How much should I offer? Nikon F4s

[Squidward]

My buddy has a Nikon F4s in mint condition that he bought brand new shortly after they hit the market. I think that camera only has 25 rolls of film through it (more than half of that in my hands). He is thinking of selling it to me but doesn't know what it's worth. It's a Nikon F4s, SB-24, 35-70mm f3.5-4.5 AF (???), 70-210mm f4 AF, and a camera bag. I'm trying to figure out what I should offer him. He knows that film cameras are selling for pennies on the dollar these days. I hate looking on eBay for prices as it's akin to buying stock: one day it's good, one day it's not without rhyme nor reason. Buy-it-nows can be crazy as some people think their gear is worth what they put the BIN price at when similar items are selling at auction for half that.

I need another 35mm camera like I need a hole in my head but that camera is such a nice piece of gear that I cannot resist. This is actually my second choice in 35mm cameras but I can't see paying the prices that used F2's command these days. My cousin has a well used F2A that he's thinking of selling but his shrewd wife knows that it is worth some money so he won't let it go for less than current market value even to me. Too bad the DW-2 waist-level finder won't fit the F4. I still have a pair of old Nikon fixed focal manual focus lenses that would work great with either camera and I have my own SB-24 that would allow me to do multiple flash setups for even more creative control with the connecting cables that I already have.

 

[Nick Zentena]

Go to KEH and check. KEH will provide a warranty but you've got the camera in hand and will save shipping.

 

[BobbyR]

I do not know if this will give you hope or totally confuse you, but at this moment an F4 with MB21, at ebay, seems to be selling for apprx. (and this is a non-calculated average) for slightly less than a F2A, some with MD2.

As a person who when buying, a short time ago, I found by checking that Nikon F2 prices are now at a much lower level than they were just a month ago.
Two fifty plus or minus twenty five, is a number that is not that far off on a price average either is selling for now.
There are always the extreme examples, both high and low.
Bobby

 

[Christiaan Phleger]

I'd say 300-400 for the lot. Yeah, that's cheap, but I'd actually take a more well used F4 than an unused one, IMO most unused F4s usually will need a tune-up soon. I have 4, 2 my wife shoots with and 2 for me, they get 10-30 rolls a month each so are well used. All 4 were purchased used, and all needed some kind of work or adjustment soon after aquiring. My take is that after getting one I would run it really hard until it broke, then after it was fixed they work great for a long time, maybe not quite as long as an F3 or F2 but if you actually use them often they'll go and go. Great cameras, but I know they'll never be the darlings like the F2 is.

 

[Squidward]

Thanks for the replies, folks. I made him an offer today for $500 and I'm picking it up on Saturday. If you folks think it's too much money then consider that we go back a long way and he's helped me out of a few tough spots and now he's in one (opening a restaurant soon) som it's a partialy payback on my part.

 

[Christiaan Phleger]

You'll both be stoked with 500, thats a good price for all that and hey, its a friend, and you'll have lots of fun with the F4. One of my favorite features is the matrix metering with Ai/Ais lenses.

 

[pentaxuser]

So in U.K. pounds at current exchange rate about 260 pounds for an almost brand new F4 which has been tried and tested by you and has a good prime and two very useful zoom lenses. I might even offer an enemy this price! Best win /win deal I've seen.

pentaxuser

 

[gr82bart]

$500 is a good amount for the lot. You'll be happy with the camera.

Regards, Art.

 

[copake_ham]

$500 sounds reasonable for the kit plus a little for "good will". Just remember to hit him up for a couple of free meals after he opens that restaurant!

 

[PhotoJim]

If the camera is mint, you've paid market value, or even a little less. Have no guilt about what you've paid.

 

[BobbyR]

I doubt you could have done better or even that well on ebay.
Bobby

 

[Squidward]

Thanks for all the replies, folks. I'm picking the camera up in about 12 hours. I can't wait!