Is the old film camera collectible?

There are three main reasons for the sudden emergence of old camera collections in China:

First, the hammer prices that are constantly being refurbished at major auctions have opened up the imagination of the domestic camera collection prospects. Among them, Red Flag 20, the king's demeanor, has become the flag variety of domestic camera collection due to the soaring market transaction price in recent years. Hongqi 20 is produced by Shanghai Camera No.2 Factory, 1969 to 1977. Hongqi 20 is based on the most advanced German Lycra M3 of 135 models at that time, but the actual production is far from perfect. In the eight years before and after, the total output of Hongqi 20 was only 200 vehicles. It is precisely because the output is extremely small that the collection value of Hongqi 20 has been repeatedly raised. Guardian held a camera auction in the early stage, and a red flag 20 with a starting price of10.2 million yuan was finally smashed at a sky-high price of 26,000 yuan. However, according to experts, if this Red Flag 20 is equipped with a wide-angle lens and a 90mm lens, the actual value should be around 70,000 yuan. Hongqi 20 is recognized as a "rare treasure" in camera collection, and its value far exceeds that of Leica M camera made in Germany.

Secondly, the total output of domestic old cameras is relatively limited, which provides a theoretical basis for its collection value to climb. Taking 120 camera as an example, statistics show that by the end of 1987, the national total output was only 3.4 million. The average service life of the camera is between 10 years and 15 years. Coupled with other man-made destruction factors, there are not many cameras that can be completely preserved now. There are nearly one million photographers and collectors in China, and the number is increasing year by year to some extent. The contradiction between the two is balanced, and the shortage of supply will become more and more prominent. This contradiction is precisely the basis of the price increase of domestic old cameras. Several cameras that appear in the auction every year, such as the first generation camera of New China, Dalai Lama, only produced 12 cameras at that time, while July 1st produced 2 cameras. Although the output of Dongfeng produced during the "Cultural Revolution" was higher, it was only 84 vehicles. "Quantity" and "price" are seesaws. If the "quantity" does not go up, the "price" will naturally soar to the sky.

Third, the domestic market price of used cameras is relatively low, which is conducive to the expansion and development of camera collection teams. Although rare cameras such as Red Flag 20 and Dalai Lama are expensive, the market price of most cameras is still at a low level. For example, the price of Phoenix 205A camera is only 160 yuan, and the price of Seagull 4A is only 360 yuan. The price of early remake cameras entering the collection field is only 1400 yuan. This price is especially suitable for investors. Instead of paying attention to foreign high-end old cameras, it is better to pay attention to domestic old cameras. With the same capital, the price is lower, the market is bigger and the risk is smaller. For collectors, why not spend the least cost and study the camera structure and the camera manufacturing history in China to the greatest extent?

Strictly speaking, the collection of old cameras in China is still in its infancy, but the development space is quite open. With the passage of time, with the further expansion of collection awareness to the photography industry, I believe that even the low-grade varieties with average performance will have a substantial increase in market prices.