Feeler: Nikkor 50-300MM f/4.5 Zoom lens

[mattthemutt]

My father recently gave me this Nikkor zoom lens, with the intention that I find out how much it's worth, and to sell it, in exchange for a lens for my Rebel XT. It's a Nikkor 50-300MM f/4.5 Zoom lens, circa 1975. It's an all metal construction, and it's very sturdy. It was made in Japan, and has very few cosmetic issues. It's all in "working condition".

Here's what it looks like:
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/zoomsMF/50300sideNICE.jpg

It has a silver end on it, however, instead of black (at the very end of the lens, where the model information is inscribed).

Any idea what it's worth? Based on online searches, I'm figuring $250+, but I haven't a clue. If anyone is willing to buy it, I'd be very happy to get it off my hands :D.

Thanks!

[MacDann]

Without seeing it one would be hard-pressed to determine value, but the range of prices for this lens from a reputable used equipment retailer would be from around $200 (bargain) to $800 (EX+).

Have you checked on eBay? People pay stupid prices for glass like this there.



Here's an idea of how reputable used equipment brokers grade this stuff:

EX+ "Excellent Plus" 90-96% of the original condition. Shows moderate wear. May have slight marks on finish. Glass very clean.

EX "Excellent" 80-89% of the original condition. Shows moderate wear. May have small dings, pecks and slight finish wear. Glass may have some dust, but no marks.

BGN "Bargain" 70-79% of original condition. Shows more than average wear. May have dents, dings and a goodly amount of brassing and finish loss. Glass may have marks that should not affect picture quality.


MacDann (former stock photographer)

[mattthemutt]

EX+ "Excellent Plus" 90-96% of the original condition. Shows moderate wear. May have slight marks on finish. Glass very clean.

EX "Excellent" 80-89% of the original condition. Shows moderate wear. May have small dings, pecks and slight finish wear. Glass may have some dust, but no marks.



Thanks, MacDann! That's very helpful. As far as I know, it's in "EX" condition; the glass is immaculate, and the outside case does have some small amounts of wear on it. The finish is intact everywhere except for on some strap clips, and there doesn't seem to be anything affecting the optics/mechanics of it. I guess I should post some pictures :P

Oh, and my father points out that it's a non-AI lens that has had an AI thingie added, whatever that means.

[MacDann]

The addition of the AI adds slightly to the value, however, there are those purists out there would would consider something like this heresy. A small percentage, for sure, so it's nothing to worry about.

I would suggest you submit a quote form to someone like KEH (https://www.keh.com/OnLineStore/home.aspx) Camera. They'll lowball you, but at least you'll have a good idea of what the bottom of the market is. Take their price and at least double it and you'll be in the range, most likely.

Right now film camera prices are in the dumper, mainly because of the proliferation of digital. I have shot medium format for years (Mamiya M645 Super) and the prices that I'm seeing for glass and other hardware is amazing, it's so cheap. I just recently bought a 45mm wide angle lens for $150.00 that 5-10 years ago would have brought $500+ on the used market.

Again, if you want to put up with the hassle, your best bet is probably to put it on eBay and see what you get. Despite the drop in values, people still pay stupid amounts for stuff there.

Good luck,

MacDann

[mattthemutt]

This item has been posted on eBay.

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=320248396686&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=011

Thanks!