Sell Your Vintage Camera Gear
If you own a Leica, a Hasselblad or a Zeiss lens that hasn't seen daylight in years, Arsenal Photo can make you an offer for it. Tell us the model, the condition as best you understand it, and send a few clear photographs. A specialist reviews what you've sent and responds with a genuine number, based on current market value for that specific piece. Not an automated estimate generated from a dropdown menu or database.
Every piece of vintage photographic equipment is unique.
Arsenal Photo has traded in vintage and collectible photographic equipment since 1998. We buy Leica, Canon, Voigtländer, Nikon, Zeiss, and Hasselblad equipment, along with Contax, Rolleiflex, and Soviet-mount cameras. Bodies, lenses, and full collections are all welcome, whether the equipment is in full working order or not.
Why should you sell your camera through a specialist dealer
Selling through an online marketplace or classifieds site can produce a quick sale, but the price is rarely tested against anyone who actually understands vintage equipment. It is impossible for a private buyer to distinguish between honest brassing and mechanical damage from a picture alone. Furthermore, a listing provides no protection for a seller if a buyer disputes the condition of the item after payment. Working with a specialist dealer removes that uncertainty. Every submission is reviewed by someone who has handled equipment in this category professionally and the offer reflects an accurate assessment of the item rather than a market guess.
What determines the offer
Condition is assessed against a defined scale, from equipment in near-original condition to well-used pieces that remain fully functional. Visible wear does not automatically reduce value; a mechanical Leica screw-mount body with signs of use is not treated the same as one with genuine damage. What matters most is whether the shutter is accurate, the optics are clean, and the mechanism functions correctly, all of which a specialist can confirm and a marketplace listing cannot.
Even if you are unsure of the exact model, you are still encouraged to submit a description. Basic details such as the camera's brand, serial number or visible logo are usually enough for a specialist to identify it from the accompanying photographs. Also, the colour, material and patina can make a big difference to the value of some unique cameras or lenses.
Each brand carries its own considerations for value and condition.
You can start selling your analogue camera equipment directly to us, including models from brands such as Leica, Canon, Nikon, Zeiss, Contax, Voigtländer and Hasselblad. However, you are encouraged to submit buy or trade offers for equipment from other manufacturers, regardless of brand.
How the process works
Selling to Arsenal Photo begins with a short description of your equipment: the model, the mount if known, and its general condition, along with several clear photographs covering the front, the back, any lens elements, and a close view of the serial number. A specialist reviews the submission and responds with an offer, typically within 24 hours. If the pictures raise a question about condition, that question is asked before a price is quoted.
Once an offer is accepted, shipping is arranged through an insured courier at no cost to the seller. Payment is issued once the equipment arrives and matches the description provided, generally within 1-2 business days, by bank transfer or PayPal. An offer can be declined at any stage without obligation. If a seller changes their mind while the equipment is already in transit, it will be returned fully insured at no charge.
Not sure exactly what model you have? Send it anyway. A rough description, the brand or serial number and any visible logos usually give a specialist enough information to work with once the photographs are attached.
Ready to find out what it's worth?
A model name and a few pictures are all it takes to get started. A specialist reviews the submission and responds with an offer.
