left with the zooms and I feel they are worthless nowadays. At least to me despite owning a couple FD/FL mount bodies.
• So, in that case, is it better to bundle the zooms as "goodies" that will help with the sale of the body+50/1.8 ??

 

[BrianShaw]

It’s rather low value gear. I’d sell as package to avoid getting stuck with lenses that aren’t needed or wanted. But why not sell on Photrio?

 

[RezaLoghme]

Sell the whole lot on Ebay, as an open auction.

 

[BrianShaw]

Sell the whole lot on Ebay, as an open auction.

.. with a 99 cent starting price.

 

[bernard_L]

.. with a 99 cent starting price.

Single bidder gets the lot for 1€. And since eprey takes a fee on the shipping cost as well, I end up with no camera and negative money balance. And wasted time.
I can wait a few weeks until a true buyer comes and buys at market value (give or take).

 

[BrianShaw]

You need to choose the approach that best meets your style and goals. It’s often surprising how high those auctions that start low really go. But Im sure that there are some that end up the way you characterize a possibility.

 

[runswithsizzers]

But if I put up for sale just the body and standard lens, I'll be left with the zooms and I feel they are worthless nowadays.

Sadly, I feel the same way. Actually, the zooms may worse than worthless, because they can be costly to ship.

I do sometimes buy used camera gear on eBay, but I am probably not a typical buyer. Two observations:
1. I never bid on items offered as auction sales. I only buy items which have a "Buy it now" option. If I want something, I'm willing to pay what it is worth, and dragging out the process is just an irritating waste of my time.
2. If the zoom lenses were bundled with the camera, that would be a negative factor for me. I rarely use zoom lenses with my 35mm SLR cameras, and if I did want one, I would buy a good one, same brand as camera.

So as a buyer, I would decide what the Canon AE-1 and standard 50/1.8 are worth to me, and that is most I would pay, with or without the Sigma zooms. And even if the zooms were free, I would not want to pay for shipping to get them. If I had your outfit to sell, I would list each item as an individual item, and offer a discount and/or combined shipping if a buyer wanted two or more items.

But that's just me. I have no idea how successful auctions are, because I ignore them.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

these days, selling or even giving away stuff like this is often tough. That said, the camera and the 50mm would be worth something for a teenage beginner. I'll keep it until a deserving soul comes along and will appreciate it.

 

[mshchem]

Donate, as electronic "waste" some places would charge even to dispose of this stuff. Schools are always in need as well as young people.
Best Regards Mike

 

[bernard_L]

It’s often surprising how high those auctions that start low really go. But Im sure that there are some that end up the way you characterize a possibility.

First part : true, this happens, typically for objects that have active trading. Second part: I've experienced this from the buyer's end: a Rolleifix (quick-release plate) and handle, sole bidder at the opening price of 15€; when completed auctions range 30...60€.

 

[koraks]

An acquaintance gave me his "old camera" and I decided to sell it on the auction site (I will not put them for sale on APUG), returning the proceeds to him.

What are his requirements? Is there a certain price point that he'd like to hit? Or are there other motives that may play a role?

The first things that come to mind are simply offering this on one of our local second hand platforms; something like leboncoin.fr perhaps? Or maybe offer it on a local photography-oriented forum; perhaps one that's dedicated to analog photography. A further option would be to drop the idea of selling the camera, but instead see if there's an aspiring, talented photographer with a desire to move into film whom you could help out by donating them this kit.

 

[bernard_L]

What are his requirements? Is there a certain price point that he'd like to hit? Or are there other motives that may play a role?

Initially he just gave the outfit to me, because I am usually seen with a camera in the outings of our hiking group, and the stuff just lay unused in his closet; selling was my idea.

The first things that come to mind are simply offering this on one of our local second hand platforms; something like leboncoin.fr perhaps? Or maybe offer it on a local photography-oriented forum; perhaps one that's dedicated to analog photography. A further option would be to drop the idea of selling the camera, but instead see if there's an aspiring, talented photographer with a desire to move into film whom you could help out by donating them this kit.

leboncoin: OK for bulky stuff, with local pickup; otherwise I've heard rumors of scams.
A few years ago, I had contacted a local photographer who gave workshop and proposed to sell to attendees cameras, below market value (not free, because what has zero price has no value and falls prey to hoarders).
I was for a few years in charge of photo gear at a local charity; now that section is not taken care of properly.
So, it's not simple. I still have two open options for the zooms:
- Another local charity, better curated
- Kamerastore; I trust they will make the best use of the zooms, if only as donors of spare parts. Provided they have collecting points not only in Finland.

 

[RezaLoghme]

If you look at Ebay, this kit might gain 50-150 US$ max. You/he will have to deal with picky buyers, expecting a like-new camera and whatnot.

You can spend a lot of time fretting about the "right" charity or the "right" (non-hoarding) buyer/recipient of a free camera. You decide how much brain capacity, time and effort all this is worth. Personally, IMHO, my 2ct, I would quickly give it a way and move on, or list it on Ebay as "broken" and move on, too.

 

[bernard_L]

Thank you all for your considered advice.
All said, I'll sell the AE-1 with standard lens on the auction site, dispose somehow of the zooms and let someone decide if they are worth something to him/her.

 

[koraks]

So, it's not simple.

It's as simple or as difficult as you'd like to make it. Scams on lbc? Sure, but I'd wager that the vast majority of transactions aren't scams - and with gifted equipment, what risk do you run anyway?
Personally, I'd test the kit to ensure it works, then put it in a box waiting for the right person to cross your path and then donate it to them. Let providence run its course. Often works well in cases like this one.

 

[bernard_L]

Personally, IMHO, my 2ct, I would quickly give it a way and move on, or list it on Ebay as "broken" and move on, too.

No way ! I've overhauled that camera to keep it usable and film-tested it. It's a capable instrument for taking pictures. See that green string? It's a polyethylene fishing line, breaking strength 30 pounds, replacing the original, broken, tungsten wire. I also had to lift the whole flex circuit to access and clean the pentaprism and Fresnel. I'm not trying to make money, just to keep god equipment serviceable.

 

[BrianShaw]

Oh, the additional disclosure could change the prior answers to the initial question…

However you choose to sell it, good luck.

 

[loccdor]

You might try the zooms since you use FD gear. I have an off-brand Promaster zoom which is very sharp if you don't use it wide open. A lot of these off brands did a good job copying common designs. I'd guess the 80-200 is better than the 35-135.

Mine is a 70-210 with built in sliding lens hood and close focus capability. Very compact and light. Actually found it better than the new FD 200mm f/4 I tried.