AboutDavid Silver Expertise I'm an expert on all types of antique and classic CAMERAS, vintage PHOTOGRAPHS, and the 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; from daguerreotypes and tintypes to the black & white images by the 20th century masters. I can identify and appraise, explain techniques and processes, offer insights on restoration and preservation, and provide guidelines for buying and selling.
Experience I've been a professional photographer and a student of the history of photography for over 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:
I have an old #2 Stereo Brownie camera. The little eye piece is here but loose. Otherwise it seems in very good order. Can you give me an idea of the value and whether Ebay is a good place to sell such an item? I'm attaching a few images. Thank you.
Beth
Answer
Hello Beth,
The No. 2 Stereo Brownie is a simple amateur folding bellows camera, made by Eastman Kodak from 1905 to 1910, for 3 1/4 x 2 1/2 inch stereo pair exposures on old roll film. It was popular in its day, and remains relatively common today. In truly excellent condition, you're looking at about $300-$350. Your example definitely has some problems with the wooden front standard, it's tilting to one side and must have been seriously bumped in the past (probably dropped!), plus the top of the body has quite a bit of wear along the leatherette covering, but it's otherwise okay. Should still bring at least $250 in this condition, and maybe a bit more. Hard to say; it's a tough market. No, you want to avoid eBay...that's where these old cameras go to die! Contact me directly at <silver@well.com> and I can recommend some good honest buyers you can e-mail on your own, or I'd be happy to sell it for you myself. My organization is holding its first general sale of the year in a couple of weeks, including a number of vintage Kodaks, and it would be no bother to take the camera and sell it for you then. No commission necessary; consider it a professional courtesy. Let me know what appeals to you.
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