Buying vintage cameras on eBay without getting burned

I've bought hundreds of cameras on eBay over twenty years. I've been burned a few times. Here's what I've learned about reading descriptions, asking the right questions, and knowing when to walk away.

Read the description carefully

eBay camera descriptions range from excellent to useless. The best sellers describe the camera accurately, note every flaw, test the shutter speeds, and include photographs of every surface. The worst sellers say 'untested, sold as-is' and photograph the camera from one angle in bad light.

The phrase 'untested, sold as-is' is a red flag. It usually means the seller knows something is wrong and doesn't want to be responsible for it. Occasionally it means the seller genuinely doesn't know how to test a camera. Ask before bidding.

Look for descriptions that mention specific shutter speeds, rangefinder accuracy, and meter function. A seller who has tested these things knows what they're selling. A seller who says 'shutter fires' has done the minimum.

Look at the photographs

Good photographs tell you more than the description. Look for photographs of the shutter curtains -- are they intact, or are there pinholes or tears? Look for photographs of the light seals -- are they intact foam, or are they crumbling residue? Look for photographs of the lens elements -- is there haze, fungus, or scratches?

If the photographs don't show what you need to see, ask for more. Most sellers will provide additional photographs if you ask. If they won't, that's a red flag.

Look at the overall condition of the camera. Brassing on the edges is normal and expected on a used camera. Dents, deep scratches, and missing parts are problems. A camera that looks like it was stored carefully is more likely to work correctly than one that looks like it was thrown in a drawer.

Ask questions

Ask specific questions before bidding. Has the shutter been tested? What speeds were measured? Is the rangefinder accurate? Does the meter work? Are the light seals intact?

The answers tell you two things: the condition of the camera, and the knowledge level of the seller. A seller who can answer specific questions about shutter speeds and rangefinder accuracy knows what they're selling. A seller who says 'I don't know, I'm not a camera person' is selling something they found at an estate sale.

Both types of sellers can have good cameras. But you need to adjust your expectations and your price accordingly.

Price and value

eBay prices for vintage cameras have increased significantly over the past ten years. The Leica M3 that cost $300 in 2010 costs $800 to $1,500 today. The Nikon F2 that cost $100 costs $200 to $400. The Hasselblad 500C/M that cost $600 costs $1,200 to $2,000.

A camera sold as 'untested' or 'as-is' should be priced to reflect the risk. If the price is close to what a known-working camera costs, the risk is not worth taking. Budget for a CLA when buying an untested camera -- typically $100 to $200 for a basic service.

The best deals on eBay are cameras sold by people who don't know what they have. Estate sales, inherited collections, cameras found in attics. These sellers often underprice cameras because they don't know the market. They also often don't know the condition of the camera.

Japan Camera Hunter

Japan Camera Hunter is a better source for specific cameras than eBay. The cameras are accurately described, the condition ratings are reliable, and the prices are fair. The selection is excellent -- Japan has a large supply of well-maintained vintage cameras.

The shipping from Japan takes two to three weeks. The cameras arrive well-packed. I've never had a problem with a camera from Japan Camera Hunter.

For Leica cameras specifically, KEH Camera in Atlanta is reliable. Their grading system is conservative -- a camera rated 'EX' from KEH is genuinely in excellent condition. Their prices are higher than eBay but the reliability is worth it.

In Florida

In Florida, estate sales and camera shows are worth attending. The camera show in Tampa happens a few times a year and has a good selection of vintage cameras. Estate sales in Florida occasionally turn up cameras from photographers who were active in the 1970s and 1980s.

The cameras from Florida estate sales are often in poor condition -- the humidity has affected the foam seals and sometimes the lubricants. Budget for a CLA on anything you buy locally. But the prices are often lower than eBay, and you can inspect the camera before buying.