Graflex.org

fast · Joined: 19 Jan 2010 Posts: 2 Location: ohio

Could anyone comment as to individual values of below items.

I am being offered following items ******* locally, but
probably can't buy them all.

So average price for each item assuming in excellent condition?

fairchild k-19b

fairchild k-25

graflex K21

solar aircraft co - aircraft torpedo camera

Commander Telescope T-116

Development Outdoor Portable kit Type D-3

K-15 Cone lens

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Thanks in advance, could not find this info on the web.

1banjo · Joined: 16 Nov 2008 Posts: 492 Location: kansas

hey fast

on ebad #350007098371 Graflex Type K-20 WWII Era, Aircraft Camera $5,895.99 Buy It NowBuy It Now
or #290392492197 Graflex K-20 WWII era military aircraft camera w/ case
NO bids $300.00

#150403847566 FAIRCHILD AERIAL CAMERA (K-25) US $80.00 Buy It Now

so?????????????
1banjo

fast · Joined: 19 Jan 2010 Posts: 2 Location: ohio

Thanks, the search function on ebay must not have been working
when I looked because I found nothing that day.

Regardless, in the Graflex K-20 ebay auction 290392492197 the seller says,
"I've seen prices on these things go from cheap to over $5,000"

I don't understand the big price difference.

any other comments, or on the other items?

thanks!

Les · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 2682 Location: Detroit, MI

I think the honest statement would have been "I've seen these offered for cheap to over $5000.

And since he's selling something it's easy to go from "offered" to "sell"

the truth is even it their heyday a k20 never sold for $5000. 5000 pennies more like. There were too many of them made, they were easy to keep going, and they were a work horse in the civilian aerial photography business for probably another 25 years after the war.

While I haven't crunched the numbers, even if you adjusted the prices for inflation, I don't think Graflex sold them to Uncle Sam for $5000. It's just fantasy.
_________________
"In order to invent, you need a good imagination and a lot of junk" Thomas Edison

bruiser · Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2010 10:47 pm Post subject:

Most aircraft cameras sell for under $250 as they are very bulky and expensive to ship.

One selling for $5000 must still be attached to a B-17 Flying Fortress!!

Cheers,
Bruce

tsgrimm · Joined: 04 Apr 2004 Posts: 158 Location: SE Michigan

fast,
Have you read the post right under yours by Mike Turner regarding using and feeding a K-20? If I read it correctly, finding film is getting to be a problem. Don't know if you plan on using your cameras, but it is something to consider if you do.

bruiser · Posted: Fri Jan 22, 2010 6:48 am Post subject:

Long roll aerial film processing here:

http://www.aerialphotolab.com/film_processing.htm

Cheers,
Bruce

bruiser · Posted: Fri Jan 22, 2010 9:53 pm Post subject:

Just had a quick look through the Army Technical Manual TM 11-2325, and p63 says 'You'll have up to $4000 in your hands when you man an aerial camera. That's the cost of a single camera - from that down to $150.'

As the K-20 was the smallest and lightest aerial/aircraft camera it is probable that was the one worth $150. Worth over $5000 now? Not a snowballs chance in hell.

Cheers,
Bruce

bruiser · Posted: Fri Jan 22, 2010 10:02 pm Post subject:

An interesting site that has PLENTY of camera valuations is a German one:

http://www.photographica-world.de/pr012.htm

Click on the initial of any manufacturer, eg F for Fairchild, and a virtual 'McKeowns' of camera valuations will open up. Prices are in Euros but that's near enough to a US buck to be useful.

Cheers,
Bruce