How I thrift film cameras - rare antique show finds

[@gottanikoncamera]

Really enjoyed this video. My dad and my mom had two wildly divergent purchasing strategies, lol. My mom would point out all the defects and beat the seller down and crazily enough she usually got her way. My dad on the other hand, would point out all the great things he liked about the car/house/camera and just when the seller was peaking in excitement, he’d sadly point out one or two defects that stand in the way of making the purchase. At this point the seller loves my dad so much for appreciating his house/car/camera he *wants* my dad to own it and gives him these impossible deals. I used to watch dumbfounded as dad romanced sellers and the best thing is they both walked away happy. :-)

[@graham_white]

hahahaha. thats awesome.

[@HawklordLI]

Prices are ridiculous, I've found some great deal on cameras at thrift stores: Once found a Pentax K1000 in good condition for $5.95, found a Minolta X-700 with two lenses for $29.95 and a KOWA 66 Med format and a Yashica Mat 124-G in the same bag for $40.00

[@graham_white]

They are few and far between, but there are still good deals out there

[@theothertonydutch]

People think medium format film isn't made anymore. I've just sold a Yashica-C for 125 because someone was specifically looking for that model. Found a Yashica 124G for 50 in good as new condition. It was so cheap because the leather harness was all mangled. The camera itself is spotless. The 124G is my main machine for 6X6.

[@oldradiosnphonographs]

I can tell you’re a very seasoned and experienced collector. I’ve only been collecting old film cameras for a year I’m getting really excited at all the folding Kodak stuff you’re scoffing at lol. I’m still in that “Ooh vintage camera that’s older than me!” Phase and blindly buying no matter how crappy it is lol!

[@graham_white]

Haha. I do love the look of the kodaks don’t get me wrong. I just don’t like the guessing of distance. I prefer when I have some sort of measurement I guess

[@oldradiosnphonographs]

@@graham_white Oh I understand. I do agree a lot of stuff there looks WAY overpriced. I’ve never paid more than $40 for a camera in person. Like all that even exceeds eBay’s overpricing! You said you’re in Florida? Seeing how muggy it gets down there I’m not surprised a lot of lenses have growth in them.

[@theothertonydutch]

@@graham_white Those bellow cameras have a decent place in landscape photography. You can also bring a tape measure and do portraits with them but that's a bit of a pain still. I've got a Fujica G690 for street stuff and even portraits aren't too bad with it!

[@graham_white]

@@theothertonydutch I do like bellows cameras and they do have something unique to offer. Eventually I wan't to get one of those Fujis, They are read.

[@marshalltravis3217]

I picked up a Nikon F80 for $20 dollars in 2011 when everyone was trying to give film cameras away! The rumours were that film was dead and digital cameras were the future of photography…. I bought it out of pity because it deserved a good home. $ well spent!

[@graham_white]

nice. Yeah if you snagged a bunch then at dirt cheap you would be doing ok right about now for sure ha.

[@radugheorghe2596]

Graham, that Nikkormat was actually at a good price because the of the lens. It's the 50/1.4 SC, not the run of the mill 50/1.4 S. The difference is that the SC has a different, special coating unlike the S. I believe S is the indicator of the lens design, which is 7 elements.

[@graham_white]

good catch, I completely missed there. there are so many slight variations in lenses that drastically change the value and quality. I need to study up on them all. thanks for that info.

[@varaqua]

Check out local garage sales! I visited one guy that restored vintage cameras and was willing to sell them very cheap to someone actually interested in the hobby.

[@graham_white]

I’d you have the tube and patience absolutely

[@richardt1792]

That 58mm lens and finder on the Koni Omega is well worth $100. The lens is super sharp. That is a great find. On a 6x7 format, it's quite a wide angle lens, good for landscapes.

[@punkrachmaninoff]

As a buyer of more cameras than you, let me explain something: There is nothing there anymore, the sellers are wise to the booming film market.

[@graham_white]

We still find some good deals, but they are much more uncommon

[@punkrachmaninoff]

@@graham_white I used to buy K1000s for $10... Those days are over.

[@graham_white]

@@punkrachmaninoff jeeze. should have stockpiled. would be a solid return on them right about now.

[@punkrachmaninoff]

@@graham_white lol yeah i was selling them for $100 like two years ago, now i sell them for $200-$250 depending on the lens. if i find one under $50 now it's a lucky day.

[@TheVoidCollector]

Oh man, I'm from Wellington NZ and just hearing people say I'm just going down the road to go view some cameras makes me so envious lol. Film's super popular here though, in the two years I've been doing it we've had a full analogue store pop up and recently they had to move to a bigger store and hire more people to keep up. Seriously cool to watch. Love your videos, glad I found you! Keep it up

[@graham_white]

Wow that’s awesome. I honestly hope it continues to gain popularity. I know prices go up but it will help sustain it and keep it around longer

[@RyanThomasAng]

I wish Singapore had such a big yard sale/thrifting kind of thing, but alas, all I have is shops shipping from neighbouring countries, pasting "CLA'ed" on the cameras and inflating the prices to the point where a cheap P&S is worth around $90.

[@graham_white]

jeez. thats awful.

[@sentimental7167]

10:25 the back is Voigtländer but they don‘t have Xenar lenses. The chrome push levers to extend the lens board don‘t look like Voigtländer. On the Balda: Balda provided several makes with this body, Plaubel for the Rollop, Ranca, Franca, Rodenstock, Welta and Hapo. So there are plenty options to get spares for the missing struts. Nice vid, thanks!

[@graham_white]

I didn’t even notice that. Thanks for pointing all that out!

[@edinburghtumuran916]

So many cameras in one place. Such a sight to behold!

[@graham_white]

… it’s only grown lol

[@jahnoismith]

Soooo are we going to get a video on that beast of a camera? Thanks again for the help with my cameras Graham, you're a god send.

[@graham_white]

oh yes, its in the works.

[@mattdyer9544]

That Nikkormat FTN can't use any type of winder, so is probably on their as just a grip. It was probably a discount MD-11/12 for FE/FM/FM2/FE2/FM3a

[@graham_white]

Ya someone else mentioned that just before which I never thought about but makes sense. Probably goes with that Fm

[@CasnioMiCasio]

Have had bought a few cameras for myself before this price craziness started, three years ago, when it was cheaper. Trading is not worth it now. These sellers in shops and online keep bumping up the prices and it´s just a desperate move, those cameras are not tested, and it´s too late to trade film cameras, the real money was there few years ago.

[@graham_white]

agreed

[@jomy10-games]

That development powder will definitely still work. That stuff keeps working for years

[@kyotodream7135]

those colored folding kodaks actually fecth quite a price depending on model!

[@graham_white]

True. Same with the folding Polaroids, there are a few models that are worth a good bit, the rest unfortunately not much at all.

[@normandong4479]

Nikon cameras generally sell for a higher price on eBay than others. But if you do have to be careful about condition. Most Nikons are well made and a simple CLA would restore them to full operating condition. You won’t find a Nikon for only $100 unless it is pretty beat up and worn. BTW love looking at old gear like this. The fun is just looking.

[@graham_white]

Agree. Nikon definitely comes with a higher price point. And yes it’s a lot of fun looking through all of this even if it is overpriced and not something I’d invest in

[@mrmgrace]

Many camera businesses didn’t go into digital cameras and held on to film and eventually went out of business and stored their stock in garages at home. Usually dark and damp..

[@graham_white]

Every now and then they pop up for sale or when buildings change hands. But yes unfortunately many are in very poor storage conditions.

[@JohnnyGuitaristOfficial]

Dude i experienced the same with a Fender guitar trade off offerup.... Its common for people to unbolt the neck from the body or remove the pickups to see date, manufacturer, country, etc. This Dude got really angry... he said "it's an american fender, you're going to break it, blah blah"... as soon as i pulled the neck off the body and then the electronics ( pickguard) turned out it was a fake. Only thing legit was a Mexican Fender neck, everything else was made from cheapo squier or replica parts...... *Bottom line, if they get POed something isnt right about the product lol.*

[@graham_white]

Dang that’s crazy. But so true

[@rgc4601]

why Toronto don’t have such place, im soooooo jealous

[@IvanovMarius]

I used to go to flea market here in my country for old camera haunting, I have some videos. You have there a lot of camera guys, that's awesome! I wish I could find so many in one place! But the price are... expensive! I believe they pick the prices from ebay.. Here is the same LOL

[@graham_white]

Ya they pick the high price which is never accurate. 😒

[@kevinbrown5093]

I found a Voightländer Bessa II for $150…. They normally 6x that on eBay

[@graham_white]

daaaang. that's a huge win

[@kalebwelch5799]

Found a Canon eos 1N with battery grip fully functional for $10!

[@graham_white]

nice, solid pickup

[@thealtchannel8653]

I got a x570 minolta just corrosion on battery cap

[@graham_white]

Should clean off easily I would think

[@richardt1792]

OK, make me feel bad, how much did M3's cost that were so cheap he bought 4? With a lens they can run $3000 and up depending on condition.

[@graham_white]

Haha.... He didn’t even spend that much total. BUT there were some issues he was going to have to fix on a couple of them.

[@mixedlag]

Is there a market at all for such a thing as lenses and cameras that need to be taken apart and cleaned? I'm asking because I am downsizing things I have and vintage cameras and lenses are part of that. I wouldn't mind selling them for a small amount of $. I would disclose any and all issues (like the dust) and sell 'as is.' I'm just wondering if they would move like that or if I should just donate/give them away.

[@flossiefleurclioartajo776]

I found pentax me super and yashica electro 35 in my uncle's attic. The problem is I don't know how to make it work.

[@graham_white]

Both need batteries. Hopefully the battery compartments aren’t corroded. If so they may not be workable

[@flossiefleurclioartajo776]

@@graham_white ooh okay,thank you😊

[@C-MAirsoftok]

Just picked up a pentax k1000 for 30$ with 2 lenses

[@philipphenke3639]

Hi, I´m looking for a film camera with automatic exposure, just like the Canon AE-1 program. Are there any other cameras that are kind of similar and around the same price or ideally a Little bit cheaper? Would also love the Lens to be around 28 to 35mm. Anyone here to help me?

[@graham_white]

Minolta x-700, canon t70, Nikon FG to name a few

[@brendonwilson1318]

I always go to these flea markets and antique shows with high hopes but I'm in a photography dead zone I guess. Also most of the vendors are selling crafts or new products. Very jealous of you.

[@graham_white]

Wish there were more of them for sure o

[@nemosgaze]

Where in the US is this? I don't think we get that kind of thrift shop events here in Europe :/

[@graham_white]

South Florida actually. There are a lot in the us though. I feel like I’ve seen some in Europe

[@nemosgaze]

@@graham_white I guess there has to be something similar, or at least equivalent :) I'll keep an eye out for antique stores when the covid lockdown ends, I'll do some research in the meantime. And thanks a lot for the great content, it is very inspiring!

[@graham_white]

@@nemosgaze let me know how it goes! absolutely. more to come hopefully

[@alexcarrillo5510]

Nikkormat Ftn NEVER took a Winder with the exception of the Nikkormat ELW then Nikon ELW. SO how did this Nikkormat got a Winder? And if this was Modified why is it that the winder is not from Nikon like it should been winder like the Nikon AW-1 for the ELW ?

[@graham_white]

haha, you know I didn't even think about that, but you're right. After seeing the price I didn't even bother looking into it further or looking at the model winder. Now that you mention it it probably goes to the Fm/Fe he had there and he just threw it on the Nikkormat. further proves my point about the knowledge at these kinds of places.

[@wearetheunknown8162]

Definitely getting harder to find film cameras at good prices, but the hunt is fun. There are absolute bargains out there, I bought a X300 recently from a chap at a vintage fair, he said I bought it new to go on a cruise ship, but never used it. 20 pounds with flash and zoom lens. Yes please. 😆

[@graham_white]

Haha see! Everyone’s been so negative saying there are no more bargains. There are. Just becoming much harder. I agree that’s part of the fun though

[@Rutherfordium2023]

I might just be going to the wrong places, thrift stores near me don’t really have any cameras ever but every antique store has super expensive cameras, one guy was trying to sell an x700 for 200 dollars. Like none of these cameras are worth more than 100 dollars

[@graham_white]

Totally agree. The store I always went to got all their stuff from New York and then sold it down here in south Florida. I used to get everything for like 10-20. Now they have caught on to the “trend” and sell everything at retail+ without even knowing if it works. I’ve also seen plenty of people going there now to buy and resell so it’s much harder than it used to be 😒

[@jing4492]

Where was this antique show? Also how did you learn about these pop-up? Facebook groups, instagram or etc?

[@graham_white]

South Florida. Just staying current on what’s going on around me and connected with like minded people. Facebooks are plentiful, just have to start typing in keywords to find groups

[@blakedenning485]

I just inherited a minolta x-700 and just found your channel, you've got some great content! I was wondering if I could get some advice on getting it back to working condition. The advance lever worked but now I can't get the shutter to work even after replacing the batteries. I read somewhere that shorting the + and - of the battery fixes the problem? How would I go about doing that or is it just bs? Andy advice would be really appreciated!

[@graham_white]

Nice! I have heard the same thing Although I have not personally done that myself. Also the x-700s are known for blown capacitors (I think thats the correct part) which would then need to be replaced. Additionally it could be a number of things honestly, just a matter of trial and error and no way really for me to help diagnose without seeing it. Wish I could be of better help!

[@ヤンミンワン]

アンティークカメラの良いところ~レンズが硝子製！プラスチックとは屈折率が違うよ。

[@caldera878]

Years ago all things related to film cameras where consider unworthy and even decent models would end up in these sales places. Fast forward today and anything remotely good is instantly onto a certain auction site selling for a pretty penny. Thrift stores, charity shops and antique stores caught up quick and now their holding onto the good stuff charging more than ever before. If film photography as a whole is becoming this luck-filled rich man's hobby then it'll deter new users due to how obscure it really has become.

[@graham_white]

I'm hopeful eventually there will be a balancing out. It can only get so absurd before buyers stop buying and sellers end up holding to long and drop down. there is just a big assumption that these cameras can just be picked up and immediately used which is hardly the case in most situations. once that education becomes more known I think we will see a correction.

[@stvdicorsa]

thanks for sharing and good luck with the koni omega :-)

[@1marcelfilms]

The thrift store sells cameras cheap Downside is they are gone within hours of getting placed. So its like a lottery.

[@graham_white]

Very true. Most thrift stores around me have caught on and prices have shot up to where it’s not worth it since they are sold as is and no way of knowing if it works or not.

[@charleskoonu]

wait, that konica autoreflex its the famous half frame, that´s a very rare camera.

[@graham_white]

I believe it’s both half and full correct?

[@charleskoonu]

@@graham_white indeed that´s the value of that camera, that you can switch between full and half frame, very rare cameras

[@SamanthaLee-cz2ov]

love your videos!!

[@graham_white]

thanks!

[@okokchannel8991]

BRO I HAVE OLYMPUS 35 RC CAMERA I WANT TO SELL HOW MUCH YOU WILL BUY ME

[@composeexpose8009]

Konica made the Koni-Omega cameras, then Mamiya made the Rapid-Omegas after.

[@graham_white]

Thanks! Thought so but didn’t want to say before double checking. Been getting ripped for that lately.

[@composeexpose8009]

@@graham_white no worries, I just wanted to share that as I thought it was interesting that Mamiya made these cameras, especially when considering the cult status of the Mamiya 7.

[@alanm.4298]

You dodged a bullet on that Auto-Reflex. I would wager it had a battery leak that destroyed the battery compartment, since the seller appeared to be trying to prevent you from looking into it. Plus as the only SLR made to be able to shoot either full or half frame at the flip of a switch, it is one of the most complex Konica and somewhat prone to mechanical "problems". Still, it's a nice camera. BTW, there is a much rarer Auto-Reflex "P" that was sold as a meterless budget version of the camera, but now tends to sell for more money. The "Autorex" versions of both those models, sold only in the Japanese market, also bring more $ in the US. That said, you lost me with your talk of Konica build quality. The Autoreflex T, T2 and T3 are all quite solid cameras. The Autoreflex T3N (not labelled that way, but recognizable by the built-in viewfinder shade and non-removable hot shoe, is one of the most durable and reliable SLRs anyone has ever made. In fact, all the T3s are exceptionally nice cameras to use, buttery smooth film advance. The later T4, TC and FT-1 are also good, reliable cameras except for the crappy leatherette on the T4 and TC (easily replaced) and the fragile battery compartment/grip of the FT-1. The FS-1, FP-1 and a lot of plastic cameras in from the 1980s were where Konica (and many others) came up short. That Koni-Omega was a good deal at $100 thanks to that viewfinder. You didn't mention what lens was on it, but if it's the 58mm or 60mm wide angle most often associated with that accessory viewfinder, I'd say you got a great deal. AFAIK, that was the only lens for the KO that used separate OEM viewfinder. The other 3 lenses (90mm, 135mm, 180mm) are all fully supported by bright lines inside the camera's viewfinder. No need for an auxiliary VF with them. I noticed too that it's an "M", which is good. That stands for ability to swap film backs mid-roll with use of a dark slide. Note that there are both 120 and 220 backs (also used by the Koni-Omegaflex TLR). The 120 are getting harder to find and more expensive. The 220 are cheap and easy to find because no one makes film for them any more. Hopefully you have a 120. If so, use it with care. They should be serviced regularly (Weber Camera in Nebraska) or can be damaged. I think the "chrome faced" KO camera bodies were made by Simmons and/or Konica. The lenses marked "Hexanon" were made by Konica. Reportedly the later "black faced" Rapid 100 and 200 models and their lenses (no longer marked "Hexanon") were made by Mamiya. There really isn't much functuonal or quality difference between an M and a 200, but the latter usually sell for a bit more, I think just because the all black cameras are newer and look a little more modern. Depending upon what lens is on that camera, it was either a very good or a great deal at $100. That is what a typical "M" costs fitted with the ubiquitous 90mm "normal" lens. You're right... The accessory viewfinder for the wide angle lens alone is worth at least another $100 or $120. If, as I suspect, that lens is one of the relatively rare wide angles (either 58mm or 60mm, depending upon age), that would also add another $100 or so overall value. What would add even more value would be the storage cases for the wide angle lens and it's accessory VF. Finally, if you need a user manual, Google it at Butkus/Chinon web site. I'm sure it's available there. There are some quirks to the Koni-Omega (for example... mechanisms prevent removing the film back or lens without the dark slide inserted... while also not allowing shutter release until dark slide is removed).

[@Casual_BackPacking]

It's probably best to just to thrift and sell

[@graham_white]

if you know what your looking for yeah. otherwise could get stuck with a dud.

[@ashishrawat7228]

have yashika mf2 super gold anyone wanna buy it

[@Jorge-125]

I hate when people get upset about the questions we ask when we are buying old film cameras. Same thing happened to me a couple weeks ago on ebay. I was trying to buy a Canon EF with a lens and I sent the guy 5 short questions about the condition of the body, lens, if it's been tested with film, and inspected for fungus. He did not answer any of them and instead he said, "In other words you want to know if the camera is new, sorry but the camera is used". I was gonna buy it, but since he replied like that I didn't. Instead I bought another one from another seller.

[@graham_white]

hahahahaha. Wow thats rough. Assuming that only a new lens wouldn't have fungus. and if it was new how could it be tested? hmm haha. unreal.

[@Slyguy96]

how are these vendor's getting all this stuff to sell?

[@graham_white]

buying storage units, estate sales and then some auntique store shopping I would assume.

[@bgrzesiak5996]

Just a few notes from a camera store manager from the '70's-'80's. It's "Kee-ev' (kIEV) not "keeve". Russian stuff that was real crap. Also "Neye-kor-matt" (Nikormat) - If it says "Nikomat", it was purchased in Japan by soldiers on R&R from Vietnam and was not imported the US by Nikon's distributor, EPOI (Erinrich Photo Optical Inc) Nikon USA came in the late 1970's. The Pentacon Six was terribly made and you could hardly keep them out of repair facilites. Even the Pentax 6x7's were a joke. Everyone I knew who had one kept at least 3 bodies (not chep in those days) to have at least one body not at the repair facility.

[@Lavi-Aemilia-Astori]

used too know a place in Rome like that before I was introduced to photography, ah Covid.....

[@graham_white]

Covid 😔😔

[@tlangphoto]

I have a good deal of experience in 3D printing older camera parts, drop me a line if you would like some help.

[@graham_white]

Umm definitely. How to I reach you

[@tomc8273]

Great video, Haven't seen a good swap meet in years! crabby old men can kill any deal, even if it was for 1 dollar. not worth the BS.

[@graham_white]

haha agreed.

[@mbenjamin292]

New sub great video.

[@graham_white]

thanks Mike!

[@CharlotteLavoie-g7t]

I just inherited a minolta x-700 and just found your channel, you've got some great content! I was wondering if I could get some advice on getting it back to working condition. The advance lever worked but now I can't get the shutter to work even after replacing the batteries. I read somewhere that shorting the + and - of the battery fixes the problem? How would I go about doing that or is it just bs? Andy advice would be really appreciated!