Cash in your pocket, space in your closet
Got old camera gear gathering dust? Let me give it a second life. I fix up and resell vintage cameras and lenses to a new generation of creatives who value the craft and experience of traditional and "analog" photography. They seek out "old school" technology and mediums as part of the creative process.
So what do we get out of it?
You get some cash, and some extra closet room. I get the satisfaction of hands‑on work and a modest income. And somewhere out there, another creative gets a tool they’ll make good creative and artistic use of.
This is a one‑person endeavor focused on restoration and resale. Consequently, my offers are intentionally modest—typically lower than what a fully restored item might fetch on the secondary market. Offers reflect the time, parts, and care needed to get each item ready for it's second life.
Share a few details: Email robjwat(at)gmail.com with a quick note — make, model, condition, any accessories, and anything else you know about the gear. A photo or two is always helpful.
Quick (less than 30 minutes) in-person look (if you are located nearby): I look at overall condition, review and test for basic functionality, and check for common and "congenital" issues associated with older cameras and equipment.
Offer: If it's a good fit, I'll make you an offer on the spot.
Payment: Up to $100 for cash offers. For offers over $100, I use Venmo.
I evaluate each piece of equipment against an AI-assisted checklist of parameters and considerations. For example:
Functional Baseline: I assess core functionality to determine if the gear is operational/potentially sellable or if it requires significant technical intervention, replacement parts, etc.
Market Demand: I look at current trends across various groups, forums, and second-hand platforms.
Restoration Investment: I estimate necessary time and resources for:
Essential functional/mechanical/optical servicing.
Parts & logistics: sourcing parts, specialized materials, or missing necessary accessories.
Testing: including test equipment and/or film and lab processing costs.
Appearance improvements, essential cleaning, etc.
If an offer doesn’t feel right for you, no worries. Feel free to share my information with someone else who might have some old camera gear gathering dust and need some extra space.
Items Not Accepted for Cash Offers
While I appreciate all photographic history, my restoration work is focused on classic "analog" (and some digital) cameras, lenses and accessories.
Obsolete Formats: Equipment designed for 126 cartridges (Instamatics), very old folding cameras, APS (Advanced Photo System), or "Disc" film cameras, etc.
Instant Cameras: Polaroid, Instax, and other instant-print type cameras
Mass-Market Consumer Gear: Very basic "point-and-shoot" and "focus free" models, disposables, and promotional or "no-name" unbranded cameras.
Counterfeits & so-called "Scameras": Knockoff cameras of unknown origin or low-quality imitations designed to look like real cameras or professional SLRs, East-European-made gear, or copies of well-known brands and models.
Equipment without absent, illegible or intentionally removed serial numbers.
Equipment and items determined to be out of scope for refurbishment effort vs potential resale value.
Terms of ownership and sale
For both your protection and mine, you must be the actual owner of the gear or have legal authority to sell/release it. I also provide a written record of any exchange.
Of course, I'm happy to accept gear outright, as a donation to my efforts, though I'm not a nonprofit, so it won't be a tax deduction for you, but I do provide a written record of every exchange.
Yes, film photography is still a thing
In case you were wondering...
Today’s creatives are increasingly drawn to the intentionality and of traditional film photography, and classic "analog" gear. This shift away from the immediacy of smartphones, digital cameras, and AI-driven image processing has sparked a resurgence in analog processes, craftsmanship and a more mindful experience. Consequently, a secondary market for vintage film cameras, lenses and accessories is thriving. Small-business and "niche" manufacturers are reviving previously "extinct" films and formats; mirrorless cameras are making it possible for creative photographers and digital film makers to revitalize classic lenses to achieve unique looks and styles.
Who is Rob Watson, anyway?
I’m a freelance graphic artist and longtime photography enthusiast, now semi‑retired after nearly forty years in a creative and tech‑focused career. I live in Ben Lomond, CA. I've worked for software companies, startups, and in the financial world, where I spent 18 years as lead designer for a respected local credit union.
PhotoRejuvo is a passion‑driven extension of that journey.
Hope we can do business soon!
