I recently posted on a Vintage Camera Collectible web site. They had posted an interview with someone who is supposed to be an expert on Vintage Cameras. In addition they had a question and answer section so users could ask the Author/Expert questions.
So I recently bought a 1907-1916 model 8 x 10 Wooden Century No. 2, I thought I would ask what the approximate value might be? If it was collectible? What I should and should not do to it functionally and cosmetically because of how it might affect its value?
The Expert Author/Collector made a statement and said the Century Camera No. 2 that I own was pretty common and that He has seen them in totally beautiful condition for a very low price of $250.00
I found that interesting because I have priced replacing the bellows on my camera and the cost is somewhere between $250 and $500. I really bought this camera to use and make functional and it was not my intent to do a restoration on it, but considering its vintage, I thought it was worth the effort to check into its value as a collectors item. I also have been researching this camera for about a month now on the web and various other sources. I have yet to find another of the same model and vintage for sale. Since the information about value and commonality presented by this Expert/Author was contrary to anything I have found so far, I posted a follow up question in regard to where I could find information on how many of this model was made? I also wanted to know where I could buy one for around the figure he mentioned because it would be a lot less than replacing my bellows and I would save a lot of time not having to refinish my wood and cleaning up and resealing my hardware.
In other words I was seeking validation and clarification of what this Expert/Author was claiming. If the approximate price range or value of the camera I own happens to be different, posting incorrect of misinformation about it can adversely affect its value. I also find it very irresponsible for any web site to represent itself as a collectors information website and then post incorrect or misinformation. One would think that would feel an obligation to correct any misinformation on their web site in order to preserve accuracy for their readers/users.
Ironically my follow up post/question has been deleted twice now by the forum moderator.
What this experience tells is me is that when dealing with Vintage Camera's, values, and how collectible they are, you need to use as many resources as possible. You also need to be aware that a lot of Experts are self proclaimed even if they are well known and do not always provide correct or even accurate information.
So the question is what information can you really trust and where do you find it?
Honestly I have no idea!
Jason
So I recently bought a 1907-1916 model 8 x 10 Wooden Century No. 2, I thought I would ask what the approximate value might be? If it was collectible? What I should and should not do to it functionally and cosmetically because of how it might affect its value?
The Expert Author/Collector made a statement and said the Century Camera No. 2 that I own was pretty common and that He has seen them in totally beautiful condition for a very low price of $250.00
I found that interesting because I have priced replacing the bellows on my camera and the cost is somewhere between $250 and $500. I really bought this camera to use and make functional and it was not my intent to do a restoration on it, but considering its vintage, I thought it was worth the effort to check into its value as a collectors item. I also have been researching this camera for about a month now on the web and various other sources. I have yet to find another of the same model and vintage for sale. Since the information about value and commonality presented by this Expert/Author was contrary to anything I have found so far, I posted a follow up question in regard to where I could find information on how many of this model was made? I also wanted to know where I could buy one for around the figure he mentioned because it would be a lot less than replacing my bellows and I would save a lot of time not having to refinish my wood and cleaning up and resealing my hardware.
In other words I was seeking validation and clarification of what this Expert/Author was claiming. If the approximate price range or value of the camera I own happens to be different, posting incorrect of misinformation about it can adversely affect its value. I also find it very irresponsible for any web site to represent itself as a collectors information website and then post incorrect or misinformation. One would think that would feel an obligation to correct any misinformation on their web site in order to preserve accuracy for their readers/users.
Ironically my follow up post/question has been deleted twice now by the forum moderator.
What this experience tells is me is that when dealing with Vintage Camera's, values, and how collectible they are, you need to use as many resources as possible. You also need to be aware that a lot of Experts are self proclaimed even if they are well known and do not always provide correct or even accurate information.
So the question is what information can you really trust and where do you find it?
Honestly I have no idea!
Jason