Best way to sell Canon rangefinder + lenses?

Phelsuma · 12-12-2005

Hi,
I recently inherited some classic Canon camera gear that I have to admit I will never use. Here's the list...
Canon VIsb body
Canon Serenar 50, 1.5
Canon Serenar 28, 3.5
Canon Serenar 85, 1.5
Canon Flash Unit Model X
plus some bits and pieces like lens hoods, filters and clockwork self timers.
It all seems in pretty good shape. My late father purchased it all in Tokyo while he was stationed there during the Korean war.
I could use some advice on the best way to find a new home for this stuff!
Thanks,
Rob

Joerg · 12-12-2005

Hi,

i would be interested in the canon 50/1.5 lens.

Joerg

photodog · 12-12-2005

Post the stuff on the classifieds on RFF. There are a bunch of Canon fanatics here on the forum.

rover · 12-12-2005

You just took a great first step. I would suggest that you get comfortable offering a fair assesment of the condition both cosmetic and mechanical of the stuff. Test the focus and aperture rings on the lenses. Do you see any oil on the blades inside the lenses. Inspect the exterior surfaces and coatings of the lenses, front and back. Look inside the lenses from both ends shining a flash light through them, what do you see. For the camera, how does the shutter sound? It would be helpful if you run a roll of film through it. How did it come out?

Now, if you use the camera, even as a test, what did you think? Pretty nice? Any chance you want to keep it? That is a nice outfit you have there.

Gabriel M.A. · 12-12-2005

ooooohhh... a Canon 50 1.5. Pick me!

Joerg, how about Paper Scissors and Rock?

ChrisN · 12-12-2005

Hi Phelsuma and welcome to the forum. I'm sorry to hear that, from the sound of it, you won't become a rangefinder camera user, and join us. However, members here will be very interested in your father's equipment. You'd do well to check values by looking at completed sales on ebay or by comparison with shop prices (check our forum sponsors). And of course ebay is a good option for selling, if maximum price is the only consideration. We also tend to be somewhat conservative about buying from people we don't know (but there's ways to get around that, I'm sure you'll appreciate).

The IVSB is a lovely little camera - are you sure you don't want to keep it? I love mine!

Best luck with the sale.

FrankS · 12-12-2005

Welcome. This is your first post here at RFF. Do you have a history on any other internet site where one can "check out" your cedibility? If not, would you agree to using a trusted 3rd party here at RFF to act as an escroe agent? The gear that you have for sale is top notch stuff and adds up to significant sums of money. It would be naive for anyone to mail you such sums in unsecured payment . Do you take PayPal which would offer the buy some protection?

ray_g · 12-12-2005

Welcome, Rob. What rover said, and be sure to post some photos. It would also be a good have a good idea of market value, so you can post your selling prices. KEH and past ebay selling prices are a good way to start.

wlewisiii · 12-12-2005

The folks above have given good advice. Follow it and you should do alright. And once you figure out what you want for the 85/1.5 and the flash unit, feel free to let me know

William

airds · 12-12-2005

Other thoughts:-

Search the classified forum for previous prices, methods of advertising, etc, etc.

But please advise where the gear is located - which obviously affects postage charges !

Also, remember ebay and Paypal charge fees to sellers.

Most Canon nuts here would be probably classed as users rather than collectors ..... I'm sure you'd rather your Dad's camera would be put to use, than sit on a shelf.

Best wishes

Brian Sweeney · 12-12-2005

If you have a digital camera, get some pictures.

If you know nothing about cameras, and have a camera store near you, ask them to look at the equipment for correct operation, blemishes on the glass, smoothness in focus, etc.

If you know a little about cameras, put a roll of film through it and test the camera and lenses.

There is a thread on loading Canon/Leica "Bottom Loaders". It is a little tricky as you must cut more of the leader than what comes out of the 35mm can.

HERE:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/foru...loading+bottom

Check out Ebay finsished auctions. You can look at KEH, but figure they check and guarentee the equipment, so you will get 50%~70% of what they charge. I usually figure KEH less 30% for my gear after I check it over.

EDIT: And Check Dan's (meleica) Canon price guide...

Joerg · 12-12-2005

oooohhh... a Canon 50 1.5. Pick me!

Joerg, how about Paper Scissors and Rock?

Gabriel,

I always loose at rock paper scissors ;-(

All is great advice and the biggest issue for selling is trustability and return privilieges.

Joerg

djon · 12-12-2005

The key is condition. After superficial study of optics for scratches, haze, separation etc one would look at the rangefinder to see if the spot was clear and distinct, using the 50mm to see if it seemed reasonably accurate when you compare (for example) measured 4' Vs lens-indicated 4'. One would cock the shutter and see if it functions reliably at 1 sec, sounds faster at 1/2 sec, and faster still at 1/4...that's not to be expected if it's just been laying in a drawer somewhere, but it'd be great if it did work well because that means $100 or so Vs repair. It's amazing how well shutters keep time, sometimes, after decades of disuse...but it's not something to count on.

Phelsuma · 12-12-2005

Thanks VERY much for the great advice!
From a cursory examination all the lenses seem in very good shape. Both the 50 and the 28 have UV filters on them (and have always, I believe). The 85 does not have a filter, but looks nice. As a matter of fact, my Dad never used it in my recollection, althoug I'm sure he must have.
There is a little bit of a stain (rust?) right where the top section of the camera (the bit with the range/viewfinder attaches to the main body. Otherwise, the camera looks great.
My Dad was an electrical engineer and as such was rather fussy about all things technical. He took good care of his stuff.
BTW There is also a cute little Minori tripod that I would throw in.
I even the original owners manual for the camera and the flash unit!
I completely understand the need for caution when it comes to these sorts of transaction, so much so that I have to admit that I have never bought or sold anything on Ebay.
I would have no problem with the idea of a trusted third party or paypal (although I am not set up on it).
FRom the standpoint of ease, I would prefer to sell the whole shebang in fell swoop, but if that is not realistic, so be it.
I should mention that I live in Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada (does that complicate things?) and am a retired zoologist who now co-owns a music studio called "Trhough The Cedars Music Productions" (www.ttcmp.com). As to keeping the camera for myself, I have to confess that I have gone digital (Owwww...I can hear the howls from here!). I used to personally own an A-1 and AE-1, but took a course in Photoshop and well...
I would like to see the gear end up in the hands of someone that would use it and enjoy it. That would please my Dad. I will do some research and get back to you all, but thanks again for your assistance.
Rob Kellough

back alley · 12-12-2005

i think you would sell it quicker if you piece it out.

prices are next...i'm interested in some of it but need a price.

joe

ray_g · 12-12-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phelsuma

...am a retired zoologist who now co-owns a music studio called "Trhough The Cedars Music Productions" (www.ttcmp.com).

Aahh... that explains the gecko then.

I wouldn't worry -- we have quite a few members in Canada who would "walk a mile" for a canon.

FrankS · 12-12-2005

There are many RFF members living in and around Toronto, about 2 hours from you.

Hibbs · 12-12-2005

Me too!...I'm interested in the 50 1.5.

How can I get in on the lottery?

~ Hibbs

Phelsuma · 12-12-2005

Okey dokey...
based on what I have seen on the net i would propose... (in US $)

IVsb body : $150.00 (a little rust stain on the body, otherwise looks good. shutter action seems crisp)

Serenar 50, 1.5: $350.00 (excellent condition with UV filter and Canon 40 mm lens hood, no case for lens)
Serenar 28: 3.5: $175.00 (excellent condition with UV filter , viewfinder and original Canon leather case. The case needs to be restitched.)
Serenar 85: 1.5 $375.00 (excellent condition, with viewfinder and original Canon leather case.
Canon Self timer II with leather case: $??? (Works!)

Now what?
Rob

wlewisiii · 12-12-2005

Next, seriously, would be to get a digital camera, pose the Canon gear on today's news paper and take lots of pictures for people to look at. The prices could be good if the condition is as described, but I, at least, would need to see a bunch of photos before trying to scrounge that kind of money at this time of year.

William

Sonnar2 · 12-12-2005

Hi Rob, I'm interested on the 28 and 85mm. I've send you a PM...
cheers Frank

rover · 12-13-2005

Bump away, let's see what happens

Kim Coxon · 12-13-2005

Very interested in the 50

Kim

Phelsuma · 12-13-2005

Hi again,
I am posting some photos for all to see. There are a few updates I should include.

a) the 50mm 1.5 comes with a lens hood (see pic)

b) the IVsb body comes with a Canon self timer II and Canon camera holder (with case). There is also a leather camera case which is kind of beat up but anyone being the body can have.

c) the 28mm 3.5 has a UV filter on it which appears to be stuck. I can't remove it and it looks like my Dad may have chipped the filter in trying to do so at some point. The lens itself seems fine, but might need the services of a camera shop to remove the filter safely.
In light of that I am lowering the price to $150.00 US

I have never sold anything on Ebay/Paypal. If there are interested folks in the GTA (if you live there you know what I mean!) I live about 2 hours east of Toronto and would consider a meeting. Perhaps at a Tim's on the 401?
Cheers!
Rob

FrankS · 12-13-2005

What are the prices of the other items? Have you done your "due diligence" in doing research to come up with these prices? Don't want you to short-change yourself.