Cameras/cameras and lenses
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Question
hello
I would like to know the value of the following equipment before I throw it away. I'll be glad if you'll be able to help me with that:
1. Kodak Super 8 Ektasound 130 cine camera no: 05012
2. Elmo Super 104
3. Zeiss Ikon Contaflex IV
4. Exacta vx from around 1947
5. kodak instamatic M9 no:46493
Lenses:
1. Schneider-kreuznach, xenon 1:1,9/50 no: 2493673
2. A.Schacht Munchen, Travenar 1:3,5/135 no: 2586
3. Carl Zeiss Jena, Biotar 1:1,5 f=7,5cm no 3169625
4. Ernst leitz wetzler elmar f=9cm 1:4 no: 838202
5. Carl zeiss janna sonar 1:1,5 f=5cm no:2707833
Hello,
Among the five cameras, assuming truly excellent condition and fitted with a proper normal lens, the Contaflex IV (a nicely made 35mm single-lens-reflex camera made by Zeiss Ikon of Germany in the late 1950's) would sell for $75-$100, and the Exakta VX (also a 35mm single-lens-reflex camera, made by Ihagee of Germany in the early 1950's) perhaps $60-$70. The other three cameras you can safely give away because they have nil value.
The lenses really depend on what cameras they are made to fit. The most common are designed with the bayonet mount to use on Exakta cameras, while perhaps the most desirable have a simple 39mm wide screw mount to fit Leica and similar 35mm rangefinder cameras. None of your five are particularly uncommon, they average between $25 and $50 each, but obviously their accumulated value is significant enough. The issue is that they're all difficult to sell individually. If you need some help, contact me at <silver@well.com>, provide a small JPEG digital image of the lenses if you can, and I can recommend some honest collectors who specialize in vintage lenses who might be interested in buying all of them. That way you can sell them quickly with as little stress as possible.
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:
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