I have been asked by a friend to research the possibility that this camera may be worth something of value. I have absolutely no knowledge of this camera, and would like to get reliable information on possible resale. I know the usual suspects; MPB, KEH, ADORAMA, ETC. But is there a better venue for ‘antique’ photography equipment?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Go to ebay and look up sold auctions.
corpsol wrote:
I have been asked by a friend to research the possibility that this camera may be worth something of value. I have absolutely no knowledge of this camera, and would like to get reliable information on possible resale. I know the usual suspects; MPB, KEH, ADORAMA, ETC. But is there a better venue for ‘antique’ photography equipment?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
The bare body itself has some value, but the greatest value with the Hasselblads is in the lenses and accessories.
And condition can make a huge difference.
If it's just the body, probably around $400-$500. If it's with the Zeiss 80mm f/2.8 (which is the typical lens with that camera) between $800 and $1500.
--Bob
corpsol wrote:
I have been asked by a friend to research the possibility that this camera may be worth something of value. I have absolutely no knowledge of this camera, and would like to get reliable information on possible resale. I know the usual suspects; MPB, KEH, ADORAMA, ETC. But is there a better venue for ‘antique’ photography equipment?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Shellback
Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas
A quick check on
Google shows the various stores and prices - good place to start
Use the Advanced Search feature of eBay and enter "vintage Hasselblad 500C " in the item box. Then check off the "sold" box and enter the search.
You will then reach a listing of actual prices for recently completed eBay sales.
Nothing is a better indication of value in today's markets than a real transaction.
Check into Blue Moon Camera. Portland Or. Vintage photo gear.
I am going tomorrow to check them out.
Recently found a Graflex Century Graphic, have it checked.
rmalarz wrote:
If it's just the body, probably around $400-$500. If it's with the Zeiss 80mm f/2.8 (which is the typical lens with that camera) between $800 and $1500.
--Bob
Remember, also that the Hassy needs a Film magazine, often referred to as a Back. And they have interchangeable viewfinders so a waist level (Direct to the ground glass) often isn't included. This marvelous system is modular to the xtreme, as are many medium format SLR's. There are a number of these listed for sale by KEH. It should be a good starting point to figure out what your friend has.
The 500 C is an older issue- it has a fixed viewing screen that was comparatively dark compare to the newer modnes, the 500CM, which hava interchangeable viewing screen including their Accumat screen which is significantly brighter. There were also interchangeable screens with grid patterns, a center split image rangefinder spot or a micro-prism focusing aid. There was also a Brightscreen Beattie Intenscreens (an aftermarket brand) that will fit an Hasselblad 500CM or later models. Any of theses scenes can be permanently fitted to an old "C" model by a repair service- it's an expensive job.
I mention this because, of course the older modes will sell for less that the more current ones. Also important- when the company made the transition from the 500C to he 500CM there were a number of bodies with the 500C designation, on the level shoe at the side of the camera, that were in fact 500CM units with the interchangeable screens.
There is a a way of dating the camera by the alpha-numeric serial number at the back of the camera. The basic kit would be a body with a waist-level finder, an 80mmm Planar lens and one 12 exposure 2 1/4x 2 1/4 film magazine. Agan, there were older magazine models with a kinda "trap-door" at the back of the magazine and the more current ones that only had a film identification clip at the back. Check all theses things out- perhas show a picture and post again!
The exact model, age and condition of the camera will help determine the asking price. If you post the serial number and the above mentioned description, I can give you a better evaluation. I have used Hasselblad gear professionally for over 40 years so I may be able to help you.
Theses are fine extremely well crafted camera and retain a decent resale value among film camera enthusiasts.
A private sale to a collector or user will probably bring a better price than a sale to a dealer.
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
corpsol wrote:
I have been asked by a friend to research the possibility that this camera may be worth something of value. I have absolutely no knowledge of this camera, and would like to get reliable information on possible resale. I know the usual suspects; MPB, KEH, ADORAMA, ETC. But is there a better venue for ‘antique’ photography equipment?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
As my Dad used to say, "son, the value of an item is what someone is willing to pay for it". Listed below is a page from Ebay showing what Hasselblads have actually SOLD for. You can find what that camera is WORTH there. If you list on Ebay, they take 10% and paypal will take about 3%. So, subtract 13% for the sale price of the camera and that is what you can expect to get from Ebay. KEH, Adorama and B&H will either tell you on the phone or they may require you to send it in, but they will all low ball you because they also have to make a profit. You may be better off selling it on ebay to maximize your cash.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=hasselblad+500c&_sacat=0&rt=nc&LH_Sold=1&LH_Complete=1
I can't thank you enough for taking the time to respond to my query. Great information. I'm not quite sure if this is the serial number, though. it is located in the film compartment. the listed number is US 153343. The lens is 80mm.
Thank you again for your generosity.
Ralph D'Alelio
corpsol wrote:
I have been asked by a friend to research the possibility that this camera may be worth something of value. I have absolutely no knowledge of this camera, and would like to get reliable information on possible resale. I know the usual suspects; MPB, KEH, ADORAMA, ETC. But is there a better venue for ‘antique’ photography equipment?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
My granddaughter bought one a couple of years ago at a local used camera show. It was in mint condition with an 80mm/f2.8 lens and two backs. $500. I was with her and thought it was an excellent purchase although she prefers using her Rolleiflex 2.8 better.
Had having one of those camera with the 80mm lens with back. Sold it 3 years ago for $300.00.
If you want to reply, then
register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.