Expert: John Oliverio - 6/29/2009

Question
we recently had a flooded basement,my insurance claims adjuster would like to put a value on this minolta sr-7 35mm camera and acessories  included are 55mm Aetna lens,Sunpak auto 221 flash,2 lens filters, and carrying case

Answer
Michael,

It's tricky to put a value on equipment like this.  It all depends on your policy and what the adjuster is willing to let you get away with. There is no longer a recognized "blue book" for this kind of gear.  Most people try to figure the value from the internet. Which is hopeless.  For example, I found a similar (but more advanced) camera at B and H photo in New York (a well known and reputable business) and they assigned it a value of $50 dollars.  Cruise on over to eBay and you can find people trying to get any where from $20 to $120 dollars.

The above assigns the camera a "real" value.  In other words, you could manage to find a "similar" used one for some where between $20 and $120 dollars.  

But if your policy is letting you get a NEW replacement camera.... well in that case we are talking about a digital SLR because they don't make 35mm film cameras like that any more.  But how to figure what it is equivalent to in a digital camera??  How do you compare a 47 year old camera (from a maker who doesn't even make cameras anymore) to the digital cameras we have today?  Kinda tough.  In 1962 the SR-7 was Minolta's top of the line model.  So, without going too far overboard you could make an argument for comparing that to a top of the line Nikon (just to pick a maker at random).  Say the D300 which goes for around $1800 dollars for the body.  (Oddly enough, an equivalent lens is only around $135) They would occupy roughly the same place in their respective lines.   

Like I said, you could make that argument. And it wouldn't be a lie.  But would it be fair?  I don't think so.  Because if you are objective, you have to admit that the cheapest digital SLR (around $500 for a Nikon D40 with an 18-55 zoom lens) is a THOUSAND times more advanced than the most expensive camera from any maker you could name in 1962.  

Wow, this is getting long winded.  Sorry, but there is no simple answer here.  I guess what I'm trying to say is that you have to use your own judgment here.  Because in all reality, your camera had no real value on today's market.  And there is no true direct replacement (new) available.  

As for the rest of the stuff on your list, in my experience they would usually allow around $80 dollars to replace the bag and filters.  The flash will be built into any camera you choose.  

I'll finish this with telling you what I would claim.  I think a reasonable replacement value for the whole rig is about $630 dollars.  That would be enough to get a Nikon D40 with a kit lens.  A decent camera bag.  A UV and circular polarizer (filters). And a 4GB memory card.  As I said, there is a flash built in.  But it isn't quite as powerful as the one you had.  The guide number on the auto221 was about 58 at ISO 100.  The D40 flash is only GN17 at ISO 100.  So it would be legit to ask for about $130 for a Nikon SB400 speedlite.  So call it $760 dollars.  

Hope this helps.  Sorry it was such a long answer for what seems a simple question.

John