Canon generally is considered one of the big three single-lens reflex cameras used by professionals and amateurs alike, along with Nikon and Pentax. There are higher-end cameras such as Leica and lower-end or late-comer companies like Olympus and Minolta, too. Canon, however, competing with Nikon for the most extensive system camera, produced many worthy film cameras before moving into digital. However, because film cameras tend to be out of fashion, do not expect to get what you paid for that old Canon camera.
Instructions
1. Identify what Canon camera you have. If you have a pre-single-lens reflex Canon camera from the 1930s through the 1960s, you automatically have a shot at pricing your camera higher than later models. These cameras started with the 1934 Kwanon rangefinder camera. The Hansa Canon appeared in 1935. By the 1960s, the Canonet rangefinder cameras were the standard of the company. While Nikon introduced its system camera with the Nikon F in 1959, Canon did not join the competition with Nikon until the release of the Canon F-1 in 1971. This is where Canon really expanded and became a major player in the 35 mm SLR market. Later models included the AE-1, then came the EOS line starting in 1987.
2. Clean the camera thoroughly and gently with compressed air, and then a soft cloth. Inspect it with a magnifying glass for dirt and dings. Run your Canon camera through its operations. Check to make sure the film loads easily. Check the camera's shutter and aperture at a variety of settings to make certain they still work well. Develop the film to check for light leaks. Any streaks on the film may mean the light seals have degraded, lowering the potential price of the camera.
3. Consider that, while a Canon F-1 in 1971 may have cost you around $500, very few people would pay that now unless you include a lot of extras. For example, if the camera is in as-new condition and you have a dedicated flash unit, a 50mm lens, a 28mm lens, a 200mm lens and a zoom lens along with a camera bag and associated filters for the lenses, then you may be able to price it around $200 and expect a sale. For the body alone, you may price it at $60 or so.
4. Check your local camera shop to see what it sells used Canon equipment for. Remember that if you attempt to sell your old Canon camera to a camera store, you probably will get less for it than if you sell it through an online auction site. This is because the camera store needs to make money on it, so the owner will give you less money than he needs to sell it for. Selling online cuts out this middleman, and allows you to get the best price from someone who wants your camera.
5. Research the prices already paid for old Canon cameras on the online site you plan to sell your equipment through. You can do this by going to "Advanced Search" and selecting "Completed Listings." Plug in the name and model of your Canon camera, and note what other people have actually paid. This can give you a good idea of how you should price your camera, and what you can expect for it.
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