Hey Ya'll! This week's blog I'm going to try something different. I'm going to take you through my thoughts threw the whole process of me buying a used film camera. Now this doesn't really have to be about buying a film camera it could be any type of used camera or equipment. There are a few types of ways to buy used equipment one if from a friend or a store where you can hold and touch the camera. But there are not a lot of camera stores anymore that you can buy used equipment so I'm going to talk about the online world and my process while I buy a new to me film camera . The best way is to go to an online camera store like KEH or MPB because they go through the cameras thoroughly and give honest grading of these cameras. But they do not have a big selection of film cameras.  No new film cameras except some cheap plastic toy ones and a new camera from Pentax (which I have my eye on) have been made in decades so condition is an issue. The best source of used film cameras are on eBay where you can get a selection from all over the world but then again condition is an issue since you can see or hold the camera . You have to take the word of someone who is trying to sell this item. They may elevate the condition just to get it sold. So the title a "leap of faith" is required when purchasing  them unseen except through photographs and you know how easy it is to manipulate photo's. Well that's where are story starts. I have purchased from KEH, MPB, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace I have had success in all and feel pretty lucky. So this blog I'm going to take you with me and write bit by bit as the process proceeds. First is the buying part.

-7-5-2024- I had a doctors appointment and like always I was early and in  the parking lot I was browsing through facebook marketplace and saw my next victim . LOL It was a Canon Canonet 28. I own a 1961 Canonet 19 and a 1972 Canonet 17 and this one is in the middle somewhere. The price was 50 bucks. I figured it was 50 bucks so if it was crap it will be a cool nicknack or I can use it for parts. Either way it's 50 bucks. The add said it worked the shutter clicked meter worked but didn't know if it was accurate and it needed light seals. So I paid with PayPal, and now I'm waiting for the camera. I will write more when the camera arrives in a week or so. 

7-10-2024 Well bad news. My oder was canceled by the seller for some reason. This is the first time that this has happened to me. I didn't get an explanation but maybe it was for the best. Well I can still look for a camera. I have been interested in a half frame camera to play with maybe now is a good time to try one out. The search starts again.

7-10-2024 Well I've decided after some research to get a Canon Demi EE17 half frame camera. I spent many hours looking at different cameras and reviews on youtube and in written reviews before I took a leap of faith and Purchased this one from Japan. These camera's were released in 1966. I did some eBay researching and found one for 169 dollars I made an offer of 140 and they countered with 159 so 10 bucks off. So I took another leap of faith. The condition is near mint and the photo's looked good and they gave an explanation of everything about the camera. I have never had a problem ordering from Japan but you do have to pay a hefty shipping fee. But I usually get the item within a week. I have a confirmed order and payment and now I'm waiting for shipping.

7-12-2024 Delivered! Wow! Two days and I just got the camera from Japan delivered! The camera was packaged very well and everything that was promised to come with the package came. I got a UV filter, camera strap assembly, and carrying case and of course the camera. The camera was as advertised and was in very good condition. This particular camera has only one light seal that surrounds the viewfinder that goes through the back door of the camera. This was missing but I have some light seal material and made a light seal to go around the viewfinder. Not as fancy as the original but it should work. I checked the light meter and it was very close to a meter app that I use on my phone that has been calibrated. I'm going to run a 1/2 roll of film through the camera in Auto and the other in Manual with an external meter and see how it performs.  I'll let you know the results. There is no fungus or hazing in the lens or viewfinder which is one of the most important things for me for a camera this old. The camera feels very solid and I ran a dummy roll of film through it to make sure things like rewind , counter  and advance lever worked. They worked well.

Yet another successful eBay encounter. I am very happy with my purchase although I don't like the hefty shipping expense from Japan but I did get it in two days and it was wrapped and packaged very professionally . So I guess you get what you pay for. Buying online is a leap of faith and doing lots of research. I probably looked at 50 or more cameras before I made the decision on the one I got. Some were cheaper and some were more expensive but you just have to do the best you can , trust your gut and take a leap of faith. I look at how many transactions that they have had and what the positive approval rating they have. I try not to buy from someone who has only a few transactions. Most of my camera stuff has come from Japan but with that you should expect large shipping fees. Japan is the mecca for used film cameras since most of them were made there during the height of the film era.

Well that's it for me this week I hope this helps. Remember the same techniques and tips goes for any type of camera equipment that you are looking for online. Well I've got a new camera to shoot! Until next week Get out and shoot!