What is your eBay success rate on vintage cameras?

Not a Number · 08-06-2022, 10:31 AM

I've only bought one camera off eBay and I wanted it more for the lens and flash. It was a Lester Dine macro kit on a Pentax MZ/ZX-50. The flash and lens were in excellent condition. The body suffered from the popup flash spring problem and the mirror locked up on the first or second test shot I tried. Apparently the mirror motor pinion gear had started to split since the last time it was used by the previous owner.

I don't think it is worth my time doing a DIY fix.

**Sam_I_am** · 08-06-2022, 10:47 AM

The last camera I bought was a Canon eos 2000. I bought it for $50 shipped because of the four rolls of b&w film that came with it.

Anyone interested in the camera? Camera works great, lens is a little noisy. Comes with a brand new battery.

lol

LesDMess · 08-06-2022, 01:30 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Driline

No. Many were untested and so I took a chance. One camera was stated as working when it actually was not so I reached out to the seller and was offered a full refund. It was only a 20 dollar Yashica MG so no big deal. The Nikon FM required a new prism which was sort of disclosed so I sent it in for a full CLA and has been one of my best purchases yet. None of the vintage 1940 ‘s or 50’s era rangefinder cameras have been CLA’d as I’m unaware of who or what company could still service such an old camera like my Zeiss ICON Contina 1A which requires a rear hazy lens to be cleaned.

In most of my price range, I seldom see one represented as 100%. I've only bought a couple vintage of ebay and I must be batting over a thousand since the LX I won for $60 - no back or prism sold as-is not working for parts only, turned out to be 100% now going on 10 years. Too bad as I wanted a non working sample to practice on . . .

A vast majority of my vintage camera acquisitions were off craigslist - mostly local but some from across the country. Most represented as from relative who passed and know nothing about it. With few exceptions, most were 100%. Unlike most I see on auction, most came with all kinds of accessories too.

**ChrisPlatt** · 08-06-2022, 04:08 PM - **1 Like**

IMO one should be realistic when buying and assume some sort of service will
be necessary, even if just CLA with seals and foam in the case of a 35mm SLR.

If you buy a Pentax mechanical SLR your odds of success are very good - as long
as we still have Eric Hendrickson. FWIW he's the main reason I got into Pentax...

Chris

**arnold** · 08-06-2022, 04:49 PM

Originally posted by Driline

No. Many were untested and so I took a chance. One camera was stated as working when it actually was not so I reached out to the seller and was offered a full refund. It was only a 20 dollar Yashica MG so no big deal. The Nikon FM required a new prism which was sort of disclosed so I sent it in for a full CLA and has been one of my best purchases yet. None of the vintage 1940 ‘s or 50’s era rangefinder cameras have been CLA’d as I’m unaware of who or what company could still service such an old camera like my Zeiss ICON Contina 1A which requires a rear hazy lens to be cleaned.

I have bought over 120 cameras on eBay, and my selections have generally been satisfactory. A lot of problems just need a little love, and many are resolved with a touch of lubricant on the tip of a toothpick, or a solvent carefully injected into shutters and timer mechanisms. On others, if you can get access to the shutter or aperture blades, a (gentle) wipe with isopropyl can often free them up. I have sold about 65 of my cameras at a camera fair, and am now down to about 60, concentrating on Pentax, Kodak Retina and Retinette and three Yashicas . I avoid many problems by staying away form Automation, although I confess to having an SP ES11, and Pentax K2, Pentax LX, ME. (Pentax ME Supers, MF are trouble)

LesDMess · 08-06-2022, 07:28 PM

Originally posted by ChrisPlatt

IMO one should be realistic when buying and assume some sort of service will
be necessary, even if just CLA with seals and foam in the case of a 35mm SLR.

If you buy a Pentax mechanical SLR your odds of success are very good - as long
as we still have Eric Hendrickson. FWIW he's the main reason I got into Pentax...

Chris

Any metal to metal contact of moving parts will require a minimum CLA. It is simply a matter of luck - and many other factors, how soon it will be required.

Knowing that Eric can fix most anything Pentax related definitely eases any possible concerns. Afterall, who doesn't want a fully factory working vintage camera!

LesDMess · 08-07-2022, 09:54 AM - **1 Like**

One of my best buys off local CL listing - Canon 1VHS for $50, no pictures. This was late 2000 and belonged to a local forensics lab getting rid of old equipment. I couldn't believe it until I paid him, loaded it with film, took some shots and checked out the results - all good!

Driline · 08-07-2022, 12:58 PM

Originally posted by LesDMess

One of my best buys off local CL listing - Canon 1VHS for $50, no pictures. This was late 2000 and belonged to a local forensics lab getting rid of old equipment. I couldn't believe it until I paid him, loaded it with film, took some shots and checked out the results - all good!

That looks like a fun camera to shoot. All my film SLR's end about 1984 in vintage. I have no newer film cameras.

LesDMess · 08-07-2022, 01:28 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by Driline

That looks like a fun camera to shoot. All my film SLR's end about 1984 in vintage. I have no newer film cameras.

Can blow through a roll faster then I can type this!
I've since gotten rid of all my Canon EOS gear in favor of manual focus cameras after I picked up an MX . . .

I figure that with a viewfinder that huge, I don't need autofocus . . .

**Sam_I_am** · 08-07-2022, 04:04 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by LesDMess

Can blow through a roll faster then I can type this!
I've since gotten rid of all my Canon EOS gear in favor of manual focus cameras after I picked up an MX . . .

I figure that with a viewfinder that huge, I don't need autofocus . . .

Looks like you lost some weight as well. You can definitely see the benefits of exercising....your camera. 😃

LesDMess · 08-07-2022, 04:46 PM

Originally posted by Sam_I_am

Looks like you lost some weight as well. You can definitely see the benefits of exercising....your camera. 😃

Of course there are bigger manual focus cameras but they use bigger film too . . .

Driline · 08-07-2022, 05:24 PM

Originally posted by arnold

I have bought over 120 cameras on eBay, and my selections have generally been satisfactory

That's good to know. I just got the camera bug again and am waiting for 3 to show up this week on my front door from eBay. I've got a Voigtlander Vito B, Vito C, and an Olympus OM-2N coming my way!

**tonyzoc** · 08-07-2022, 06:51 PM - **1 Like**

I don't know the exact rate...but I'd guess about 50%. The Nikon F4 and F4s i recently purchased were great...but the first F4e i had to send back due to the common aperture failure. I've picked up a number of exakta bodies...all under $50...about half had bad shutter curtains but several Varex and Varex VX bodies had good curtains and just needed a little clean and lube to become film worthy. I'm at 0% with the 2 Konica C35 I got... couldn't get the meter working. Also 0% with the 2 Olympus XAs. I did get a working Olympus Ace-E though the selenium meter is about 2 stops over exposing. My most recent...and one I'm thrilled about...is a Pentax 645 with 120 back i get for parts $120. Turns out the body just needed to be manually cycled and now its working fine. I've put 2 roll of Fuji 400H though it and ill be developing those soon to confirm functionality. (I have another 645 and 4 lenses.)

Jonathan Mac · 08-08-2022, 05:13 AM

I very, very rarely buy a film camera that I haven't handled and checked unless I know I can return it at no cost (ie the seller states that it works and it doesn't).

But then I've bought stuff from reputable dealers who stated it was fine and when it arrived I found it was broken, missing something essential or was full of fungus. Old gear is always a risk if it doesn't come with a guarantee.

titrisol · 08-08-2022, 06:16 AM

The Vitos are relatively easy to fix, fully mechanical shutters. Lenses are cleanable as well.
I think there are service manuals here : https://learncamerarepair.com/

Olympus made great cameras, I don;t know about their useful life after 40+years. You'll have to at least replace the lightseals

Originally posted by Driline

That's good to know. I just got the camera bug again and am waiting for 3 to show up this week on my front door from eBay. I've got a Voigtlander Vito B, Vito C, and an Olympus OM-2N coming my way!

08-06-2022, 10:47 AM	#17
Sam_I_am Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Toledo, OR Posts: 851	The last camera I bought was a Canon eos 2000. I bought it for $50 shipped because of the four rolls of b&w film that came with it. Anyone interested in the camera? Camera works great, lens is a little noisy. Comes with a brand new battery. lol Last edited by Sam_I_am; 08-06-2022 at 10:56 AM.

08-06-2022, 01:30 PM - 1 Like	#18
LesDMess Pentaxian Join Date: May 2011 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,235	Originally posted by Driline No. Many were untested and so I took a chance. One camera was stated as working when it actually was not so I reached out to the seller and was offered a full refund. It was only a 20 dollar Yashica MG so no big deal. The Nikon FM required a new prism which was sort of disclosed so I sent it in for a full CLA and has been one of my best purchases yet. None of the vintage 1940 ‘s or 50’s era rangefinder cameras have been CLA’d as I’m unaware of who or what company could still service such an old camera like my Zeiss ICON Contina 1A which requires a rear hazy lens to be cleaned. In most of my price range, I seldom see one represented as 100%. I've only bought a couple vintage of ebay and I must be batting over a thousand since the LX I won for $60 - no back or prism sold as-is not working for parts only, turned out to be 100% now going on 10 years. Too bad as I wanted a non working sample to practice on . . . A vast majority of my vintage camera acquisitions were off craigslist - mostly local but some from across the country. Most represented as from relative who passed and know nothing about it. With few exceptions, most were 100%. Unlike most I see on auction, most came with all kinds of accessories too. Last edited by LesDMess; 08-06-2022 at 01:39 PM.

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08-06-2022, 10:31 AM	#16
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	I've only bought one camera off eBay and I wanted it more for the lens and flash. It was a Lester Dine macro kit on a Pentax MZ/ZX-50. The flash and lens were in excellent condition. The body suffered from the popup flash spring problem and the mirror locked up on the first or second test shot I tried. Apparently the mirror motor pinion gear had started to split since the last time it was used by the previous owner. I don't think it is worth my time doing a DIY fix.

08-06-2022, 04:08 PM - 1 Like	#19
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,692	IMO one should be realistic when buying and assume some sort of service will be necessary, even if just CLA with seals and foam in the case of a 35mm SLR. If you buy a Pentax mechanical SLR your odds of success are very good - as long as we still have Eric Hendrickson. FWIW he's the main reason I got into Pentax... Chris

08-06-2022, 04:49 PM	#20
arnold Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,294	Originally posted by Driline No. Many were untested and so I took a chance. One camera was stated as working when it actually was not so I reached out to the seller and was offered a full refund. It was only a 20 dollar Yashica MG so no big deal. The Nikon FM required a new prism which was sort of disclosed so I sent it in for a full CLA and has been one of my best purchases yet. None of the vintage 1940 ‘s or 50’s era rangefinder cameras have been CLA’d as I’m unaware of who or what company could still service such an old camera like my Zeiss ICON Contina 1A which requires a rear hazy lens to be cleaned. I have bought over 120 cameras on eBay, and my selections have generally been satisfactory. A lot of problems just need a little love, and many are resolved with a touch of lubricant on the tip of a toothpick, or a solvent carefully injected into shutters and timer mechanisms. On others, if you can get access to the shutter or aperture blades, a (gentle) wipe with isopropyl can often free them up. I have sold about 65 of my cameras at a camera fair, and am now down to about 60, concentrating on Pentax, Kodak Retina and Retinette and three Yashicas . I avoid many problems by staying away form Automation, although I confess to having an SP ES11, and Pentax K2, Pentax LX, ME. (Pentax ME Supers, MF are trouble)

08-06-2022, 07:28 PM	#21
LesDMess Pentaxian Join Date: May 2011 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,235	Originally posted by ChrisPlatt IMO one should be realistic when buying and assume some sort of service will be necessary, even if just CLA with seals and foam in the case of a 35mm SLR. If you buy a Pentax mechanical SLR your odds of success are very good - as long as we still have Eric Hendrickson. FWIW he's the main reason I got into Pentax... Chris Any metal to metal contact of moving parts will require a minimum CLA. It is simply a matter of luck - and many other factors, how soon it will be required. Knowing that Eric can fix most anything Pentax related definitely eases any possible concerns. Afterall, who doesn't want a fully factory working vintage camera!

08-07-2022, 09:54 AM - 1 Like	#22
LesDMess Pentaxian Join Date: May 2011 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,235	One of my best buys off local CL listing - Canon 1VHS for $50, no pictures. This was late 2000 and belonged to a local forensics lab getting rid of old equipment. I couldn't believe it until I paid him, loaded it with film, took some shots and checked out the results - all good!

08-07-2022, 12:58 PM	#23
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,697 Original Poster	Originally posted by LesDMess One of my best buys off local CL listing - Canon 1VHS for $50, no pictures. This was late 2000 and belonged to a local forensics lab getting rid of old equipment. I couldn't believe it until I paid him, loaded it with film, took some shots and checked out the results - all good! That looks like a fun camera to shoot. All my film SLR's end about 1984 in vintage. I have no newer film cameras.

08-07-2022, 01:28 PM - 2 Likes	#24
LesDMess Pentaxian Join Date: May 2011 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,235	Originally posted by Driline That looks like a fun camera to shoot. All my film SLR's end about 1984 in vintage. I have no newer film cameras. Can blow through a roll faster then I can type this! I've since gotten rid of all my Canon EOS gear in favor of manual focus cameras after I picked up an MX . . . I figure that with a viewfinder that huge, I don't need autofocus . . .

08-07-2022, 04:04 PM - 1 Like	#25
Sam_I_am Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Toledo, OR Posts: 851	Originally posted by LesDMess Can blow through a roll faster then I can type this! I've since gotten rid of all my Canon EOS gear in favor of manual focus cameras after I picked up an MX . . . I figure that with a viewfinder that huge, I don't need autofocus . . . Looks like you lost some weight as well. You can definitely see the benefits of exercising....your camera. 😃

08-07-2022, 04:46 PM	#26
LesDMess Pentaxian Join Date: May 2011 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,235	Originally posted by Sam_I_am Looks like you lost some weight as well. You can definitely see the benefits of exercising....your camera. 😃 Of course there are bigger manual focus cameras but they use bigger film too . . .

08-07-2022, 05:24 PM	#27
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,697 Original Poster	Originally posted by arnold I have bought over 120 cameras on eBay, and my selections have generally been satisfactory That's good to know. I just got the camera bug again and am waiting for 3 to show up this week on my front door from eBay. I've got a Voigtlander Vito B, Vito C, and an Olympus OM-2N coming my way!

08-07-2022, 06:51 PM - 1 Like	#28
tonyzoc Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2018 Posts: 992	I don't know the exact rate...but I'd guess about 50%. The Nikon F4 and F4s i recently purchased were great...but the first F4e i had to send back due to the common aperture failure. I've picked up a number of exakta bodies...all under $50...about half had bad shutter curtains but several Varex and Varex VX bodies had good curtains and just needed a little clean and lube to become film worthy. I'm at 0% with the 2 Konica C35 I got... couldn't get the meter working. Also 0% with the 2 Olympus XAs. I did get a working Olympus Ace-E though the selenium meter is about 2 stops over exposing. My most recent...and one I'm thrilled about...is a Pentax 645 with 120 back i get for parts $120. Turns out the body just needed to be manually cycled and now its working fine. I've put 2 roll of Fuji 400H though it and ill be developing those soon to confirm functionality. (I have another 645 and 4 lenses.)

08-08-2022, 05:13 AM	#29
Jonathan Mac Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Madrid, Spain Posts: 10,894	I very, very rarely buy a film camera that I haven't handled and checked unless I know I can return it at no cost (ie the seller states that it works and it doesn't). But then I've bought stuff from reputable dealers who stated it was fine and when it arrived I found it was broken, missing something essential or was full of fungus. Old gear is always a risk if it doesn't come with a guarantee.

08-08-2022, 06:16 AM	#30
titrisol Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: In the most populated state... state of denial Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,852	The Vitos are relatively easy to fix, fully mechanical shutters. Lenses are cleanable as well. I think there are service manuals here : https://learncamerarepair.com/ Olympus made great cameras, I don;t know about their useful life after 40+years. You'll have to at least replace the lightseals Originally posted by Driline That's good to know. I just got the camera bug again and am waiting for 3 to show up this week on my front door from eBay. I've got a Voigtlander Vito B, Vito C, and an Olympus OM-2N coming my way!