Pentax P3 - sell or donate

MarkDuerst · 02-12-2009, 05:51 PM

Recently while cleaning out things around the house I came upon my old P3 and several lenses. Not knowing much about this camera or lenses (way under used and have moved on to digital), I would not know the first thing about selling the camera.
Would it be best to break up the set or leave it as a set?
Or is there some place to donate it - like a school or something?
Located in San Diego if that helps.

Thanks for your help

**ChrisPlatt** · 02-12-2009, 05:59 PM

Though perfectly good cameras, the P series bodies aren't worth much in resale. I'm trying to sell one myself.

Any Pentax -A lenses you have may be worth more; they are compatible with current Pentax digital cameras.

Chris

MarkDuerst · 02-12-2009, 06:29 PM

Thanks for the reply

Steinback · 02-12-2009, 09:41 PM

If you list the lenses you've got somebody here can probably give you a rough idea of how much they would bring in. Depending on what you have they may be worth more separately.

I'm sure it depends on the individual school but I know that my high school was transitioning to digital for its communications courses around the time I graduated in 2002. Never hurts to ask though, somebody at a local school may be interested.

Nesster · 02-13-2009, 03:37 AM

Yes for the lenses - depending on what these are, there may be eager buyers.

Around here I see cameras being sold at donated home goods stores, and of course Goodwill. Of course donating to a charity that will sell the stuff isn't the same as donating it where someone will use it.

Mike Cash · 02-13-2009, 05:53 AM

We sometimes have teenagers on the forum who express an interest in trying a film camera but who may lack the funds to get one. How about holding onto the camera until the next one wanders by and make a present of it to some kid who'll get some use (and some learning) out of it?

k100d · 02-13-2009, 06:48 AM

i second Mike's suggestion, unless you're totally strapped for funds, maybe would be nice to give it away to a budding photographer

vinzer · 02-13-2009, 07:28 AM

Originally posted by Mike Cash

We sometimes have teenagers on the forum who express an interest in trying a film camera but who may lack the funds to get one. How about holding onto the camera until the next one wanders by and make a present of it to some kid who'll get some use (and some learning) out of it?

Great suggestion Mike. +1 to your idea. It would be nice if we can get one more new soul to try out film.

AndrewG NY · 02-13-2009, 08:36 AM

P3 are perfectly good bodies but they are very common and since film gear has depreciated so much, I'd guess they're probably not worth more than $20. The lenses can be worth considerably more though, so it really depends what you've got. I suggest looking at KEH.com and completed e-bay auctions as sort of a 'blue book' for lenses. KEH prices will tend to be on the high side but they are more stable compared to e-bay auction closes which can be all over the map. But if you think somebody might want to try it, that's probably a better use--perhaps save the body and at least one lens.

Sluggo · 02-13-2009, 08:59 AM

I had a P30t that I liked very much, but ended up giving free to someone who was interested in getting into film. In my opinion the P3* series is among the best Pentax designs. I'm not sure why they have so little resale value.

Probably they just live in a little no man's land between the newer lighter weight (but less durable) bodies, and the older, more nostalgia-inspiring ones. Too new and too old at the same time.

MarkDuerst · 02-13-2009, 05:31 PM

Thanks all for the replies.

Some great ideas. I am more than willing to donate to a student.

The camera has a P3 body with a Pentax 50 mm lense.
Takamar zoom 70-120 mm
Sigma super wide 24 mm
Tiffen 52 mm haze filter
Pentax AF160sa flash
carrying bag
neck strap (attached to camera)
manuals

**Just1MoreDave** · 02-13-2009, 10:43 PM

Originally posted by MarkDuerst

Thanks all for the replies.

Some great ideas. I am more than willing to donate to a student.

The camera has a P3 body with a Pentax 50 mm lense.
Takamar zoom 70-120 mm
Sigma super wide 24 mm
Tiffen 52 mm haze filter
Pentax AF160sa flash
carrying bag
neck strap (attached to camera)
manuals

The Sigma is worth something, say $80 or more, and a very useful lens. Here's a review page:

PentaxForums.com Third-Party Pentax Lens Review Database - 24mm f2.8 Super Wide II

The 50mm lens value depends on what's written around the front of the lens. It's likely to say "SMC PENTAX-A 1:2 50mm" like this one:

Pentax Lens Review Database - 50mm F2

but it could say PENTAX-M

or 1:1.4

or something really exciting. Its value could range from $30 to $500.

More details are also needed on the Takumar zoom but it's not likely to be worth more than $50.

Mike Cash · 02-14-2009, 12:20 AM

Depending on which 50mm lens it is, you might want to consider keeping it to donate with the camera. A good solid film body with manual capabilities and a decent 50mm lens is just the right combo for someone to learn on. Throw the strap and relevant manual in with it and sell the rest.

MarkDuerst · 02-14-2009, 11:35 AM

Thanks again for the help.

I think what I will do is sell the Sigma and Takamar lenses and keep the rest together to give to someone.

DJey · 02-18-2009, 06:08 AM

can I have it! Ahahaha..

02-12-2009, 05:51 PM	#1
MarkDuerst Inactive Account Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 5	Pentax P3 - sell or donate Recently while cleaning out things around the house I came upon my old P3 and several lenses. Not knowing much about this camera or lenses (way under used and have moved on to digital), I would not know the first thing about selling the camera. Would it be best to break up the set or leave it as a set? Or is there some place to donate it - like a school or something? Located in San Diego if that helps. Thanks for your help

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02-12-2009, 05:59 PM	#2
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,696	Though perfectly good cameras, the P series bodies aren't worth much in resale. I'm trying to sell one myself. Any Pentax -A lenses you have may be worth more; they are compatible with current Pentax digital cameras. Chris

02-12-2009, 06:29 PM	#3
MarkDuerst Inactive Account Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 5 Original Poster	Thanks for the reply

02-12-2009, 09:41 PM	#4
Steinback Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: GTA, ON, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,673	If you list the lenses you've got somebody here can probably give you a rough idea of how much they would bring in. Depending on what you have they may be worth more separately. I'm sure it depends on the individual school but I know that my high school was transitioning to digital for its communications courses around the time I graduated in 2002. Never hurts to ask though, somebody at a local school may be interested.

02-13-2009, 03:37 AM	#5
Nesster Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: NJ USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 13,072	Yes for the lenses - depending on what these are, there may be eager buyers. Around here I see cameras being sold at donated home goods stores, and of course Goodwill. Of course donating to a charity that will sell the stuff isn't the same as donating it where someone will use it.

02-13-2009, 05:53 AM	#6
Mike Cash Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Japan Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,950	We sometimes have teenagers on the forum who express an interest in trying a film camera but who may lack the funds to get one. How about holding onto the camera until the next one wanders by and make a present of it to some kid who'll get some use (and some learning) out of it?

02-13-2009, 06:48 AM	#7
k100d Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 3,911	i second Mike's suggestion, unless you're totally strapped for funds, maybe would be nice to give it away to a budding photographer

02-13-2009, 07:28 AM	#8
vinzer Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Philippines Posts: 1,399	Originally posted by Mike Cash We sometimes have teenagers on the forum who express an interest in trying a film camera but who may lack the funds to get one. How about holding onto the camera until the next one wanders by and make a present of it to some kid who'll get some use (and some learning) out of it? Great suggestion Mike. +1 to your idea. It would be nice if we can get one more new soul to try out film.

02-13-2009, 08:36 AM	#9
AndrewG NY Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Chappaqua, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 688	P3 are perfectly good bodies but they are very common and since film gear has depreciated so much, I'd guess they're probably not worth more than $20. The lenses can be worth considerably more though, so it really depends what you've got. I suggest looking at KEH.com and completed e-bay auctions as sort of a 'blue book' for lenses. KEH prices will tend to be on the high side but they are more stable compared to e-bay auction closes which can be all over the map. But if you think somebody might want to try it, that's probably a better use--perhaps save the body and at least one lens.

02-13-2009, 08:59 AM	#10
Sluggo Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Ames, Iowa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 774	I had a P30t that I liked very much, but ended up giving free to someone who was interested in getting into film. In my opinion the P3* series is among the best Pentax designs. I'm not sure why they have so little resale value. Probably they just live in a little no man's land between the newer lighter weight (but less durable) bodies, and the older, more nostalgia-inspiring ones. Too new and too old at the same time.

02-13-2009, 05:31 PM	#11
MarkDuerst Inactive Account Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 5 Original Poster	Thanks all for the replies. Some great ideas. I am more than willing to donate to a student. The camera has a P3 body with a Pentax 50 mm lense. Takamar zoom 70-120 mm Sigma super wide 24 mm Tiffen 52 mm haze filter Pentax AF160sa flash carrying bag neck strap (attached to camera) manuals

02-13-2009, 10:43 PM	#12
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	Originally posted by MarkDuerst Thanks all for the replies. Some great ideas. I am more than willing to donate to a student. The camera has a P3 body with a Pentax 50 mm lense. Takamar zoom 70-120 mm Sigma super wide 24 mm Tiffen 52 mm haze filter Pentax AF160sa flash carrying bag neck strap (attached to camera) manuals The Sigma is worth something, say $80 or more, and a very useful lens. Here's a review page: PentaxForums.com Third-Party Pentax Lens Review Database - 24mm f2.8 Super Wide II The 50mm lens value depends on what's written around the front of the lens. It's likely to say "SMC PENTAX-A 1:2 50mm" like this one: Pentax Lens Review Database - 50mm F2 but it could say PENTAX-M or 1:1.4 or something really exciting. Its value could range from $30 to $500. More details are also needed on the Takumar zoom but it's not likely to be worth more than $50.

02-14-2009, 12:20 AM	#13
Mike Cash Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Japan Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,950	Depending on which 50mm lens it is, you might want to consider keeping it to donate with the camera. A good solid film body with manual capabilities and a decent 50mm lens is just the right combo for someone to learn on. Throw the strap and relevant manual in with it and sell the rest.

02-14-2009, 11:35 AM	#14
MarkDuerst Inactive Account Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 5 Original Poster	Thanks again for the help. I think what I will do is sell the Sigma and Takamar lenses and keep the rest together to give to someone.

02-18-2009, 06:08 AM	#15
DJey Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Philippines Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 284	can I have it! Ahahaha..