(Newbie) Inherited my Grandfather's collection. What do I have and what is it worth?

Jfonzy · Sep 17, 2015

Hi, I have no idea what I've got here and could use some help. I'm looking to sell these, but I don't know details and what they might be worth. I realize I can check Ebay sold items and get a very rough idea, but I'm looking for someone with knowledge. I wish I had the technical expertise to test for functionality, but I don't. Everything has been in storage, so more than likely everything just needs a good cleaning. A couple of the lenses look rough.

There's a whole lot more where this came from (lenses, bulbs, accessories, darkroom stuff), these are just the cameras and significant lenses. Images are too big to upload here so..

Here is the imgur album

Thanks!

Hatchetman · Sep 17, 2015

The two Rolleiflexes on the right will be worth a fair bit ($1000 at least for the pair?). Somebody can chime in with the exact models they are. The other stuff won't be worth too much.

BrianShaw · Sep 17, 2015

Don't be a sucker and think about a low ball offer like that. There are plenty of people who would pay more, like $76.

shutterfinger · Sep 17, 2015

When taking pictures of equipment for others to identify please make sure the brand and or model number is visible in the photos. From what I can see the 3 Rolleiflex are the most valuable. Rolleiflex are identified by their serial number and the lens that is on them. Do a search for Rolleiflex Serial numbers, you will find some information on this site but search the web. Go to http://www.butkus.org/chinon/ and download the instruction manuals for the cameras. Trying to sell them saying I can't test them because I know nothing about them or I don't know how to operate them is a red flag to avoid them unless one is an experienced then they will only offer pennies on the dollar for unknown condition cameras. The Nikkormat and I assume F1 or F2 Nikon are the next most valuable or desirable cameras. I cannot tell what the other two cameras are. The Vivitar lens has little to no value. No clue as to what the other lens are. Lens manufacture, focal length, stated in mm or cm, and f stop (the smallest f number) are very important information when listing or inquiring about them.

Sirius Glass · Sep 17, 2015

Welcome to APUG

I recommend that you shoot several rolls of film in each of them so you can learn what you have. That way if and when you sell each of them there will be no regrets.

Jim Jones · Sep 17, 2015

The prices of cameras that actually sold on ebay is the best guide to value, although these prices can vary widely. To make the most of this resource, accurate model identification and condition evaluation is important. Some collectors would not be at all interested in cameras that seem to be in fine condition by most owners. The Nikkormat really shows a lot of use. They were durable cameras, so it might do well enough for the few who take film photographs rather than fondle their cameras and display them in show cases. The Argus C3 looks unusually clean, but they are a glut on the market.

Sirius Glass · Sep 17, 2015

Check the prices on www.keh.com. They are conservative on the grading scores. You can call them or email them for estimates.

ic-racer · Sep 17, 2015

I'm looking to sell these, but I don't know details...

Why do you think anyone here would help you leave film photography? You might get better response if you ask "how can I use these?" or "what are the creative possibilities?" or even the mundane "where can I get film?"

dasBlute · Sep 18, 2015

Think of what they meant to your grandfather. Pore over the old negatives.

These are the kind of cameras you keep - he did. They are as good -with a good CLA and proper upkeep- as they need to be,
just add creativity and hard work behind the camera, and you can make images that warm people's hearts.

Or sell them. Your call.

removed account4 · Sep 18, 2015

as a few others have suggested
each cameras has a name, and serial number
after figuring out which model each is,
just search on eBay, which is the most recent
amount of $$ paid for each camea.
think of your gf, look at the film
and decide if the cameras are reaally worth
what is suggested, some might be, others mightnot be,,,
it might be nice to buy a few rolls o ffilm and continue the tradition
your grandfather might have started
if you aren't hooked sell the stuff to the highest bidder !
have fun, adn good luck !
john

summicron1 · Sep 18, 2015

Best guess at what these cameras would cost you on the market:

The rolleis Left to Right -- $200, $350 and $400 -- I thought it was an F, but no, I don't think it is. Where's the hood? Find the hood or the value goes down rapidly. That prism finder goes on it -- was it modified for that?

The rest -- the Nikon maybe $150 if it is in good working order, the Nikkormat and Pentax, $50 each, the Argus is what you throw in for free if they buy two or more. Cases for the Rolleis add $50 each for the Left and Middle, $100 for the F model.

These prices assume (a) that I am guessing the model right and (b) that the cameras are in good working order and very good cosmetic condition. Judging from your pics, these were pretty well-used cameras.

Values drop with condition, and they drop like a rock if the camera doesn't work. Full service on that Rollei on the right, for example, can easily run $400.

You can, if they work get these prices if you sell yourself, either here or flea-bay, but market carefully and be patient. If you sell to KEH you sell them quickly but they pay 70 percent of these (very roughly, maybe even less for low-demand stuff or stuff not in really cherry cosmetic condition). I doubt KEH wants either the Nikkormat or Pentax, for example. Easiest way to get rid of those is find college students taking photography and give the cameras to them.

I'm with the guys telling you to keep them and take pictures. Lovely stuff here.

Slixtiesix · Sep 18, 2015

Please tell us the serial numbers of the Rolleis, or precise help won´t be possible. It should be found there

Dead Link Removed

Don´t mix it up with the number around the lens, cause that is only the lens´ serial number and of minor importance.

darkosaric · Sep 18, 2015

Welcome to APUG Jfonzy !

Did your grandfather left you negatives as well? Maybe we are looking at next Vivian Maier here .

Sewin · Sep 18, 2015

ic-racer said:
Why do you think anyone here would help you leave film photography? You might get better response if you ask "how can I use these?" or "what are the creative possibilities?" or even the mundane "where can I get film?"

Well said, I totally agree.

pdeeh · Sep 18, 2015

Someone with "no knowledge" of what they have, posting an intent to sell, on a site that requires a subscription to sell things through the normal buy & sell classified ads ... is either naive (runs the risk of being deluged with PMs containing low-ball offers from chancers and ending up selling well below market value) or is perhaps just trying to avoid the cost of a subscription.

cuthbert · Sep 18, 2015

Jfonzy said:
Hi, I have no idea what I've got here and could use some help. I'm looking to sell these, but I don't know details and what they might be worth. I realize I can check Ebay sold items and get a very rough idea, but I'm looking for someone with knowledge. I wish I had the technical expertise to test for functionality, but I don't. Everything has been in storage, so more than likely everything just needs a good cleaning. A couple of the lenses look rough.

There's a whole lot more where this came from (lenses, bulbs, accessories, darkroom stuff), these are just the cameras and significant lenses. Images are too big to upload here so..

Here is the imgur album

Thanks!

I would recommend to keep this stuff and learn how to use this gear, your grandpa had good taste on the matter.

For 35mm you have a Spotmatic, a Nikkormat and a F2, they are all excellent cameras. Usually the first two go for $50-70, the F2 for more.

I see two Rolleis, another TLR and another camera I am not familiar with.

Sewin · Sep 18, 2015

cuthbert, it's an Argus.

Andy38 · Sep 18, 2015

Hello,
If the cameras were stored for a long time (see the verdigris on the Rolleiflex on the left, it's an Old Standard), they may not work properly , particularly the shutters of (3) Rolleiflex's.
And if they were in bag, their lens may have fungus.
Before estimation, each camera needs inspection that these pics are not able to do.
A repairman can tell what it is worth, if he sees the stuff.

Jfonzy · Sep 18, 2015

shutterfinger said:
When taking pictures of equipment for others to identify please make sure the brand and or model number is visible in the photos. From what I can see the 3 Rolleiflex are the most valuable. Rolleiflex are identified by their serial number and the lens that is on them. Do a search for Rolleiflex Serial numbers, you will find some information on this site but search the web. Go to http://www.butkus.org/chinon/ and download the instruction manuals for the cameras. Trying to sell them saying I can't test them because I know nothing about them or I don't know how to operate them is a red flag to avoid them unless one is an experienced then they will only offer pennies on the dollar for unknown condition cameras. The Nikkormat and I assume F1 or F2 Nikon are the next most valuable or desirable cameras. I cannot tell what the other two cameras are. The Vivitar lens has little to no value. No clue as to what the other lens are. Lens manufacture, focal length, stated in mm or cm, and f stop (the smallest f number) are very important information when listing or inquiring about them.

Yeah that is my main concern. When I go to list these, I wan tto be as descriptive as possible. I don't know what I should say about the fact that I really can't don't know how to test them, unless I can find some instructions on butkus.org.

Jfonzy · Sep 18, 2015

darkosaric said:
Welcome to APUG Jfonzy !

Did your grandfather left you negatives as well? Maybe we are looking at next Vivian Maier here .

Thanks!

Ha, no, no negatives. He was a very good photographer, though. I wish I had more of his photos! I should try and find what I can and put up a gallery.

Jfonzy · Sep 18, 2015

pdeeh said:
Someone with "no knowledge" of what they have, posting an intent to sell, on a site that requires a subscription to sell things through the normal buy & sell classified ads ... is either naive (runs the risk of being deluged with PMs containing low-ball offers from chancers and ending up selling well below market value) or is perhaps just trying to avoid the cost of a subscription.

First of all, I'm not trying to avoid a subscription, I didn't even know this site required one. I'm just here trying to get some answers. I'm not completely ignorant, but I figure there are folks here that would know a lot more about this stuff than I do. I took a photography class back in '03 in college, complete with developing labs and everything. It was a lot of fun, but that was long ago.

Secondly, I'm not naive enough to take low ball offers. I didn't even come here considering selling the stuff here. Although now maybe I am open to the idea since I've already received interest. I am hoping to go to Ebay with more information to put in the item description so I don't sound like a complete tool and can get the best price.

I'd love to utilize this equipment but I just don't have time for another hobby, and I know this is the kind of hobby that will take up what little time I have.

Thanks to everyone who has been helpful so far.

darkosaric · Sep 18, 2015

Jfonzy: if you decide to sell - here is a good place to do it. Subscription cost not so much, and you are not obligated to give percentage of sales (you can do it, but it is not mandatory).
Ebay takes 10%, and paypal also takes one part, so it is much cheaper to sell it here.

Jfonzy · Sep 18, 2015

darkosaric said:
Jfonzy: if you decide to sell - here is a good place to do it. Subscription cost not so much, and you are not obligated to give percentage of sales (you can do it, but it is not mandatory).
Ebay takes 10%, and paypal also takes one part, so it is much cheaper to sell it here.

Good to know. It also seems the equipment will go to people who will use it and use it well! Of course if I am asking my prospective buyers how much it's worth.. I may get the raw end of the deal.

darkosaric · Sep 18, 2015

Jfonzy said:
Good to know. It also seems the equipment will go to people who will use it and use it well! Of course if I am asking my prospective buyers how much it's worth.. I may get the raw end of the deal.

Get a subscription, and start selling cheaper stuff (nikkormat, lenses, bulbs, accessories, darkroom stuff) - and then learn the art of selling .

BrianShaw · Sep 18, 2015

... And for anyone who worries about what happens to negs and gear after we go to the big darkroom in the sky... This is it!

Good luck with your selling, wherever you choose to do it!

(Newbie) Inherited my Grandfather's collection. What do I have and what is it worth?

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