selling a 1928 Speed Graphic w/ Zeiss - many questions!

[hokeypix]

Hi all. Newbie here. I picked up a Speed Graphic camera in my travels and wish to sell it, but I want to make sure I do it right. I'll admit up front I know very little about the mechanics of vintage cameras so even though it LOOKS to be in very good condition, I'm not sure what I'm looking at.

From the research I did online I believe it's a "pre-anniversary" model (is that from 1928?), and what I also found interesting is that it has a Zeiss lens. The leatherette piece covering the back has come off (and can be re-glued) but other than that I can see no immediate issues.

I'll post some photos, and would love any input from the experts out there on its value, the best place to sell it to get the best price (I assume ebay, though I could also sell it privately), and what I ought to check as far as condition. Are people comfortable buying these "as is" and knowing they may need to do some repairs? (assuming the photos are thorough). Obviously I can't test it out.

Also, what might this bring? It seems that $300 - 450 seems average on ebay, but I wonder if the Zeiss lens adds to the value? Thanks so much.

[PBrooks]

I'm sorry but that camera need major work. With the lens I would say 50-75 maybe a little more for parts.

[hokeypix]

Can you please be more specific? What "work" does it need?

[PBrooks]

Well, first all the rust. Second, the bed rail looks warped. It may not be but looks that way in the pics. People normally buy these for a working focal plane shutter. Does it work, I am just guessing here but the inner workings are probably as rusted as the handle loops. I does look like a good candidate for a restoration and some people love to do that.

[Venchka]

In 2006 I paid $100 for a fully functional 1953 Pacemaker Speed Graphic, original Kodak Ektar lens, holders, flash from the original purchaser.

I think $50 for your camera would be high. It's easy to change lenses. This lens may or may not be original. Where did you get your price estimate? What you have is an old beater camera. Does it even work? Have you used it to make a photograph?

After further thought, if the shutter works and the lens is in decent condition, it may be worth more by itself.

[Dave Pritchard]

You can always put it up for auction and see what it brings. You will, perhaps, be asked some questions. Like:

Does the focal plane shutter works? Are the speeds accurate?
Does the the shutter behind the lens work?
Are there light leaks in the bellows?

eB*y: Buying is easy. Selling is work.

[hokeypix]

This is 2009, not 2006. The camera is from 1928, not 1953. The lens is by Zeiss, not Kodak. I don't see how one can make across-the-board comparisons when discussing two such different models, years and selling markets. The estimates I quoted came - as I had already stated - from recent completed auctions on ebay (with non-Zeiss lenses).

I believe I asked in my first question what sort of steps one can take to check condition for a potential buyer. What I have learned so far from sharing on this board is that, based on a couple of photos, my camera is a "beater," good only for parts, and probably doesn't even work.

[domaz]

The lens alone is worth $50 or more. The focal plane shutter is the real key- if that doesn't work you would be better off selling the lens and camera alone.

[Dave Pritchard]

...
I believe I asked in my first question what sort of steps one can take to check condition for a potential buyer.
...

If we stick to the practical stuff, you will need to learn to operate the slightly goofy mechanism of the focal plane shutter. First, turn the knob on the right side, near the bottom. The number in the window should change from 0 to 6. Try to set it to 6. Wind the upper knob (the one with wings) counter-clockwise, against spring pressure. The letter in the window below it should change from 0 to T, then A, B, C, D; every time it clicks. Pull the lever underneath back. You should hear the focal plane shutter move briskly as you operate the lever.

I have a pre-Anniversary Speed Graphic here which does not work. I took it apart to find that the focal plane shutter had been cut out entirely. The winding lever moved very freely. The other two I have do work, but sound rough on operation. I have not taken them apart yet.

[mopar_guy]

The most desirable Speed Graphics as USER cameras are the Pacemaker Speed Graphics with Graflok Back. Next are Anniversary Speed Graphics. Any Pre-Anniversary Speed Graphic is considered to be more of a collector camera rather than a user. There are still a lot of these Pre Anniversary cameras around, so yours is really not that rare. If you happen across a Military model, it would be more valuable.

Another point that has not been mentioned is that 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 cameras are considered to be less valuable than 4x5. If you happen across a 5x7 Speed Graphic, It could be somewhat more valuable. I would agree that the auction value of this camera as around $50-75.