Flipping film cameras from thrift stores

How it works

Step by step

1. 1Memorize 15 desirable point-and-shoot models by sight: Olympus Mju II, Yashica T4, Contax T2/T3, Nikon 35Ti/28Ti, Ricoh GR1, Canon Sure Shot Telemax and similar.
2. 2Learn the two failure points that kill value: sticky shutters and dead LCD screens. Test both in-store.
3. 3Carry a pocket kit: a fresh CR123A, AA and 2xCR1/3N battery, a small microfiber cloth, and a phone flashlight to inspect fungus in the lens.
4. 4Rotate through 5-7 thrift stores every weekend. Salvation Army, Goodwill, and small local shops in older neighborhoods yield the most.
5. 5In-store test: install battery, half-press for autofocus confirm beep, full-press to hear shutter click, advance frame, and inspect lens under flashlight for haze/fungus.
6. 6Never pay more than 20% of the average sold-listing price. Sold comps live one filter away in the eBay app.
7. 7At home, run a $12 test roll through each keeper. Scan one frame with a phone-through-lightbox setup or drop at a lab. A working sample scan doubles your listing price.
8. 8Photograph each camera on a neutral background, six angles, including battery compartment and lens close-up. Note any dust, dents or LCD bleed honestly.
9. 9List on eBay 'Buy It Now' with 'Best Offer' enabled. Ship in a padded box with foam inserts and always require signature confirmation above $75.
10. 10Reinvest first-month profit into a proper film scanner or a Plustek so you can offer better sample scans and raise prices.

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