Olympus D600L: Starting Bid $20
The Olympus Camedia D600L was more or less the first super-zoom DSLR aimed at the amateur photographer–it first hit the scene back in 1998. And while it may look a whole lot like a bloated plastic Polaroid camera, the thing was actually quite ahead of its time. It offered a 1.4 MP sensor and an f/2.8 36-110mm (35mm equivalent) lens. And besides, the late 90’s aren’t exactly regarded as a high-point for the design of consumer products anyway (remember how ugly that Ford Taurus your mother drove was?) It should be noted that Ebayer Garsb is incorrect in assuming that this is in fact the first digital camera, as a previous Ebay Watch proves, that award actually goes to the Kodak DCS-100 which came out 7 years earlier, back in 1991. It should also be noted, that, according to the seller’s description, the battery for the camera is shot. Either way, for twenty or so bucks, you can get your hands on a rather significant piece of digital camera histroy. Click to view the auction
Leica R 800mm f/6.3 Telephoto Lens: $8,299.95
We really can’t go over how funny this massive lens looks attached to such a tiny Leica camera. However, if you are in the market for an 800mm lens, for whatever reason, Ebayer Qualitycamera assures that it is in the most pristine of condition. The lens features apertures ranging from f/6.3 up to f/32. The minimum focusing distance on this beast is 41 feet and it weighs a hefty 15.12 lbs. Click to view the auction
Contax N DSLR (first full-framer): $2,901
Two thousand clams is a lot to ask for, for a camera that came out more than 9 years ago. However, like the Olympus 600L, this camera represents another major advancement in the world of digital photography as it was the first DSLR to offer a full frame sensor. However the “N” didn’t hold that title long, as later in 2002, two more DSLR’s offering full frame sensors hit the scenes, in the form of the Kodak DCS Pro 14n and the Canon EOS 1Ds. This ultimately lead to the demise of Contax a digital camera manufacturer, and the “N” was pulled off the market a year after being introduced. Ebayer Pohotalps does however assure that the camera is in “very good, fully-functional condition”. And while the “N” may have been somewhat of a flop, according to Wikipedia, it is in fact “considered a collector’s item.” Click to view the auction
Kyoto Seiko “Lovely” Subminature Camera, Serial # 0046: $24,000
As much as we love our “historical first” digital cameras, we are an even bigger sucker for these super-rare/antique/pricey film cameras from far away lands; and the Kyoto Seiko “Lovely” subminature is no exception. In fact we highly recommend poking around the auction page and checking out some of the other photos of it…what a beaut! According to Ebayer Williamf629, this little guy takes 14x14mm images on 17.5 paperbacked roll film. It measures about 2 1/2 inches by 1 1/4 inches by 1-inch, definitely bigger than the spy camera we featured a few weeks back, but still very tiny. This camera was made by Kyoto back in 1948 and features only three shutter speeds: 1/25 sec, 1/50 sec and 1/100 sec. It also offers a fixed 17.5mm lens. It should also be mentioned that, thanks to its crazy low serial number, this subminature fetched $12,913 at a Christie’s auction back in 1991. While not highly functional, there is no doubt that the “lovely” is well, quite lovely to look at. Click to view the auction
Ilfochrome P3X Processor: $24,999 or best Offer
Photo labs are falling off the face of the earth at an alarming rate, which means the equipment that once drove them is now finding its way into the second-hand market. Ebayer Pro-USA-Inc alleges that the entire system was recently refurbished. Back when the seller first purchased it 5 years ago, they reportedly payed $83,000. The Ilford Website offers a bit more information about this processing station, “[The Ilford P3X] is a 3-bath process designed for the professional lab, as well as amateurs and enthusiasts. The P3 process chemicals are available in individual components for more flexibility and less waste.” It’s sure to fill your home with the wonderfully noxious smell of photography, which is a big plus for anyone with fond memories of color processing. Click to view the auction
