Trying to find accurate value for two Fs & a F2

Blackbody

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I want to unload three SLRs I have lying about. I'm having a hard time trying to pinpoint an accurate value for those cameras. I looked up on ebay for prices. I think the 65xxxxx black F is going to be the highest. 71xxxxx FTn seems to be all over the place. So is the F2.

I'm going to try pricing the 65xxxxx for about $450, $150 for 71xxxxx FTn, and maybe $100 for F2? I can't decide whether to keep the AS head.

My reasoning for the pricing:

F2 - light to moderate wear, batteries does not power the head; probably need the infamous battery chamber repair. DP-12 - moderate to heavy wear, serial plate missing. Works on my other F2, though, and I'm tempted to keep it since it's a DP-12 as my other F2 is only a DP-1.

FTn - light wear, works perfectly. but FTn is common. Head needs 1.35v batteries, which is kinda a pain.

F 65xxxxx - black with eye-level prism, and is original to body. Moderate wear with faded colour on numbers.

Any input?
 
I dunno man but I bought my black F with prism finder for $125 from Adorama just over a year ago. So I'm not sure how yours is worth $450. Is there something special about it?
 
Based on what I've seen sell recently, you're probably in the $100-150 ballpark for the FTn or the F2, but if the F2 has battery issues you may get less. These are great cameras, but there are a lot of them on the used market, so condition is everything.

For the plain-prism F, a 65xxxxx serial number is '63-'65, so I wouldn't think that's early enough to significantly increase the value. One that's 100% functional and very clean (Exc and up) might go for $300-500, but with moderate wear don't be surprised if you get less. The optical condition of the prism is real critical - there are a lot of F prisms out there with desilvering and separation.
 
As a buyer, I'd be very wary about purchasing anything from a seller who wants to "unload" an item or items.
Whenever I read or hear that choice of words, I get the impression that the item or items are somehow faulty or tainted.

:D I was stumbling upon «lying about» ;)
 
Speaking for the "older set", if your plain prism black "F" is 1965 vintage, then the prism is probably the one with the rectangular viewfinder, meaning it can't take diopters. For me, and my eyesight, that's a deal breaker. It seems like the plain prism "F"s with the prism that takes the diopters, sell for a higher dollar amount.
 
On the highest end for the Black F, mine is one of the last made in fact the serial number is beyond the normal range of the 1973 batch. 7456XXX. Mine looks like a time capsule camera that I really believe was never used and kept in the box. I paid $600 (all in- including shipping) but that's because of the "as new" condition and the fact that I'm nuts and have wanted this camera since I was a college kid. Bought from a member here who sells pristine gear all the time.
 
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Thanks, all. I'll adjust prices. Think I am better off listing them on ebay versus in the classifieds on here? I haven't sold on ebay in years and years, and I'm little intimidated now.

The plain prism 65 F has no desilvering. Nice, clear, and bright. Original and correct early body cap. And it never has been modified for a photomic head. I traded maybe $300 worth of stuff for this camera cos I wanted a plain prism F.
 
I would try to sell it here first, but perhaps use ebay's sold listings to see what they actually sold for. (full disclosure I am not in the market for one, since I already have 2 Fs and 2F2s!)

Advantage of selling here is you only have to deal with paypal fees if you sell to someone out of town, and not paypal AND ebay fees. If you sell locally, then no paypal fees.
 
You'll probably get better prices on ebay than here but.......a better selling experience here. Quality items will always sell eventually and it's just a matter of waiting for the right buyer. Yes you can jump on a sale but I've noticed over the years here that people expect a high standard for average money. I've just sold an F2 here but it was a good one. I also sold a black Apollo Ftn a while back for 450 euro. My main point is that only rare or top condition items will attract top prices. Anything with missing parts etc is always going to be low end. Good luck with your sales.
 
I was in an antique store yesterday, and the owner was talking with someone else who was thinking of unloading some items on eBay, and he told the other person that the cost would be 20% or more once all the fees were subtracted from the sale, not to mention if shipping was included. He suggested the other person try Etsy.

Of course, here would be a good place to start, and if it doesn't move fast enough you can always modify the price without much trouble.

PF
 
I bought a chrome F2 (DP-1 finder) with 50/1.4 Nikkor for $150.00 back in July (Craigslist). Not mint, but definitely in excellent condition. Another guy on our local Craigslist is currently selling a black F2 body for $110.00. Looking at the pictures, it looks to be in excellent shape.

Jim B.
 
Don't waste your time trying to sell here. There are about 9 SLR users here actively, and even desirable rangefinders seldom sell here. Just put it on eBay and take whatever you get. But I see camera prices continuing to slip lower, as even fewer people care one bit about them....yet 100s of thousands are still out there in good condition. Remember, almost all local development is long gone, it's like seeing how well a horse will sell in Boston or NYC. They don't.
 
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