dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

That is not quite true as many people are still buying film cameras and film is still being sold. I just recently acquired a Nikon F2AS with three lenses and also a Nikon F3 with an even bigger assortment of lenses for it. I plan to use both of them as well as a Yashica 124 camera and others.

Dennis

Canisdirus

Not in demand...hardly any value in them anymore.
Only the rare gems...like any other over the hill product.

BebuLamar

Some cameras like the F2AS in mint condition still worth about the same price as I paid for it new in 1977 of $550.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

What you have is an excellent camera patiently waiting to teach some high school teenager the art and science of photography.

When I was in high school that was a gem loaned to me by my teacher. I learned every thing about photography and saved every nickel and dime I could to buy my first SLR. It is a Zenit-E, in excellent working condition with a few dings. I bought it from Olden Camera on 34th Street in NYC. I saved enough money to buy an AE-1 and I still love both film cameras.

You could donate it to a high school and begin a photography club for the students. A donation won’t bring cash in your pocket but you will have the satisfaction of being on the doorsteps of a future photographer. Or, you could donate it to a museum for others to see that gem.

If you sell it to a third party retailer, they in turn will find a buy who may pay about $150 for the body and about $200 for the lens separately.

Speaking of which, list it here at UHH and start a bidding war. Throw in a couple of rolls of film (yes it is available) and a by mail developer will develop the film.

“Just because a camera uses film, doesn’t mean it becomes a paperweight.”

chrisg-optical Loc: New York, NY

Film cameras are still used by some believe it or not. I did see a Canon AE-1 strapped to the neck of someone in NYC just last week. Also see other film cameras in use in the city, including medium format film cameras like a Hassy. Film and processing are more expensive though.

StanMac Loc: Tennessee

I disagree. Film cameras in working condition are in demand and saleable in the right venue. The seller should consider joining the analog photography forums and listing it there as well as UHH. There are film fans still out there.

Stan

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

That camera was a dream way back when and it still is. If I didn’t shoot Canon I would buy it but I’m already drooling!

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

Film developing is more expensive though. But you can shop around to find what extras if any are available. Just because something is old doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be used.

The older cameras were built to last long after us crusty old coots have moved on.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

A good point. The one I have was given to me with three also like new lenses for it. I plan to use it from time to time. Still a great film camera.

Dennis

foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC

I sold mine shortly after I got it. MANY years ago. I bought another F1.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

To make sure the camera is completely operational, you’ll likely need to change the battery. It’s an 4LR44 6V battery, still available and not expensive.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

I've dealt with a couple of old(er) original AE-1 models. Common problems include:

1, Light leaks around the shutter box where the 'foam' had dried and crumbled. You recognize the issue only in your exposed film with light streaks like over-exposed streaks / lines across the frame. The fix can be DIY or find someone who specializes in these older cameras.

2, An old battery was left in the camera and exploded / leaked. This pretty much destroys the camera.

3, The ISO control dial cannot be adjusted. The original design was problematic and the dial gets harder to use over time.

4, Missing dials and / or plug covers. These may not impact camera operations, but do lessen the resale value.

Bill 45

Good god man, put some film in it and use it. Friday I get three rolls of 400 speed film with 36 pictures per roll. Get it at Walmart, pay $22.98 for the three rolls.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

It might sell to KEH, or MPB, or on eBay or even UHH. Don’t expect a high value… They made zillions of them.

That’s the one Canon I loathe, because it ruined the photos of so many young yearbook candid photographers in the early to mid-1980s. (I worked at a yearbook company then. Part of my AV production role was to train photographers at summer workshops for editors, advisors, and photographers.)

Students made the mistake of blindly relying on those Canon AE-1 and AE-1 Program cameras without reading the manual and understanding what they were using. They were rewarded with horrible exposures. Some thought the thing had automatic focus!

Canisdirus

Yes, the oh so common mistake of not factoring inflation.

In 1977 dollars...you paid $2,700 for it by the value of todays dollar.

Reverse the inflation and you lost $2,200...you won't get your actual money back...just the diluted 1/5th inflation equivalent.