1965 vintage Nikon F with original NIKKOR-S 50mm auto 1.4 lens: I took many thousands of amateur photos with this great camera, and as a Kodak employee, enjoyed free film processing...

geezerguy

I took many thousands of amateur photos with this great camera, and as a Kodak employee, enjoyed free film processing and prints. It's been sitting in my closet for ~ 20 years, still in excellent condition. Does it have resale value?

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

It would to a collector, but not for making photographs, unless one is into developing and printing!

Charlie'smom

They’re selling on eBay for over $100 with the lens.

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

Depending on your location, there may be vintage photo shows, which will often net the highest value. But eBay pretty much determines the market these days. If you post it there, take some high quality photos of it, and read some advice on eBay selling. Or try selling it here after you've set a price. Mint condition does add value.

Andy

geezerguy

Thanks, Andy, after checking eBay I think I'll hold on to it.

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

geezerguy wrote:

Thanks, Andy, after checking eBay I think I'll hold on to it.

LensWork

It will likely need to be serviced. Sitting unused for twenty years the lubricants have probably dried-up. The len’s focusing helical may be stiff and the shutter speeds off. The light seals on the camera back and mirror box are probably deteriorated. The battery may also be corroded. Not using a mechanical camera for long periods of time is the worst thing that you can do for it’s continued proper function.

I don’t mean to be rude, just the facts.

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

LensWork wrote:

It will likely need to be serviced. Sitting unused for twenty years the lubricants have probably dried-up. The len’s focusing helical may be stiff and the shutter speeds off. The light seals on the camera back and mirror box are probably deteriorated. The battery may also be corroded. Not using a mechanical camera for long periods of time is the worst thing that you can do for it’s continued proper function.

I don’t mean to be rude, just the facts.

That's not being rude because you are absolutely correct! That is why I sold all of my film cameras after going digital.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

geezerguy wrote:

I took many thousands of amateur photos with this great camera, and as a Kodak employee, enjoyed free film processing and prints. It's been sitting in my closet for ~ 20 years, still in excellent condition. Does it have resale value?

As an example, this is what a Nikon F body actually sold for on ebay.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/NIKON-F-BODY-WITH-PINTA-PRISM-1971-EARLY-WORKS-WELL-CLEAN-SHUTTER-NICE-USABLE/201613800668?hash=item2ef11e74dc:g:ZOsAAOSwkl5XdBh9

And the following is what your 50 mm 1.4 lenses sold for on Ebay
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=NIKKOR-S+50mm+auto+1.4+lens&_sacat=0&LH_Sold=1&LH_Complete=1

Ebay is an excellent place to look for what camera's are currently selling for.

geezerguy

Thanks for your message outlining all the problems I could have with a 20 yr,untouched film camera. I had no plans to use it and can now understand why it might be unusable. This is why I joined the forum!

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

I have my old film stuff in a glass case...….they look fabulous and folks want to touch them and look through them...have not shot a one since digital...would all need to be serviced (I suspect). They make great paperweights too!! I still miss film to a degree, as that is where I learned to be a photographer...but gotta love the digital stuff, fun, fun, fun. Now, the lens, I still use some of those (the good ones), and the others just sit on the old cameras.

BebuLamar

If you are going to sell it don't bother have it service because unless there is something wrong with it a CLA won't increase its value.

NJFrank Loc: New Jersey

I still have my three Nikon F cameras. I have no desire to sell any of them. If I was to sell them it would not make a great financial difference in my life (thank goodness). I personally do not miss the film days. That being said it is in no way a disparaging remarks directed to those who still love to shoot film.

ELNikkor

The original clunker. I had no interest in The F line, nor the silliliy named "Nikkormat" (sounded like a washing machine!), but when the FM/FE line came out, I was into Nikon forever!

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I have a 1963 original Nikon F with a 50mm f1.4 lens. I periodically clean it and run the shutter. About 4 years ago I took it out and made some pictures with it using a hand held meter and they came back fine.
I think you have done the right thing keeping the camera.