02Nomad Loc: Catonsville, MD

A recent acquaintance said that he had an old 35mm camera for sale but had no idea of its value. He was offered $40.00 for it, but thought that that was too low. I explained that since very few people were still using film cameras, that he would have the most luck with someone that collected older cameras. I offered to post photos of the camera (and flash attachment) here to get an idea for him on its possible value. The camera does have a leather case which is in perfect condition.

Frapha Loc: Tulsa, Oklahoma

Here's a link to some for sale on eBay -- http://www.ebay.com/sch/sis.html?_nkw=ZEISS%20IKON%20VOIGTLANDER%20VITESSA%20500%20AE%2035MM%20FILM%20CAMERA%20NOT%20FUNCTIONIONAL&_itemId=251213343994

http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Vitessa_500_AE

02Nomad Loc: Catonsville, MD

Thank you.

Don Fischer Loc: Antelope, Ore

My first good camera was a Voigtlander film camera. Loved that thing! I'd give him $40 for it just to sit on the couch and play with it!

That doesn't say what it's worth though! It's worth what ever he can get for it! These guide lines telling us what a camera or anything else is worth are only ball park figure's. Everything is worth what we ask for it but if it's not drawing possible customer's, your way to high. If your getting offer's, your in the ball park. All depends on what the camera means to him and how bad he need's to sell it. I can't believe people go check that stuff out before buying. As long as it fit's in your budget and you want it, I mean really want it, then the price is right!

jrh1354 Loc: Dayton, Ohio

I recently purchased one in very good condition on e-Bay for $49. That included shipping via USPS. The offer of $40 was on the mark.

02Nomad Loc: Catonsville, MD

Thanks for your input, Don. I've been checking Ebay and other sites, but prices are all over the place. The camera was given to him in exchange for some clock repair that he did. He has never used it and it's sitting in a display case gathering dust. I'll try to break it to him gently.

02Nomad Loc: Catonsville, MD

James, did it come with the leather case and the Agfa Tully flash with its separate case?

jrh1354 Loc: Dayton, Ohio

Just the original leather case. e-Bay is really a crap-shoot. The same item can sell for twice as much on another day. Just depends on who is looking for a classic camera when you post.

02Nomad Loc: Catonsville, MD

Thanks for your reply and input.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

How much you can get for it will also depend on how you market it. If you want it appeal not just to collectors but to camera users as well, you should describe its working condition in detail, as best you can. The last thing a user wants is ending up with a camera that requires extensive or difficult repair work to make it functional. Does the shutter fire, does the focusing ring turn easily, is the viewfinder clear, is the lens clean, does the shoe mount meter work? This is what a user will want to know before considering purchase, and deciding on how much to pay.

houdel Loc: Chase, Michigan USA

Yes prices on Ebay can run hot and cold, especially if you look only at the listing prices for active sales. One way to narrow the range down a bit is after a search to show the current listings, click on "Advanced" just to the right of the big blue "Search" button. A new page will open, then in the middle of the page you will see "Search including". Click on "Sold Listings", then click on "Search". This will bring up a page showing what the items actually sold for in the past. Still a lot of variability, but at least it will narrow down a reasonable selling price a bit. From that point you can exercise a little judgement to set a fair buying or selling price for your particular item.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

I'll give him $2 for it, if he'll pay the shipping!!
Not sure it worth that much though!! :lol:
SS

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Actually, if you search "Vitessa 500 AE" and only "sold listings" on eBay you'll find the following:

$12 (in a lot with an old Agfa too, $13 US shipping)

$17 (with very expensive UK shipping)

$25 (w/bottom half of leather case, lens hood, plus $15 US shipping)

$31 (w/complete leather "never ready" case, free US shipping)

$50 (in a lot with 3 other Vitessa cameras and w/complete leather case, plus $26 Canada Post shipping)

The Agfa Tully flash bulb holder appears to sell for around $10 (free shipping) to $15 plus $6 shipping, when complete w/leather case, and $15 plus $12 shipping w/leather case and original box. The case alone sold for $4 in one instance. When sold along with a camera, the flash appears to add little or no value.

All in all, I'd say the $40 offer was pretty solid, especially if there was no cost of shipping involved... I might try to counter with $50-55 and settle on $45-50 after a bit of negotiating!

But, a lot depends upon condition and usability, though. As an AE model with an electronic shutter, it's probably battery-dependent and might be "AE only", in other words there's no way to shoot with it in any manual mode. So, along with shutter and aperture controls, the metering system needs to be working and reasonably accurate (if only skewed a bit, it might be able to override with ISO/ASA settings). I'm also not certain if it's a true rangefinder or if it just uses scale-set focus.

Note: Apparently rarer and more valuable was a "rosewood" or "jacaranda" wood covered version... Certainly more unusual looking, one sold on eBay for upwards of $125.