Ballpark values, please. Nikon SP and two Nikon 'F's

[jrcarden]

I'm a newbie here so please be gentle.

Can you could give me an idea of what kind of prices I could expect for the following items. Is the market very active in the U.S. or is it much better overseas (weak dollar and all that)?

1) Nikon SP in excellent condition - titanium shutter - 5cm f1.4 lens - clear VF
http://picasaweb.google.com/jimcarde/NikonSP


2) Nikon F - early s/n 6406xxx - has original nameplate and meterless prism as well as FTN metered head and compatible nameplate. Has original owner's name (U.S. military) scribed on back near shutter release.

3) Nikon F - black body with FTn metered head - 1968/69 vintage s/n 6923xxx - meter needle is active but I have not checked its accuracy. Recently serviced.

Thank you so much for your help.
Jim C.

edited to add a link to pix of the SP.

 

[BillBingham2]

Jim,

Take a look at evilBay for ball parks if mine sound off.

1) Around $1500 or so it varries would be my guess
2) Maybe $250 if you are lucky.
3) Depending upon the condition of the body $175 if you are lucky.

SPs seem to be holding value of late. Nikon Fs (I'm trying to sell one too) have been on a nose dive.

Guys am I that far off?

Good luck.

B2 (;->

 

[pompadork]

I might be interested in #3?

 

[jrcarden]

I added a link to pix of the Nikon SP
http://picasaweb.google.com/jimcarde/NikonSP

 

[M C H]

The $250 estimate for the early F with meterless prism could be way off, depending on the condition of the body and prism. The meterless prisms have seen their collectibility and prices take off in recent years, as the metered prisms are believed to be difficult to repair. Last I saw (ymmv), the meterless prisms alone were fetching over $100 for nice examples. Early Fs are generally worth more than later ones, as well.

I paid close to $300 for a later F body (late 60s), silver, with an FTn, CLAd and with a warranty. It's a very clean body. This might be a guide for your #3, but being black it should bring a premium.

Overall the values of F bodies don't reflect their place in history or their outstanding build quality. I think many people look to F2s before Fs, but I'd be surprised if in time the Fs didn't start to catch up to their younger brethren.

 

[VinceC]

Among other things, I understand more than 1 million Fs were sold. The cameras, while not indestructible, are extremely difficult to destroy and practically impossible to damage by neglect. Therefore, there are very many still in existance, and that is why their value is not high. On the other hand, they are probably the best values ever in SLR photography.

 

[jrcarden]

Early 'F' value

Early 'F' value

That's all good info. Thank you.

Your input has pretty well confirmed what I thought about the SP and the blak-body 'F'.

Perhaps the early 'F' is the hardest value to peg. It's within the first 7,000 units, so I presume it's from the first year of production. I've seen them offered on eekBay with minimum bids in Nikon SP territory but I never know how much they actually sell for.

Thanks again for your help.
--Jim C.