Shopping for vintage photography gear usually comes down to one question: are you buying a camera to shoot, a camera to admire, or a box of parts to make something else work? With four very different items in front of you-a Kodak Duaflex, a Kodak Retina IIIc, a Canon Sure Shot sold as non-working, and a mixed accessories lot-the answer decides everything. This guide sorts them by price, purpose, and condition so you can match the right one to your project.
Quick Take
- The Kodak Duaflex is the cheapest complete camera in this set, and its only described flaw is a scratch that won't affect pictures.
- The Kodak Retina IIIc is the priciest item in the set.
- The Canon Sure Shot is a parts-or-repair project with a useful point-and-shoot feature set.
- The accessories lot is the donor-hardware bundle for restorations.
Price Comparison at a Glance
| Item | Listed Price | Price Bar | What Stands Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kodak Duaflex | USD 12.95 | A 35mm Kodak with a scratch on the viewing window | |
| Canon Sure Shot | USD 24.95 | A point-and-shoot sold for parts or repair | |
| Vintage Camera Accessories Lot | USD 75.00 | A mixed kit of vintage hardware and accessories | |
| Kodak Retina IIIc | USD 129.99 | A rangefinder with a leather case |
Decision Matrix
| Your Situation | The Item to Choose | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| You want a complete camera at a low price | Kodak Duaflex Camera 35mm | It's the cheapest complete camera here, and the visible scratch is described as not affecting photos |
| You're comfortable with repairs and want a salvageable point-and-shoot | Vintage Canon Sure Shot 38mm 1:2.8 Lens Auto Focus Film Camera | Its features include auto exposure, built-in flash, built-in light meter, and auto focus, but battery compartment corrosion makes it a project |
| You need donor hardware for restorations | Vintage Camera Accessories Lot Leitz Wetzlar Graflex Burke & James Kodak Cables | The lot contains Leitz Wetzlar mounts, a Graflex wooden lensboard, Burke & James plates, Kodak holders, Bell & Howell rails, and cables |
| You want a German-made Kodak rangefinder with a Schneider lens | Kodak Retina IIIc Camera Schneider F 2.0/50mm lens & leather case | The leather case and Schneider F2.0/50mm lens make it a rangefinder setup |
Product Notes
Kodak Duaflex Camera 35mm
At $12.95, this Kodak is an easy pick for someone who wants to shoot vintage film without fuss. The description says the camera is great with one exception: a scratch on the light view window above the lens, roughly half an inch from side to middle, and adds that the scratch will not affect pictures. The black 35mm body was made in the United States and carries the Kodak Duaflex model name. Choose it if you want a complete-looking vintage shooter at a price that leaves room for film. The limitation is the scratch itself-it's visible on the view window, and the description suggests the price already reflects that cosmetic issue.
Kodak Retina IIIc Camera Schneider F 2.0/50mm lens & leather case
At the top of the price range sits this German-made Kodak Retina 3c, priced at $129.99. What makes it stand apart is the Schneider F2.0/50mm lens and the included leather case. Together they form a compact rangefinder setup. If your goal is to own a German-made Kodak from the Retina era without hunting for a separate lens, this is the item to pick here. The tradeoff is the price-it's the most expensive item in the group-so it's a considered purchase for someone who specifically wants a Retina 3c rather than a casual impulse buy.
Vintage Camera Accessories Lot Leitz Wetzlar Graflex Burke & James Kodak Cables
This $75.00 lot is the only item in the group without a camera body. Instead, it's a mixed kit of vintage photography hardware: a Leitz Wetzlar black metal accessory ring/mount, a Graflex Inc. wooden lensboard Model B with box and retaining ring, a Burke & James Inc. large metal adapter plate, Burke & James cable release packaging, a Kodak 15-S Lens Holder in its original box, a Bell & Howell mounting rail/slide bar, multiple shutter release cables, filter ring/screen holders, and misc. wiring and brass ID tags. If you restore cameras, repair lens boards, or collect original packaging, this lot avoids a lot of piecemeal hunting. The tradeoff is that it's not a shooter: it's parts and accessories waiting for a project.
Vintage Canon Sure Shot 38mm 1:2.8 Lens Auto Focus Film Camera
For $24.95, this black Canon Sure Shot is the project camera of the group. It checks the boxes of an auto-focus point-and-shoot: auto exposure, built-in flash, built-in light meter, and auto focus. The model is identified as a Sure Shot AF35, made in Taiwan, and it's a 38mm 1:2.8 lens camera. The important condition detail: the camera is for parts or not working, because it does not function when batteries are inserted and there is corrosion in the compartment. That makes it an appealing donor for someone who repairs vintage cameras-the lens, flash, and metering parts are right there for the price-but not the camera to load with film this weekend.
Final Recommendation by Use Case
- Shoot film now: Kodak Duaflex Camera 35mm. It's the no-fuss choice: a 35mm camera with one cosmetic flaw that's described as harmless to pictures.
- Own a German Kodak rangefinder: Kodak Retina IIIc. This is the one to pick for that goal.
- Restore and salvage: Vintage Canon Sure Shot. Its auto-focus features are worth saving, but expect battery compartment work.
- Collector parts and vintage hardware: Vintage Camera Accessories Lot. This is the one to buy if you already have cameras waiting for donor hardware.
