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Cameras/5 old cameras, value.

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Question
Mr. Silver, I have inherited (1) Kodak Motormatic 35f w/leather case, (1) Kodak Jiffy six-16 in the box, (1)Kodak Vallenda 620, (1)Kodak Pony 135 w/leathercase & blk Kodak Bag & (1)Polaroid Land Camera Automatic 103 w/bag and accesories. All but the Vallenda are in like new condition. The Vallenda is in very good condition. My Grandfather worked at Kodak in Roch. NY for 25 years. I also have a dozen tin film canesters. What dollar value would you estimate this small collection?
 Paul.

Answer
Hi Paul,

I'm afraid there are no treasures here.  The Motormatic 35F (only if it's still working properly) goes for around $25.  The Jiffy Six-16 normally sells for only $20 by itself, but with the fancy art deco box you can double that.  The Pony 135 runs around $15.  The Vollenda 620 can bring $45.  The Polaroid is absolutely worthless.

Best wishes,

David Silver

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David Silver

Expertise

I'm an expert on all types of antique, classic, and contemporary cameras, as well as the general history of photography. Everything from ancient box cameras to modern single-lens-reflex; from simple Kodaks to sophisticated Leica and Nikon; from glass plates and roll film to movie and 35mm. I can identify and appraise them, explain how they work, and offer insights on their restoration and care. I can also provide historical background on vintage cameras and equipment, and guidelines on their purchase and sale.

Experience

I've been a professional photographer and a student of the history of photography for nearly 30 years. During that time my collection of vintage cameras and photographic paraphernalia has grown beyond 2000 significant pieces. I've published nearly 70 articles in the field, including 16 in the popular "Buying Classic Cameras" series for PHOTO SHOPPER MAGAZINE from 1995 to 1997, I'm currently a contributing editor for CAMERA SHOPPER MAGAZINE and McKEOWN'S PRICE GUIDE TO ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC CAMERAS, and I've written numerous entries for WORLD BOOK ENCYCLOPEDIA. Portions of my collection have been displayed in museums and special exhibits in the past two decades, and many of the items were photographed as illustrations for books. In 1985 I founded the International Photographic Historical Organization (InPHO), which eventually evolved into its intended purpose as the best first resource for information on the history of photography. I'm also a founding member of several e-mail forums dedicated to specialized areas of photography, and I'm the moderator of the Internet Directory of Camera Collectors (IDCC), which remains the largest and most successful such group in the world. For more information about the International Photographic Historical Organization and its many services, please visit its web pages at:

http://www.photographyhistory.com


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