My wife inherited a vintage Nikon SP rangefinder camera with lots of lenses and accessories which she'd like to sell, but neither of us know enough about the fussy world of collectible cameras. I know there's something like a 0-10 point system for grading the equipment, but I'm a bit reluctant to assign any sort of descriptives given my relative ignorance. I'm worried that no matter how well I describe the said items, someone is going to get pissy if they bid and win, then find flaws that I missed.

Does anyone have a few pointers or tips for selling these items?

TIA

If you have a vintage WWII era Leica camera or know someone with it for sale.. let me know I was only able to get a russian copy... but having the real deal would be bad ass.

Take high resolution pics and pictures of angles you think will show the most features. If you see anything that was not there when it was manufactured, then I would explain to the best of your knowlege the info. I hope that helps.. usually when I sell something i have and don't have a clue on how to describe it... I take many pictures and describe it the way I would want to have something describe to myself if I would be curious to know.

Nikon SP range-finders are very rare and collectible cameras, especially when it comes with a range of lenses and accessories.

I don't know the point system, but if I would buy a old camera I would look at the following: to find out if the shutter is still properly working; put it at 1 sec. and press the button; it should be one smooth solid sound with out and slips.

If you look at the bayonet (what hold the lens to the camera) it should not have to much scratches, if there is none you know the camera is hardy used.

Make sure the diaphragm comes back to it's old position after firing the shutter.

And the best way to find out if everything is working put a film in it and shoot at every single speed and F-stop.

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1979 Black on Black, 300CD (sold), 1990 Black 300SE, Silver 1989 Volvo 780, 1988 300CE (vanished by the hands of a girlfriend), 1992 300CE (Rescue).

I would also take it to a good small camera shop- they should be able to test the main functions for you free of charge (especially if they think you might sell it to them, and they'll offer you a crap price probably), but you can also get them to estimate what it's worth. Also check out ebay to see what similar cameras are going for, and seach around online for more info.
If you know nothing about it, state that in your ad, you're not mis-representing it that way. You might get a bit less money if it's sold 'as is', but people who are into this stuff know what to look for. If it's in good condition to start with then it's got more chance of selling.

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1993 320TE M104
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past:

1983 230E W123 M102
1994 E300D S124 OM606 (x2)
1967 250SE W108 M129
1972 280se 3.5 W108 M116
1980 280SE W116 M110
1980 350SE W116 M116
1992 300E W124 M103
1994 E280 W124 M104
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"music and women I cannot but give way to, whatever my business" -Pepys