Ottsar's Instamatic Lens

Kodak Instamatics with easy-to-load 126 film cartridges were wildly popular worldwide from 1963 to 1988.

Kodak sold over an estimated 100 million Instamatic cameras.

Flashcubes and film sales were highly profitable for Kodak and other manufacturers.

The Instamatic's simplicity and small size made them easy for everyone to use.

They were even used in combat photography because of their rugged, uncomplicated box camera heritage.

Even though Instamatics are common, and the film is no longer readily available, they have become very collectible. First because there is a nostalgia for the Instamatic era. For example May Pang's Beatles book Instamatic Karma .

But another reason for interest in these cameras is the interest in the art-camera movement, with low-fidelity cameras like the Holga, Diana and Lomo selling for high prices.

It would be great to be able to title your listing "1964 KODAK INSTAMATIC 104 LIKE HOLGA DIANA LOMO". The last three words would certainly bring in hits. They might also get you a warning or worse from eBay for Brand Name Misuse or Keyword Spamming.

There are better ways to make your listing stand out.

As Mark Twain wrote:

Always tell the truth. You will confound your enemies and astonish your friends.

Nothing is more satisfying to a buyer than to see a clear description of the good and the bad.

After all, what seems bad to you, for example a missing wrist strap, or a dirty lens, may be completely unimportant to the interested buyer. But the buyer will remember that you went to the trouble to accurately describe the item.

If there is an old film cartridge in the camera, you can remove it and show it in the listing photo. Remember to tell what type of film it is, for example, Fotomat 24 exp. C-41 process. Old film is popular because the cartridges can be reloaded with modern 135 film. And also because of the mystery pictures which may still be on the roll. Always mention if old film is included with the camera or not. Be sure to explain that buyers can easily learn how to reload the old 126 film cartridge with modern 35 millimeter film. Remind them to search the web for free instructions on reloading Instamatics.

Here's a big sales tip: manuals and boxes. Yep, that's right, many collectors like getting the original box, and even more importantly, the instruction manual.

If you have the instructions, be sure to put the word manual in the listing title. You will be amazed how this will increase your sales price.

If you do not have the manual, mention that many common Instamatic manuals are available for sale on eBay. Some can even be found by searching on the web, especially using eBay's own search and social network site StumbleUpon.

Which brings up an excellent way to get hits on your eBay listing. Be sure to bookmark your auction using eBay's StumbleUpon website. This is a huge traffic and sales booster.

Don't forget to join various Internet photo groups and mailing lists about 126, and Instamatic cameras. Many will let you post your eBay listing.

Be sure join some photography, art and camera eBay Neighborhoods and eBay Groups and be sure to mention your listings.

If you are buying, use this wild card eBay search to find even a misspelled Instamatic. Try it right now.

My favorite 126-film Instamatics on eBay are the 100, 104, Hawkeye, X-15 and the Mercedes Benz of Instamatics, the model 500.

I find these to be the most solid, and fun to use.

If you are looking for Instamatics to sell on eBay, the fastest way to get an Instamatic is to ask people you know. Everyone's family had one, so they are bound to turn up in the attic.

Estate sales, thrift stores, old-time mom & pop camera stores, Goodwill, Salvation Army, tag sales, pawn shops, yard and garage sales, classified ads and flea markets are good sources too.

Don't overlook Craigslist or FreeCycle for online ads.

Many instamatics have a four alphabet character code stamped into the plastic inside the camera near the bottom edge.

This is the Kodak CAMEROSITY manufacturing date code. Always give the original code in your eBay listing. Here is how to translate it:
C=1 A=2 M=3 E=4 R=5 O=6 S=7 I=8 T=9 Y=0

So for instance a camera marked YROS had a 05-67 manufacturing date. Note that you will sometimes see CM or 13 for the month. This is because Kodak used the Cotsworth-Eastman 13-month calendar. But that's another story.

When you are listing your camera on eBay, check it over in a bright light for shutter operation, battery box corrosion, grime, cracks, rust, scratched or dirty lenses, broken door hinges, working flashcube holder clips. Sadly, many Instamatics are good for parts only.

1. Wind Film Advance lever or knob
2. Open camera, slide pin with thumb
3. Press button while watching lens and listening for click
4. Count 4 clips down inside + shape flashcube holder on top
5. Open battery door
6. Check inside for leaky batteries, rust or corrosion

Remember to accurately state any problems in your listing.

Don't attempt to fix or clean a camera unless you are an expert.