Valuing an F2 w/DP-1, 50mm 1.4, and Flash (Braun)

Eric S · Jan 3, 2021

I stumbled on this camera and about to send this old man a check.

The gentleman who is selling it, bought it new while he was in Jamaica on shore leave (he was a career Naval Airman) and is now 79 and trying to dispose of things that he has held on to.

He doesn't know how to take photographs and has been holding this for sentimental reasons. I had a 2 hour conversation on the phone with him about it. He shot many rolls of film initially, but was demoralized by how poorly they turned out. He put it on a shelf and never returned to it. "Some day, I will have time..."

So, the phone call was more of an interview than anything. He wanted to know if I know how to use it... and if I would use it... and how I would use it... and how the hell I have so much time to take pictures... don't I work?!?? (I do... I'm a school photographer).

He says the meter works. His wife held a flash light for him and he used a magnifying glass to see... (first he had to tell me about the 4 surgeries he's had on his eyes). anyway... no grease on the aperture blades... they move crisply without any lag when he moves the aperture ring. He says the lens elements are clear as a bell. The camera advances and the shutter snaps and the camera is brand new he keeps saying. I like him. He seems very authentic.

Other than looking up Keh's values if I were to sell it to them... How would you hang a number on this kit?

He wants $250 and I will pay for shipping ($15 medium flat rate box usps). I have a lot of thoughts about what I see in the pictures, but I'm a rookie and this forum is full of people with lifetimes of experience...

Thank you for sharing your insights.

BradS · Jan 3, 2021

Look at completed listing on eBay. Only count items in similar condition that actually sold.

fwiw, $250 seems a pretty fair price - assuming it is all working and in good physical condition. I would expect the light meter to be not accurate if it works at all. Still a fair price though.

Eric S · Jan 3, 2021

BradS said:
Look at completed listing on eBay. Only count items in similar condition that actually sold.

fwiw, $250 seems a pretty fair price - assuming it is all working and in good physical condition. I would expect the light meter to be not accurate if it works at all. Still a fair price though.

Thank you for sharing. Based on ebay sales, he's likely getting the better end of this deal. I'll do more reading about the meter. I was expecting to be able to put new batteries in it and have it function (accurately). I do believe what he is telling me about it being in a box for the past 40 years. Perhaps that's part of the reason you are questioning whether the meter will function as sitting still for 40 years doesn't help anything work better.

BradS · Jan 3, 2021

No. based on experience, the DP-1, DP-2 and DP-11 meters are very rarely accurate any more. The DP-3 and DP-12 are more likely to be working properly.

Sitting in a box for 40 years is not necessarily a good thing for an all mechanical camera. It could in fact be very bad if the shutter was left cocked all that time for example.

Eric S · Jan 3, 2021

well isn't that a hellava thought. hmph. Thanks Brad...

bdial · Jan 3, 2021

The camera is in exceptional cosmetic condition, because of the sparse use, but lubricants age, so as mentioned, it could probably stand a CLA. As with the camera, time isn’t so kind to the electrical parts, so the meter may work, but might not, and may not be repairable. I’ve not looked at the ebay results, but 250 doesn’t seem out of line, given the camera’s condition and the fact that you know its whole history. The flash isn’t worth much, basically nothing, its trigger voltage is very likely too high for modern cameras, though its fine on an F2.
It will be a fine camera to use and enjoy, and will likely last you ‘till you’re 79.

Ariston · Jan 3, 2021

That value may seem a little high based on eBay prices, but you are not going to be able to buy an F2 off of eBay and KNOW you are the SECOND owner. Still, setting up for forty years may have had an effect. Maybe you can talk him down just a little, with the idea of saving some money to send it out for service.

I'm not sure where you could go and buy a camera like that and lay claim to being the second owner. There is value in that, to me.

mrosenlof · Jan 3, 2021

I think it looks great. Nikon has used pretty good lubricants for longer than 40 years. The battery compartment could be an issue if a leaky battery has been in there for 40 years. I usually think of the ring resistor as the weak point in the DP-1 finder. Unused, that part may be fine. The finder is not the favorite for an f2. MY favorite is the un-metered DE-1.

Value of the flash is approximately zero. Don't use it on an electronic camera. It would be fine on the F2 as somebody else mentioned.

The 50/1.4 a good lens. In mint condition, that has value.

I have 2 F2s, don't need another one, but I would pay 250 for this one if I were looking.

narsuitus · Jan 3, 2021

I have 3 F2 bodies with DE-1 finders.

When digital caused film cameras to drop to very low prices, I paid $150 for one F2 chrome body (in similar condition to the images posted) but with no lens, no finder, no flash, and no flash hot shoe adapter.

AgX · Jan 3, 2021

mrosenlof said:
Value of the flash is approximately zero. Don't use it on an electronic camera. It would be fine on the F2 as somebody else mentioned.

I never came across this very model, though I am in Braun-Land. But still I would not pay more than 5€ it. It got built-in Ni-Cads of a type hard to obtain, if at all. If they are gone, consider the flash a shelf-piece. You could not even use it on the mains if you just wanted this.
(By the way, the loose mains adapter-cord shown in one of the photos does not make sense.)

Ariston · Jan 3, 2021

Remember, the F2 is somewhat of a systems camera:

http://www.nipponkogakuklub.com/NKK/F2_System.html

Kino · Jan 3, 2021

At $250, I would expect full functionality. It looks great, but if the meter is bad or the slow speeds stick, it's too much in my opinion...

BradS · Jan 3, 2021

....and after forty years in storage, the battery compartment may have serious corrosion damage or be cracked/broken by expanding alkaline cells, the lens could be infested with fungus, the diaphragm might be sluggish, etc...a lot of unknowns.

Sirius Glass · Jan 3, 2021

The camera is way behind where it should be for its age, so you better get to work to restore it usage to where it should be. If you have any problems check with us and if necessary have it serviced. Then buy a lot of film and get to work taking photographs. Enjoy!

Eric S · Jan 3, 2021

I really am grateful for everyone sharing their thoughts.

If I chose to pay someone to CLA this fine machine, where would I start? I've read about the gentleman in England who is world famous for his talent, but for a more pedestrian person like me... who does this type of work now?

Ariston & bdial talked about knowing the history of this camera... knowing that I am the 2nd owner, etc... that resonates with me.
In the end, my worst case scenario is that I've purchased a really awesome $250 decoration for my living room... but time will tell. Let me do some research on who to send it to for a CLA. That'll give me a chance to save up enough cash for all the film i'm gonna need.

Again, please accept my gratitude for sharing your thoughts. Despite a few episodes of panic today, I'm excited to start my journey with this camera.

{jeesus... i just read Sover's webpage and suddenly i want to kiss my d750 on the mouth}

Autonerd · Jan 3, 2021

I can't comment on the price (never shopped for an F2) but I'd be less concerned than others here about the camera not working properly. Warranty expiring in '79 means it was purchased in '78 or '79. I own a few cameras from this era and most work properly. This includes my all-mechanical Pentax KX, which my grandfather bought new, and which I just revived after a 20-year-nap. It's working just about perfectly. Ditty my all-mechanical Nikomat FT2.

There are better camera bargains to be had, but the F2 is a great camera and the 50/1.4 a really great lens. Even if it's not quite perfect, a $100-or-so CLA will restore it and then it's ready to go for the next 25 years. Seems like a great opportunity to buy a nifty camera in good shape. Bargain if you like but I can't see any reason not to buy it.

Congrats on a great find!

Aaron

Huss · Jan 3, 2021

Eric S said:
... His wife held a flash light for him and he used a magnifying glass to see... (first he had to tell me about the 4 surgeries he's had on his eyes)..... He says the lens elements are clear as a bell.

No offense, but he may not be a good judge of that.

I think the most important thing is to ask him to remove the battery cap and take a look inside. If it is nice and clean, then this could be a very nice camera.

Eric S · Jan 3, 2021

Huss said:
No offense, but he may not be a good judge of that.

I think the most important thing is to ask him to remove the battery cap and take a look inside. If it is nice and clean, then this could be a very nice camera.

Yes... I'm going to do this. I feel very lucky to have discovered this community. Thanks.

Bill Burk · Jan 4, 2021

Ah, give him what he asks. I have been looking at buying a Nikon F and this is about what I'd be willing to pay. You have a tag that shows this lens and camera came together. This is a storyteller's camera. As you walkabout with it you will be able to tell stories about its previous owner. So what if you might be giving him a hundred bucks above what you absolutely might get away with on a lucky eBay bid... This is worth more for the story.

Eric S · Jan 4, 2021

Bill Burk said:
Ah, give him what he asks. I have been looking at buying a Nikon F and this is about what I'd be willing to pay. You have a tag that shows this lens and camera came together. This is a storyteller's camera. As you walkabout with it you will be able to tell stories about its previous owner. So what if you might be giving him a hundred bucks above what you absolutely might get away with on a lucky eBay bid... This is worth more for the story.

Yeah man. I'm feeling you there. That receipt means a lot to me. It might take me to Jamaica. I'll get a photo of whatever exists where this store was. maybe it's even still there.

Nitroplait · Jan 4, 2021

I bought 2 F2's with DP-1 within the past couple of months. One from the second production batch in 1971, in similar condition as the depicted and must have spend most of its life in a drawer. I bought it from the second owner who quickly reconsidered and wanted a Leica instead, so I got all the original papers.
It looks flawless but has no service history. Everything works fine and the meter is in alignment with my Sekonic reference meter.
The second F2 is from 1975 and shows age appropriate signs from professional use. I know of 1 recent service and at least 4 previous owners. Everything works fine and the meter is in alignment with my Sekonic reference meter.
I should add that I have 1 Nikkormat EL and one Nikon F w FTn Photomic - both w CdS cells and both reading within 1/3 stop tolerance.
I may have been lucky, or the warnings I hear may be a little exaggerated.

When buying unseen with no return privilege there will always be a risk, but this is "only" a $250 risk for a mint body and a great lens. Plastic Yashica T4 P&S cameras routinely sells for $400 these days and they may die tomorrow without any repair option! The F2 and Lens would have cost more that a month's salary at the time, the T4 about a day's salary.
If in worst case you have to throw money at a rebuild, this camera is in perfect condition to be such a candidate.
Although at a price, Sover Wong will be able to make it work better than new, including the meter.

I agree with other's suggestion. Get the battery chamber checked. If that checks out, I'd personally grab it if I needed one more --- which I don't !!!!!!

Eric S · Jan 4, 2021

Thank you Nitroplait. That's a very realist perspective. I think you're right.

I'm Full Speed Ahead with this marriage. I emailed my 79 year old seller, asked him to check the battery compartment. I forgot to mention that he is the founder of a company called Battery Warehouse, so this was his response this morning:

No problem removed batteries long long time ago..I know batteries as I have been involved since 10 years before retiring from Naval Air so that would be 1982 when I first invested..yes batteries do corrode so it's wise to remove as many of people have ruined flashlights & more..Good Luck and a pleasure meeting you at least on the "telly" as they say in England as I have been there countless times training the Brits on new anti-sub warfare equipment for there ancient aircraft at the Royal Air base at Mildenhall(spl ?)Suffolk County if I recall about 40-50 miles N.E. of London..if I recall..I hate their beer it's warm and powerful liquid..they hate ours as it is cold..Sometimes we would meet them in Winnipeg, Manitoba..rarely did they have any new electronics for our aircraft mainly just modifications..What the hell I am wasting your time on this detail..duh!!

He is mailing this to me today via USPS. I am mailing him a personal check. lmao... No paypal.... hahaha
I will post pics when this thing arrives.

narsuitus · Jan 4, 2021

Congratulations !

Eric S · Jan 4, 2021

On an unrelated note, my seller has another item he wants me to find a home for. I told him I'm not very interested in it. Maybe someone on this site would be however. He said he wants $250 for it. I dunno... that seems rich.

CCLA · Jan 4, 2021

What is the asking price for the SX70 kit?

claudio

Valuing an F2 w/DP-1, 50mm 1.4, and Flash (Braun)

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