Cameras/what is this camera worth
Advertisement
Question
i have a Contax137md quartz worlds first builtin quartz controlled motor drive can u tell me is there a market for these cameras and what its worth plz thank you Dianne Johnson
Hi Dianne,
The Contax 137MD is a superb 35mm single-lens-reflex camera, made between 1978 and 1983, the result of the combined intellectual efforts of Yashica of Japan (for their electronics and factories) and Zeiss of Germany (for their optics and engineering). It's still a fine piece of machinery, and it SHOULD retain high resale value. However, the rampaging popularity of digital has gutted the market for used 35mm gear. I'm afraid a truly excellent example with the Yashica lens would only sell for around $50, while with the Zeiss lens it might go for $80. As a good usable piece, it would certainly sell in that range on eBay, and that's the sort of venue you'd need to attract enough interest.
Best wishes,
David Silver
Related Articles
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:
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.