News & Trending Collectibles

10 Vintage Cameras That Are Worth a Small Fortune

One incredibly rare camera sold at auction for millions.

By Laura Gesualdi-Gilmore , Edited by Sara Albertelli

Updated April 12, 2026

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Though we are able to take crisp and stunning photos today using just our smartphones, collectors and photography enthusiasts are often still willing to pay premiums for vintage cameras. Early models from now-famous brands often sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Some of those models were common enough in decades past that you may have one lying around in your attic or basement, and selling these pieces of photography history could be a simple way to put extra cash in your pocket.

If you happen to have a working version of one of these 10 vintage cameras, you could be looking at a serious payday.

Editor's note: Estimated market values were sourced from eBay unless otherwise noted.

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Leica 0-series

Estimated market value: $1,900

Back in the 1920s, Leica built a handful of 0-Series 35 mm cameras to test. One of those originals is reportedly the most expensive vintage camera ever sold, going for $15.1 million at a specialist auction in 2022. However, that one belonged to Leica creator Oskar Barnack.

Today, a Leica 0-series camera, even without a famous owner, could sell for thousands. One version of the sleek, compact camera is currently attracting plenty of attention on eBay with an asking price near $2,000.

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Kodak Retina II

Estimated market value: $315

The Kodak Retina II comes in a few variations and was manufactured in the late 1930s and 1940s. It features a collapsible lens and was well-known for its excellent image quality.

Today, a version in decent condition with its original brown case could sell for more than $300 on the resale market, and listings sometimes go for well over $1,000.

Hasselblad 500C/M

Estimated market value: $2,400

Hasselblad 500C/M cameras were revamped in the mid-20th century to include a sophisticated lens system designed by Carl Zeiss. The cameras were known for excellent image quality and could command a premium from collectors. A version in near mint condition is currently listed on eBay for $2,400.

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Canon AE-1

Estimated market value: $200

This is one you may have buried somewhere in an old closet. The Canon AE-1 is a classic SLR (single lens reflex) camera with automatic exposure that made it popular with amateur photographers.

A version from the 1980s with an FD 50 mm 1:1.8 lens is listed for $200 on eBay, and unused versions have reportedly sold for around $900.

Leica M3

Estimated market value: $1,200

The Leica M3 was first released in the 1950s and quickly became a favorite 35 mm among professionals and amateur photographers alike. The compact, black cameras often command big paydays on the resale market, with a used version in solid working condition recently selling on eBay for $1,200.

Nikon F

Estimated market value: $150

Nikon is a trusted brand to this day, and the Nikon F, released in the late 1950s, was its first SLR camera. These were produced until the 1970s, and though they are quite common, the cameras could still sell for a premium.

In decent condition, a Nikon F could sell for around $150, and they have been known to go for up to $560.

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Yashica Mat-124G

Estimated market value: $245

Film photography enthusiasts and collectors have been known to shell out a few hundred dollars for the Yashica Mat-124G. Created in the 1970s, the film cameras have an 80 mm f/3.5 lens and are known for producing high-quality images.

A version in decent condition could easily sell for around $250.

Polaroid SX-70

Estimated market value: $150

The Polaroid SX-70 was introduced in the early 1970s and was the first instant SLR camera, making it a hot collector's item for many photography enthusiasts.

You could find used or refurbished versions online, and one in working condition with its original carrying case is currently attracting much attention with a $150 asking price on eBay. Some others have also been listed for over $2,000, and one in mint condition is currently being listed for $7,000.

Graflex Speed Graphic

Estimated market value: $250

The Graflex Speed Graphic camera is known for its focal plane shutter and large-format lens.

These cameras were often used by press photographers in the 1940s and '50s. While the cameras have been known to sell for around $450, and some rare versions are currently listed in the thousands, about $250 seems to be the going rate for used versions today.

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Konica IIIA

Estimated market value: $220

Manufactured from the late 1940s to around 1960, several versions of the Konica series were released, and they could sell for a premium to this day. One Konica IIIA with a 50 mm f/1.8 lens in near-mint condition is attracting plenty of attention on eBay, with a starting price of $220.

Bottom line

While some of these classic cameras are quite rare and hard to come by, others may very well be lying around in your basement or at a local garage sale. If you are willing to part with these classic cameras, selling one or several could be a simple way to make cash on the side.

Keep in mind that you may want to evaluate the camera's condition, whether it still works, and whether it would need to be refurbished to determine an appropriate asking price.

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