Cameras/old cameras
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Question
My next door neighbors' husband died, and he has a huge selection of old cameras and accessories.His widow asked me to see if they were worth anything. Is there a directory that would show a picture of the particular item and how much it maybe worth?
Hello,
There is a major industry guide to antique and collectible cameras, but it costs a whopping $145 retail, and the information it provides could be very misleading for someone who is not already involved in this area! I don't think you want or need to spend that sort of cash just to identify cameras. After that, no, I'm afraid there are still very few resources in this field. However, I will gladly make myself available whenever you need me to review any pictures or descriptions of the cameras you wish to send me for evaluation. I can be reached directly at <silver@well.com>. Small JPEG digital images are the best. I don't need extreme close-ups or details, just general views, and then I'll get right back to you with the information you need.
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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