Classic Cameras
Auction Amusement !
True statements from a classic camera
auction site
(the comments in italics are mine, the typos are not).
Back to Classic Cameras page
"This camera was in operating condition when put in storage about 40 yrs
ago." (at least they're honest!)
"working order last time used." Wonder when that was?
There was another one that said something like, "not used for 20yrs,
working well when last used, no reason why it wouldn't work now..." Ha! :-)
Once bitten...
On a camera that uses discontinued 620 film: "in good condion. and yes it
works a takes nice pix."
"This camera is in average but good condition for its age." ?! Reminds me of
the 'nearly but not quite' story from my childhood.
Auction heading: "antique KODAK. Magnificent!"... Description: "what you see is
what you get. a very nice antique camera..."
The picture shows a folding camera with the bellows only half-extended (?).
Magnificently broken maybe.
"No fungus or scatch just afew foggy on viewfinder can clean it (I have no
time)"
...but I've lost count of how many times this one's been re-listed.
"Many a good pic taken of me in nappies on this one (Im 40 now)" Never mind
the nappies, what about the condition of the camera?
Auction heading: "Vintage Kodak camera." Description: "One of these." Look at
the picture, dummy!
"very old well looked after camera" Yes, but does it work?
"Looks to be in good order but I am no expert." So if it doesn't work I take
no responsibility.
"IN VERY GOOD CONDITION BOTH CAMERA AND CASE" Yes, but does it work?!
"no guarantees but the lens is clean and no doubt it would take nice photos."
No doubt. And no guarantee.
"I have never used the camera, but the shutter speeds seem ok ... " etc.
(meter not working)... "Please bid on the explanation given or ask, as I do
not want anybody to purchase this under a false impression." (reserve $700!).
"The lens on this camera, ...has quite alot of cleaning marks in the coating
giving pictures a lovely soft focus effect... Bear in mind the lens when
bidding, i dont want you to be dissapointed." (reserve $895!! No, not the
same trader as the quote above).
"NEW CAMERA NO RESERVE. STILL IN BOX NEW NEVER USED AUTO TIMER 35MM RED EYE
REDUCTION"
"Q: Hi, Whats the maximum aperture on the lens? It looks like an S.L.R. but
I don`t think it is, or is it??? A: not sure sorry selling on behalf."
Buyer beware... it was a 'plastic fantastic' Protax (see
Protax page) Someone else bought it, now I'm waiting for the
feedback...
"this old camera is marked (name of camera), it seems to be in tidy condition,
and it may even have a film in it."..."I will do my best to
describe the goods accurately." All care no responsibility...
On an auction for "Very Old Polaroid Camera" - "I would say you
could still get films hopefully." No idea...
"Looks to be in good condition." all care...
"...collectable camera on stand, shuttle works..." and on the same auction,
"how much do you wanna pay?" Nothing, preferably!
"Great condition for age" Neither condition nor age stated.
"This old camera is a little rough, but I have seen lots worse!" (I haven't -
yet!)
On an auction for an Ouyama: "Seems to be very basic but apparently takes
a great photo!!" No idea really.
I've recently been given one of these and it's another plastic fantastic. Watch
this space. :-)
"vintage unknown. working order last time used. takes 127 film. ok condition."
As far as I'm aware 127 film can't be obtained in NZ.
"Really wish I had a photo to show!" on at least the third listing of this
item...
"dont know much about cameras but its a good one" !! A highly trustworthy
recommendation. :-)
"All seems to be working just fine... (but) ...Am not sure about anything
to do with photography so please ask ..."
"As far as I can see the camera itself is in very very good conditon, but have
not tested." (as is...)
On a 35mm compact: "no sure if it goes came in a box load of stuff i think is
does no visable faults" Hmm, think I'll give that one a miss too.
"Hasn't been used in awhile, but was going fine when last used. Comes with a
camera case. Is in ok condition."
On another Ouyama: "EXCELLENT FIRST CAMERA EASY TO USE AND TAKES GREAT
PICTURES..NO USER MANUAL BUT SIMPLE TO OPERATE"
"I don't know a great deal about cameras but it was in good working order when I
put it away in the cupboard a year ago."
On an old enlarger: "STILL GOES WHEN PLUGED IN"
On an old 'rare' Pentax SLR: "No guarantees with a collectable camera
like this, but I would expect it to take quality photos."
"Looks new with no scrathes."
On an older 35mm compact (same Yashica rangefinder as previously quoted):
"Give this poor little camera, forgotten in the digital age a home". I was
tempted...
On a 35mm compact: "i think it still goes but not to sure."
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