EKatzman

Hi folks, been awhile. We are starting to downsize the house thus some clutter. I have a collection of old cameras and do not know if they are worth anything, especially the ones that accordion out when open. Any info would be great. Anyone local or know of a local camera shop in the Washington, DC / Maryland area capable of checking these out, etc. Thanks in advance. Evan

Jeffcs Loc: Myrtle Beach South Carolina

Personally “antique” usually has a personal feeling towards (your/our) collection and other than (I like my collection) have no real monitory value which means it only hurts the collector when it hits the round file bin.

Jim70 Loc: Delaware

I'd check the SOLD section on ebay; that will give you some idea of potential value.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

The Nikon series E lens might have some real interest as a user lens as the optics are very good at a good price.
The others would need someone specifically looking for that particular item to add to a collection.
Most camera shops would not deal with these as resale items and unless you have an ongoing relationship cannot be expected to check them out or appraise them, if that is what you want.

Old does not always mean valuable but interesting none the less.

Good luck.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I think I have the same Canon QL and also that long lens - or similar.

Do a search on eBay for each item and then go down the left column to Sold items. That will show you what they have sold for. Those old expanding cameras were made by the thousands, and they don't bring much money. I have a similar old Kodak.

Media1

Evan, check out District Photo which has stores in DC, Arlington, and Burke.

dadamia Loc: Portland, OR

Not in your area, but you might try sending your photos to these guys:

https://bluemooncamera.com/

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

My "toy" as a child was my mom's camera that pulled out like the one in #2. I've often thought it would be fun to have it again. But I couldn't pay much for it.

nervous2 Loc: Provo, Utah

What is the focal length on the Nikkor lens. I would be somewhat interested in it as a gift to my granddaughter as a nice prime if the glass is good. I am guessing it's 35mm. Let me know.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Hi Evan,

We can't really see some of the most pertinent info in most of your images.

For example, with lenses the writing around the front element tells us focal length and more. There may be other markings elsewhere on the lens that are important, too, distinguishing it from similar models.

Taking your photos one at a time from top to bottom:

1. Genos Rapid camera info https://vintagecameralab.com/genos-rapid/ That article says the 1950s camera is of $20 value, but you may find some "sold" on eBay to confirm. Yours has the leather case, which may add a $f value.

2. Unknown folding camera.... the info printed around the lens and anywhere on the camera body is important to identify, but can't be clearly seen. This type camera go from cheap to pricey, depending upon the exact model, rarity, conductibility and condition. The lens is important too, because some models were sold with different grades of lenses. Your example appears pretty rough. A few years ago I sold a similar German-made Kodak in usable condition for $75... and have paid that much for some rare models with high end lenses, but also have only paid $5 or sold for similarly little money for some other models.

3. Nikkor lens.... I can make out "Series E", which was a more affordable line of lenses Nikon offered in the 1970s or 80s. I can't make out what the focal length is. but it's largest aperture is f/1.8 so I suspect it's a common 50mm. The E Series 28mm and 35mm lenses are similar size, but are only f/2.8 if I recall correctly. If this is correct and it's in good usable condition, it might be worth $40 or $50.... maybe a little more in exceptionally good condition, especially with accessories like lens caps and hood.

4. Canon Canonet QL17 camera... is a popular 35mm film camera still today. That's an earlier example. The later "GIII" is an improved version that's the most popular. I know in good working order those can sell for $75 to over $150. Even more for the rarer all black version. I don't know about your earlier version.

5. Canon Dial 35-2... that's an odd duck from late 1960s, early 1970s. There are people who collect odd cameras... plus it's a "half frame" camera, which some people collect as well. (It gets 2X the number of shots on a roll of film, probably makes 18x24mm images, instead of 24x36mm "full frame".) I have no idea the value. Probably depends upon rarity.

6. Large zoom lens.... cannot make out brand, focal length, etc. Appears to be from the 1970s or 80s. Most zooms from that era were big, heavy and not all that great. There are a lot of cheap brands that aren't worth more than $10 to $20 today. But there also are some that are decent lenses and may be worth a bit more. For example... I've seen Vivitar lenses that look a lot like that, aren't particularly good and at best bring about $20. But there are others such as Konica Hexanon that look very similar, are quite good and will usually sell for much, much more if in good working condition. The lens you have appears to be in very good condition for its age and also appears to have the matching lens hood (all too often are lost or dented!). Really can't say any more without additional identifying info, though.

For all the above you can do searches for "sold items" on eBay to get a rough idea of current values. Here is a search I just did for the Canonet camera, as an example:

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=canonet+QL17&_sacat=0&rt=nc&LH_Sold=1&LH_Complete=1

You have to be careful doing searches, to get useful info specific to your item. Must check "sold items" too. Look carefully at what you find, to be sure the sold item is the same as yours. For example some of the above Canonet cameras are the later GIII version and some include accessories such as the little flash made for the camera.

It's difficult to test Canonets for function because they used a mercury battery that's no longer available. Modern "625" will fit, but are alkaline and done give the correct voltage for the camera's meter to function accurately. An experienced person can use the camera strictly manually, though... so long as it's shutter speeds are accurate, the rangefinder is properly adjusted, etc.

Bigmike1 Loc: I am from Gaffney, S.C. but live in Utah.

I have a collection of over 30 old cameras. I am fully aware that they don't have any value to anyone other than me. When I die my family can give them to the local thrift store. Almost all of these cameras I picked up for between 2 and 10 dollars. When digital came in people literally gave away their film cameras.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

As to the modern batteries, go ahead and use them. with negative film they are off by perhaps 1/3 - 2/3 stop. I use them all the time with my old cameras needing 625 batteries and just adjust then ISO a bit and have absolutely no problems.
Too many scary stories discouraging anything but modifications, expensive and very short lived replacement batteries or some adapters.
All really unnecessary.

cahale Loc: San Angelo, TX

Like all old things, they are worth whatever someone is willing to pay for them. If they were offered to me simply for carrying them off, I would decline. But that is just me. There are others out there who seem to feed on nostalgia, and they can be a ready market for such. All you can do is offer. Good luck.

krashdragon

Local camera stores here in Savannah said the kids in the colleges arts and design program like the film camera.
Some of the classes I've seen online also want people to start with film... probably because you have to think before you click.
So check local colleges and online before you trash stuff.