OK, I've seen my share of camera bargains. They include an early Nikon One which sold for $12.50 at a yard sale (one of 4 cameras sold for a total of $75), another Nikon One advertised recently on Craig's list for $375, an unsynced Nikon M four lens outfit thrown away in the trash, and an original chrome Leica MP outfit also thrown away in the trash.
Well, this beats them all hands down and comes from a retired New York City police photographer whose word I trust completely. He writes:
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"Back in July 2002, I was leaving my apartment and across the street where my police car was parked a young couple was having a yard sale to help fund their wedding.
I noticed a Black and Tan Nikon duffel bag on the ground near a small table.
I walk over, and they greeted me as their neighbor but didn't know my name. When I went to pick up the duffle bag, I noticed on the table:
•2 original Black Leica MP's both with matching black paint Summicron 50/2
•Leica 72 Half Frame Camera
• 2 Black 50/1.2 and 1 Chrome 50/1.2 Noctilux lenses
• a 250 Reporter GG
• 3 Black Paint M3's with Leicavits and a bunch of other stuff.
They had small round adhesive stickers on everything. The MP's were selling for $15 each, lenses $10, etc. I added everything up on the table and if I bought everything, it would've cost me $115. The young man said:
"If You take everything, just give me $100 even and the bag is on me.
I asked them to give me some history behind those cameras and lenses and the young lady said:
"It was my Dad's Stuff. He passed away a few years ago. These can look pretty as decor if you're into photography. No one here is really into it, besides the fact they probably don't make film for them anymore."
The Young Man chimed in an said:
"I don't even know where the film goes"
I requested of the young lady:
"Would you mind fetching me a bed sheet or table cloth if you don't mind"
She replied:
"Why?"
I replied:
"I want to cover this table while I give my broker a chance to drive up from the city because you probably have between $300,000-$500,000 worth of vintage German Camera equipment and I will stay here with you until he arrives"
The young lady had her hand over her mouth, and about 30 seconds later both of them broke down in tears.
When my photography broker arrived and did his thing, he said:
"You're a much better man than me because I would've walked off with everything...But it's pretty cool, I suppose it was the right thing to do"
I replied:
"It wasn't the right thing to do...it was the Human thing to do"
This was a young suburban couple struggling to start a life together. I didn't even contemplate "Should I or Shouldn't I"...
They were a young and innocent couple who didn't know any better. I look at it from a standpoint that I wouldn't want that done to me."
Well, this beats them all hands down and comes from a retired New York City police photographer whose word I trust completely. He writes:
----------------------------------------------
"Back in July 2002, I was leaving my apartment and across the street where my police car was parked a young couple was having a yard sale to help fund their wedding.
I noticed a Black and Tan Nikon duffel bag on the ground near a small table.
I walk over, and they greeted me as their neighbor but didn't know my name. When I went to pick up the duffle bag, I noticed on the table:
•2 original Black Leica MP's both with matching black paint Summicron 50/2
•Leica 72 Half Frame Camera
• 2 Black 50/1.2 and 1 Chrome 50/1.2 Noctilux lenses
• a 250 Reporter GG
• 3 Black Paint M3's with Leicavits and a bunch of other stuff.
They had small round adhesive stickers on everything. The MP's were selling for $15 each, lenses $10, etc. I added everything up on the table and if I bought everything, it would've cost me $115. The young man said:
"If You take everything, just give me $100 even and the bag is on me.
I asked them to give me some history behind those cameras and lenses and the young lady said:
"It was my Dad's Stuff. He passed away a few years ago. These can look pretty as decor if you're into photography. No one here is really into it, besides the fact they probably don't make film for them anymore."
The Young Man chimed in an said:
"I don't even know where the film goes"
I requested of the young lady:
"Would you mind fetching me a bed sheet or table cloth if you don't mind"
She replied:
"Why?"
I replied:
"I want to cover this table while I give my broker a chance to drive up from the city because you probably have between $300,000-$500,000 worth of vintage German Camera equipment and I will stay here with you until he arrives"
The young lady had her hand over her mouth, and about 30 seconds later both of them broke down in tears.
When my photography broker arrived and did his thing, he said:
"You're a much better man than me because I would've walked off with everything...But it's pretty cool, I suppose it was the right thing to do"
I replied:
"It wasn't the right thing to do...it was the Human thing to do"
This was a young suburban couple struggling to start a life together. I didn't even contemplate "Should I or Shouldn't I"...
They were a young and innocent couple who didn't know any better. I look at it from a standpoint that I wouldn't want that done to me."
burancap
Veteran
Like button!
Jerevan
Recycled User
Impressive lot of photography equipment ... and a really cool story. 
Dpingr1
Established
I'm sure many have stories of these kinds of bargains, but I'd be surprised if this story can be topped. Sadly, the days of great flea market finds are mainly over, thanks to EBay. But we can still dream about that mint condition M3 buried in a box of old knitted doilies.
airfrogusmc
Veteran
That is a great story and gives me faith in mankind.
Swift1
Veteran
Robert Lai
Well-known
It was very decent of your old friend.
chambrenoire
Well-known
Wow. Amazing.
Mackinaw
Think Different
A great story!
Jim B.
Jim B.
dmc
Bessa Driver
Amazing! What a great human being.
lynnb
Veteran
What a story. What a man. That couple were so lucky he was there at the right time.
nasmformyzombie
Registered
The Golden Rule lives. Imagine that.
FrozenInTime
Well-known
Also kind of sad that he did not know his dad well enough to understand the emotions behind such a mind-blowing collection.
lxmike
M2 fan.
restores ones faith in people
fdarnell
Well-known
Another fine example of NYPD's "New York Values". Wish I could meet this retired photog, probably has some great stories.
squirrel$$$bandit
Veteran
great story!
Timmyjoe
Veteran
Great story, thanks for sharing.
stonecutter
Member
Two thumbs up!
