Classic Cameras - Where To Sell?
Classic Cameras - Where To Sell?
Author
Discussion

EmmaP

Original Poster:

11,758 posts

269 months

Sunday 1st February 2009
quotequote all
I have a large collection of classic cameras and associated equipment belonging to an old friend who sadly passed away a year ago. I have been asked to find a home for them by my friend's widow. The Museum of Photography, Film and Television in Bradford already has similar in their collection so do not wish to acquire any of the pieces.

Can any of you recommend me a camera fair in the Midlands or near Cheltenham or indeed central London/Surrey where I might be able to dispose of them? My friend isn't so bothered about the money - although she really could do with some - but wants them to go to somebody who will appreciate them.

350Wedge

2,364 posts

303 months

Sunday 1st February 2009
quotequote all
I dont know any current camera fairs i'm afraid although there did used to be a decent one round where i live.

However why not put some of the bits in the PH classifieds, i'm sure there are a few collectors on here that may be interested.

I might be interested on the offchance there are any Ziess Contaflex or Contarex included. If so can you drop me an e mail through my profile as I collect these sorts of camera.

Also there used to be a Jessops in London that just sold classic camera's. I checked the website and although the address and contact details are still there I dont know whether the shop is... Chances are they wouldnt offer much though.

EmmaP

Original Poster:

11,758 posts

269 months

Sunday 1st February 2009
quotequote all
Ah yes! Someone mentioned to me that Jessops used to sell classic cameras. I'll call them on Monday. Thanks!

I did wonder about PH classifieds. I'll give that a go too.

None of those cameras you mentioned in the collection I'm afraid. Having said that, I have to collect even more from my friend soon.

Simpo Two

92,891 posts

295 months

Sunday 1st February 2009
quotequote all
Selling them to a shop will be convenient but you'll only get half what they're worth; far better to sell directly to a collector if possible. Is eBay out of the question?

EmmaP

Original Poster:

11,758 posts

269 months

Sunday 1st February 2009
quotequote all
I guess I could ebay them. It'll take me ages to snap the blighters! The truth is neither my friend or I want to spend lots of time and effort in selling them.

Bee_Jay

2,599 posts

278 months

Sunday 1st February 2009
quotequote all
Also try London Camera Exchange (Branches all over UK). They always seem to stock all manner of wierd and wonderful classics...

http://www.lcegroup.co.uk/

LongQ

13,864 posts

263 months

Sunday 1st February 2009
quotequote all
Given the economic situation and the pre-existing perilous finances of a few photo specialist retailers - be careful where you do business and what sort of arrangements you might arrive at.

I fear that most old kit is worth little at the moment though some special items may have niche markets from time to time.

It's Focus on Imaging time later this month and iirc there are one or two organisation that usually attend that offer used kit for sale. Mostly tat from memory but might be a useful guide for what is possible or to make contacts with some of the highly specialised dealers (at the expensive end) who can usually be found there.

There again this year, who knows ...

Of course people here might be interested in some items as has already been mentioned.

EmmaP

Original Poster:

11,758 posts

269 months

Sunday 1st February 2009
quotequote all
I hadn't thought of Focus On Imaging.

I didn't really expect to get much money for the cameras as they are quite old, even though they are in immaculate condition.

I'll have a go at snapping some, but there really is a lot. It took long enough to type out a list of them in Word hehe

LongQ

13,864 posts

263 months

Sunday 1st February 2009
quotequote all
Emma,

Do what everyone elses does on eBay - use some existing photos where you can and just snap the ones you can't find!

Seriously though - eBay might be a source of names for potential dealers to sell to - there are many around though I suspect they make a living by getting stuff for nowt in the first place.

Is there anything that might be worth serious money - or should be worth serious money of the market comes around?

I know of one guy in Derby who, last time we chatted, seemed to make most of his sales to Italy. For some reason film kit and high prices seem to point to Italy or perhaps Germany. Things might have changed since then.

EmmaP

Original Poster:

11,758 posts

269 months

Sunday 1st February 2009
quotequote all
I think I need to some searching around. I had heard a few years back that Japan was a good market for film cameras. I guess things are quite different now given the state of the economy world wide.

I don't think I have any rare gems but some really are exquisite and quite fascinating as they are so novel, to me at least.

LongQ

13,864 posts

263 months

Monday 2nd February 2009
quotequote all
So what's on the list?

Famous Graham

26,553 posts

255 months

Monday 2nd February 2009
quotequote all
Any Canon FD lenses lurking amongst that lot?

EmmaP

Original Poster:

11,758 posts

269 months

Monday 2nd February 2009
quotequote all
No Canon lenses Graham. I'd no doubt 'ave 'em if there were.

EmmaP

Original Poster:

11,758 posts

269 months

Monday 2nd February 2009
quotequote all
LongQ said:
So what's on the list?
Would I be breaching PH rules if I posted the list on here?

Dogsey

4,301 posts

260 months

Monday 2nd February 2009
quotequote all
EmmaP said:
LongQ said:
So what's on the list?
Would I be breaching PH rules if I posted the list on here?
Surely you're just posting a list of cameras you currently have? wink

Simpo Two

92,891 posts

295 months

Monday 2nd February 2009
quotequote all
EmmaP said:
LongQ said:
So what's on the list?
Would I be breaching PH rules if I posted the list on here?
If they're for sale, as we know they are, then technically yes. However you could list them in PH classifieds first and then quote the link wink

But photos do help - a quick setup for the first item and the rest can follow easily enough - no-one's going to mind the odd stray reflection, but it would be much better than nothing, is free to do and encorages a higher sale price I think.

_dobbo_

14,619 posts

278 months

Monday 2nd February 2009
quotequote all
I'd be interested to know what kit you've got Emma.

smile

EmmaP

Original Poster:

11,758 posts

269 months

Monday 2nd February 2009
quotequote all
_dobbo_ said:
I'd be interested to know what kit you've got Emma.

smile
If you drop me an email through my profile I will gladly send you a Word doc or pdf if you prefer of the list.

Elderly

3,738 posts

268 months

Monday 2nd February 2009
quotequote all
Given the weakness of Sterling, worlwide exposure on pBay might not be a bad idea.

I've been getting rid of film cameras and lenses recently and have got good prices for early 1980's gear in
worn condition thanks to worlwide competition.
I've also sold a couple of 'Classics'; one went for very little and the other did very very well.

Good large photos of the actual camera do help and it's easy to embed them using HTML into the item description.

350Wedge

2,364 posts

303 months

Monday 2nd February 2009
quotequote all
EmmaP said:
_dobbo_ said:
I'd be interested to know what kit you've got Emma.

smile
If you drop me an email through my profile I will gladly send you a Word doc or pdf if you prefer of the list.
Could you send me one too please... I'll drop you an e mail through your profile...

Many thanks