[Inherited Film Gear] Help me determine what I've got... I'm a film-noob

[los_brewskis]

Hello all!

My wife's family member passed away a while back and she inherited his film camera collection. I am finally getting the chance to go through it, trying to determine what is what, what is worth selling, what is worth just putting up on a shelf because it looks neat, and what might just need to find a new home at the donation shop.

Another kind user on this forum suggested posting some pictures of the haul to try to get some of the expert's advice on identification. I'm looking for advice on:
- what exactly each piece is
- relative rarity/value or salability
- how to test if any of it is actually in working condition

If nothing else, I'll get to share some cool gear.

 

[los_brewskis]

First up is the Graflex Speed Graphic. This one was fun because it took me around 30 minutes just to figure out how to open the camera up to extend out the bellows. It took me another hour of futzing to figure out how to open the shutter AND focal shutters to allow to view the ground class projection. I now understand why you see the photographer hiding under the black blanket in the movies.

I was disappointed to find that the flash tube is not the same as Luke Skywalker's lightsaber.

 

[los_brewskis]

The next up is a Polaroid Automatic 100 Land Camera with a neat case and accessories. Looking at this set of gear, I'm happy that I live in a world of digital where I can look at the preview on the LCD.... man we have it easy these days.

 

[thinkbrown]

The next up is a Polaroid Automatic 100 Land Camera with a neat case and accessories. Looking at this set of gear, I'm happy that I live in a world of digital where I can look at the preview on the LCD.... man we have it easy these days.

This one I can answer with some confidence. Unfortunately it's not worth much because the film is no longer available. I'd estimate somewhere in the $50-100 range, presumably to someone who wants to modify it.

 

[los_brewskis]

I really like this one. It's a contender for the office display rack, but from some searching shows it's actually a desired item. I haven't done enough research to figure out what variant Rolleiflex this one is. I'm a big fan of trying to take photos of the viewing screen, but it's a bit tricky. I don't have a photo of it, but I also have the (supposed) original leather case, but unfortunately the leather has split along a seam.

 

[los_brewskis]

Unfortunately, I couldn't find any Leica cameras in the collection to go with this lens. I'm very impressed with the solidity of this one in such a small package. The lens says "Ernst Leitz Wetzlar Summitar f = 5 cm 1:2"

 

[Besk]

The Speed Graphic is a very nice set up and appears to be in excellent condition. Typical set up for press photography in the 50's and early 60"s.
There is a good market for them - primarily all together. The camera itself could be worth $350 and up if it is in great condition.
Others may be able to comment on the flash set up.

 

[ntenny]

That Speed Graphic looks like a nice complete kit. I’ve got more or less the same package (it might even be the same carrying case), and it’s a workhorse 4x5 camera, very usable. Blue Moon (a sponsor and advertiser here) routinely have some in stock, from which you can get an idea of retail value for the body and lens. The 127mm Ektar is a common but good standard lens for this camera.

-NT

 

[loccdor]

Graflex Speed Graphic.

I think in the $150 to $500 range. You'll want to fire the shutter at all speeds and also confirm that the aperture of the lens is working. You'll want to list each part out individually.

Rolleiflex

I think that's in the $500-$700 range for a good working copy with that lens.

 

[Besk]

The Leica lens is from the early 1950's and is desirable - depending on the condition. I would not touch the glass - it is easily scratched. The case is for a Canon lens.

 

[loccdor]

Ernst Leitz Wetzlar Summitar f = 5 cm 1:2

$300-$600

 

[los_brewskis]

The Elmo Super 8. I know even less about vintage video cameras, but I really appreciate the style and silver/black asthetic. Do people still use these?

 

[los_brewskis]

The viewfinder on this guy is absolutely tiny... I can't imaging trying to compose through it. Cinemaster II video camera

 

[retina_restoration]

Your Rolleiflex is almost certainly the Automat model. It's one of the least highly-valued versions of the Rolleiflex, but still has value, if it is in working condition. I have one of this model and it's a perfectly capable camera.

 

[los_brewskis]

We are now moving to the part of our show where I've got some boxed up accessories that went with a Canon F-1 (original?) SLR. They look very new but one again I don't have a way to test functionality.

 

[los_brewskis]

Canon Film Chamber 250. From what I can tell, you can use this with the motor drive set to do some machine gun photography. Looks like it hasn't been touched based on the packaging

 

[los_brewskis]

Canon Motor Drive Set, which I'm imagining powers the film chamber above. All I can think here is "developing film must have been pricey"

 

[los_brewskis]

Canon Booster, which research shows helped taking meter readings in very dark scenarios.

 

[los_brewskis]

This one I can answer with some confidence. Unfortunately it's not worth much because the film is no longer available. I'd estimate somewhere in the $50-100 range, presumably to someone who wants to modify it.

Thanks thinkbrown, the lack of film would definitely put a damper on the reusability factor. Its a fine looking camera kit

 

[thinkbrown]

Thanks thinkbrown, the lack of film would definitely put a damper on the reusability factor. Its a fine looking camera kit

Polaroid made some sharp looking stuff, and some of it is modifiable to shoot more available film. I recently acquired a polaroid 110 which I modified to shoot on 4x5 film instead of its original polaroid roll film. I'm not certain if the 100 can be modified similarly.

Everything else you've posted so far looks in very good shape and is generally good quality stuff. Worst case, you've just found yourself an expensive new hobby

 

[los_brewskis]

The Speed Graphic is a very nice set up and appears to be in excellent condition. Typical set up for press photography in the 50's and early 60"s.
There is a good market for them - primarily all together. The camera itself could be worth $350 and up if it is in great condition.
Others may be able to comment on the flash set up.

Thanks Besk. Apparently my great aunt used a 2x3 version of one of these when she worked for the Pittsburgh Kansas newspaper. I appreciate the extra info.

 

[Don_ih]

The Summitar is my most-used Leica lens. In my opinion, it's as good as a Summitar. Your example looks great - assuming the aperture adjusts easily (very commonly they don't) as well as the focus (that usually doesn't get stiff). That lens and the Rolleiflex and Speed Graphic are the winners - the other stuff is .... well, good for donation. I'm sure you could sell it but I don't know if it's worth the bother. Toss it in a tub and sell it for a hundred or so on Facebook Marketplace.

 

[los_brewskis]

That Speed Graphic looks like a nice complete kit. I’ve got more or less the same package (it might even be the same carrying case), and it’s a workhorse 4x5 camera, very usable. Blue Moon (a sponsor and advertiser here) routinely have some in stock, from which you can get an idea of retail value for the body and lens. The 127mm Ektar is a common but good standard lens for this camera.

-NT

Thanks for the hint about Blue Moon for value comparisons. I'll give them a search

 

[los_brewskis]

$300-$600

Thanks for the value estimations on the Speed Graphic, Rolleiflex and Summitar lens. They are definitely attractive on a shelf, but your estimates definitely seem worth putting in some leg work to find them new homes with folks who will use them.

 

[los_brewskis]

Your Rolleiflex is almost certainly the Automat model. It's one of the least highly-valued versions of the Rolleiflex, but still has value, if it is in working condition. I have one of this model and it's a perfectly capable camera.

Hey retina, thanks for providing the model name. What is the best way to determine that is working condition without actually running film through it?