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I need some advice on what to do with a Mitchell Camera

Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2020 11:22 am
by gregcarter
I need some advice.
I am responsible for selling a Mitchell S35R(I am assuming because that is the manual I have) camera from a film makers estate. It is a large set up with many cases with at least three large lenses. This one has some Fries parts and is set up for a tv monitor. It was used for animation so there are parts for that mixed in the cases. My problem is there are so many different parts beyond the camera in the case I don't really know how to set it up.

I am not really worried about how much I get for the equipment and I know I won't get anything near what he paid for it. I believe the past owner would want it to be used again and I am just planning on donating the proceeds to the local food bank..

It is all in very heavy cases and I do not know if I should just list it on ebay or look for sites like this one.

Thank you in advance for your advice
Greg

Re: I need some advice on what to do with a Mitchell Camera

Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2020 1:43 pm
by marop
Hi Greg,

Just some initial thoughts to your questions. Some places to consider selling; 1) Craig’s list (depending on the area you live. If you’re in Los Angeles or other area where there is film production then Craig’s list is a good option), 2) eBay, 3) a dealer (Richard Bennett is an example but I’m not sure he is buying that knid of Camera. He is in the LA area), or, as you mentioned, 4) this website has a selling section.

A lot has to do with what you want to get for it and how much time you want to take to sell it. Some questions that would effect things: It’s set up for Animation, but the question is, was it modified so it can’t be used as a regular camera. If it’s just set up for animation, your market is even smaller yet and maybe zero! With high resolution scanning or all digital creation, I don’t think there is much calling.

Some comments; film was virtually dead but there is a growing comeback, to some degree. eBay is a good place to get an idea on pricing. I believe there were some listed when I last looked. Use caution not to just look at current asking prices, but check for Sold prices. Anyone can ask a lot for something but that doesn’t mean they will get that price. Their sol section, I believe, only keeps info for a couple weeks. So if you don’t find anything, don’t worry. Accessories can make a bigger difference. So if you have a list I or someone else may have some comments. Lenses are a big thing and film camera lenses are often desirable for digital camera use, depending.

Collectors, like myself buy film cameras. Most all of my are older, although I almost a 35sr. It would have come with a zoom lens but I ended up not doing it. When there is not much money around, one has to be careful where it gets spent. My oldest camera is circa 1914. My newest is 1980’s. I like cameras with “complete” packages but also buy incomplete. However it has been difficult finding original parts for vintage cameras. Some of us will buy cameras even if we weren’t looking for it but it’s a nice package and a good price.

So I hope this helps some and I’ll try to answer other questions or comment on your accessories. Hopefully MediaEd will chime in.

Mark

Re: I need some advice on what to do with a Mitchell Camera

Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2020 7:32 pm
by mediaed
Greg,

A few photos would help. You'll need them to sell anyway. Don't bother with the cases in pictures.
Ken Stone has a few currently up for sale on EBAY which will give you an idea of how things may fit together. His listed prices range in the $1800 to $2200 range for decently serviced units.
Putting the camera in our registry which offers the first ownership transfer free gives some original information provenance as well.

Shipping is always a consideration for these and may affect your pricing considerably depending on your market. Most here have an affection/affectation for the older cameras but the Mark1 &2's were interesting designs marking the last gasp of a iconic brand to modernize.

Be happy to help evaluate further.

ED

Re: I need some advice on what to do with a Mitchell Camera

Posted: Fri May 08, 2020 8:36 am
by Guest
Thank you for your response.
I have finally gotten all the various boxes together in one place and will try to start documenting what I have. I have found some documentation when the camera was purchased and a picture of it with everything assembled. From the way the boxes look, I do not believe it was modified. There are two setups, one with the front attachments to the camera that is in the documentation and another box with things labeled for Motion Control . Each box has its own Angenieux Zoom 10 x 16 T Lens. I also found a Angenieux Type 10x25 B lens.

Thank you again for your advice and for this site. After all my interesting research on this site and other places, I would just keep the camera if it was an older model. I will probably bother you again with some photos as I try to figure out exactly what I have and to check to see if it has been modified.
Greg