OT: Anyone knowledgable about old cameras?

kranky

A good friend knows a widow whose husband had a number of cameras (35mm, Polaroid Land, 16mm film) and associated equipment. She needs the money and my friend asked me for help finding a buyer since he doesn't know much about them. Neither do I. I only gave it a quick look, but the stuff looks to be from approximately 1950-75.

I know enough to identify what the stuff is, but not how to find out the value (if any) or where to sell.

If any members can point me in a direction, I would be very appreciative. I hope you guys will please excuse the OT post.

Barry

There's a lot of photo stuff on Ebay. I sold a few Nikon lenses last year and got decent prices for them.

291fifth

Unless the camera equipment is major brand and in excellent condition it probably won't bring much. Much, but not all, of the equipment from that period is now effectively obsolete. Try to find a used camera show in your area. What brand names are involved?

JMOORE

I buy and sell quite a bit of photo equipment.

If you can get me some brand/model #'s I can give you an idea of value.

Jim

deltadon

To avoid getting ripped off, you probably need to get a professional appraiser involved. Also, you may need this appraisal for estate valuation and tax purposes. You should be able to get referrals at your local photography dealer (not Circuit City but someone that specializes in photography like Wolf Camera). Also, try your local photography hobby club or photography magazines at the local newstand or library. There should be several ads for people who specialize in appraising and buying estate camera equipment. There should also be a photography trade association that can help (like ANA for coin collectors). GOOD LUCK.

Trooper

I have seen many cameras at estate sales that I won't touch for the price they are asking. Unless it's a certain model which has certain features, I have found that collectors are picky and i have no idea what to look for.
I have made a ton of money on flashbulbs though. Good thing about them from a sellers standpoint is they only flash once.
Best bet is to contact Jmoore or just do a search on Ebay with the model numbers of the cameras you have.

Tom

kranky

Thanks for the replies. What appears to be most interesting is a TDC "stereo colorist" 35mm camera with twin lenses, a Kodak Monitor six-16 movie camera, a Bell & Howell "magazine camera-200" with 4 lenses and a Polaroid 900 Land camera with flash. There are some accessories in original boxes but not big name brands.