Selling old film cameras.

Cannyshopper

I have some old film cameras where is the best place to sell them.Knowing very little about cameras I don't know whether they are working properly and
they have additional lenses.I have looked on Ebay and prices vary on their condition. Is there any places that buy them and can be recommended. 
Many thanks.

DullGreyGuy

Old lenses will be easier to shift than camera bodys... most the usual buyers of used cameras (Wex, MBP etc) dont accept film cameras these days. London Camera Exchange (are based not just in London) certainly sell them but if they are buying more stock you'd need to ask them. 

Having sold cameras before you ultimately send them off or drop them in, if they arent functional they'll either reject them and return or quote to repair which is taken off the sale value if you agree. By correctly declaring up front you are less likely to get into a debate later.

Certainly I've had good experiences with the three above, to the extent that I sent a lens forgetting it had a filter on it and when they "assessed the condition" they updated the quote to include an extra £10 for the filter. They could have just have pocketted it and I'd have been none the wiser. 

km1500

another alternative is to donate to Oxfam charity shop they seem to like getting them - our Oxgam window is full of them.anyway.

cymruchris

As you're not sure of their condition, ebay is likely the best outlet. For the cameras, see if they wind on - by pushing the lever on the top right to the right, and then pressing the shutter button, rinse and repeat a few times, just to make sure it's not completely jammed up.

Take plenty of photos - for the cameras - top - bottom - sides - back - front - internals back - internals front - for the lenses - all around the barrel, back without the cap looking at the glass element, front element - so you can show there's no scratches/major marks or fungus (If there's a screw filter attached - remove it for the photo - then replace - they usually say 'UV filter' if the previous owner fitted a 'protection filter') - and importantly also photograph any boxes or instructions you have, as they can add value. Make sure everything is externally clean before the photos. (No fingerprints on the glass elements or excessive dust)

List the model and brand, and state that they are not tested. Some old film cameras have an issue that when they get older, they leak light as the seals deteriorate. The only way you'd know if yours leaked, would be to put a film through them and process it. (A cost you probably don't want to bear). Seals can be replaced - but it's time and cost to the buyer. The film community is quite canny, and if what you have is relatively rare, it'll garner plenty of interest (and bids). If what you have is as common as muck, or not seen of any value, you'll get pennies. (But it's better to put it to good use in someone else's hands rather than gathering dust in your cupboards).

If you want to gauge how much they might be worth - use the ebay advanced tool that shows 'sold listings' - enter your brand and model number and see what comes back, so you know what to expect rather than just looking at what's for sale. There's a lot of stuff out there that's worth next to nothing, but there's a demand for decent quality used kit, so hopefully you'll have some of the latter, and not much of the former. Prices vary based on condition, brand, rarity and whether packaging and instructions are present. 

With good photos - the correct model numbers and brands - you'll find that the film community will soon find them, and if of interest and value, will certainly receive decent bids. (I'd start them as 7 day auctions at £0.01p and time it to finish around 8pm on a weekend evening)

knightstyle

I have seen boxes with several cameras in, some old bellows types go at our local auction for around £10.
The market seems to have nose dived.  Thought about buying some and putting away for a few years in case it picks up but I guess, like the beautiful books I bought a few years ago they would end up at a charity shop.

Miser1964

Most cameras have a serial number, so ensure a close up of that to reduce the chance of a scam return on Ebay. 

Cannyshopper

Many thanks for your replies,going to try and sell on Ebay.