vintage camera dealers auckland nz, 35mm, medium format

G2 Contax cameras & Lenses | Fixed lens rangefinder cameras | Single lens reflex cameras | Camera Accessories

Wein cell batteries | Film & darkroom | Light seal replacement | Camera ID image library

For many photographers, the pursuit of technical excellence often evolves into a lifelong passion for fine equipment; a phenomenon known as Gear Acquisition Syndrome (GAS). While there is no "cure" for the desire to innovate, we manage it through a relentless commitment to capturing the perfect image.

We believe that select vintage equipment offers a unique image quality (IQ) that can rival modern standards. Our mission is to identify these exceptional camera and lens combinations and bring them to our community. As active daily photographers, we founded the Vintage Camera Shop to share our expertise and our image collection with fellow enthusiasts who appreciate the soul of classic gear.

. Our former internet home was www.imagesandwords.co.nz now amalgamated into our company website: www.abdonaldltd.co.nz There has been no change to company ownership and we are the same enthusiastic photographers we were before.

Terms & Conditions of Sale

Please review the following terms and conditions prior to finalizing your order.

Inventory & Ownership

The equipment featured on our website has been carefully selected through years of professional practice. Our inventory consists of two categories:

Company-Owned: Items owned directly and unencumbered by A.B. Donald Ltd.
Brokerage Items: Equipment offered "on behalf" of a third-party vendor. Legal ownership of these items remains with the vendor until the transaction is complete. Brokerage items are clearly marked with a double red **. If graded brokerage items carry our 'peace of mind " no question right of return. If not graded, the item offered is functional but cannot be returned.

Quality Assurance & Grading

We specialize in brands we use personally, ensuring that every piece of gear meets our standards for functional integrity. All equipment is pre-owned and tested to ensure it operates exactly as intended. We use a conservative grading scale to provide an honest assessment of each item:

Grade A+ (8/10): Excellent condition (functional & cosmetic) with only minor cosmetic blemishes.
Grade A (6/10): Good condition (functional & cosmetic) showing signs of regular use, such as minor abrasions or light brassing.
Grade A- (4/10): Heavy-useage with visible cosmetic wear (abrasions/brassing), but remains fully sound and operational.

Maintenance & Storage Standards

To ensure the longevity and performance of your purchase, we adhere to strict maintenance protocols:

Storage: All equipment is maintained in a humidity-controlled environment.
Optics: We do not sell lenses with fungus, mold, or damage caused by improper cleaning.
Sanitization: Camera bodies are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected with isopropyl alcohol prior to dispatch.
Servicing: Light seals and SLR mirror cushions are replaced as a standard precaution. Please note that this may delay dispatch by 24 hours to allow new seals to set properly.

Transparency & Shipping

Product Imagery: We provide high-resolution images of the actual item for sale; we do not use generic or "stock" photography.
International Shipping: Due to global transit regulations, we are unable to ship batteries internationally.
Return Policy: We stand by our equipment and offer a comprehensive return policy for your peace of mind.

Payment & Refund Policy

1. Payment Methods and Security

To ensure the highest level of security, we utilize PayPal for all online transactions. Customers may complete their purchase using a PayPal account or a major credit card. We also accept:

Direct Bank Transfers
Cash (for local collections)

Title to Goods:

Legal title to all equipment remains with A.B. Donald Ltd until full payment has been successfully received and cleared.

2. Shipping and Fulfillment

Dispatch Timeline: We typically dispatch orders within one business day of payment confirmation, subject to the 24-hour setting period required for new light seals.
Verification: For security purposes, we ship exclusively to confirmed PayPal addresses.
International Compliance: We strictly adhere to international trade laws and are unable to undervalue items on customs documentation.
In-Person Collection: Orders may be collected from our Auckland premises by prior arrangement. In these instances, freight and insurance charges will be waived.

3. Taxes and Fees

Domestic (NZ): All purchases made within New Zealand are inclusive of 15% GST.
International: International orders are zero-rated for GST. Please note that freight and insurance costs are additional to the listed price.

4. Specialized Orders (Indent Orders)

Items ordered specifically upon request (Indent Orders) require a 40% deposit, with the remaining balance due upon delivery. Please note that Indent Orders are specialized acquisitions and are non-returnable.

5. Cancellations and Transit Claims

Cancellations: Orders may be cancelled for a full refund at any time prior to shipping or printing.
Transit Damage: Any damage sustained during transit must be claimed directly with the carrier.
Loss in Transit: In the event of a suspected loss, please notify us within a reasonable timeframe (relative to standard transit norms) so we may assist in the investigation.

6. "Peace of Mind" Returns

We take pride in our equipment and offer a generous return policy to ensure your complete satisfaction. Please refer to our dedicated Returns Policy page for full details on eligibility and procedures.

"Peace of Mind" Returns Policy

At A.B. Donald Ltd, our primary goal is your total satisfaction. We want to ensure that every piece of equipment you purchase is fully operational and meets your professional expectations.

Understanding Vintage Equipment

Before finalizing your purchase, please consider that our curated selection consists of vintage instruments, many of which average 50 years of age. While we take immense pride in our rigorous inspection and testing process, including active field use by our own team -these items are pre-owned vintage.

Each piece is sold in sound, usable condition and will exhibit cosmetic characteristics consistent with its assigned grade. Our commitment is to ensure that no blemish interferes with the equipment’s "fitness for purpose."

Return and Exchange Terms

If you are not entirely satisfied with your purchase for any reason, we offer a full refund or exchange, including the original outward freight charges, subject to the following:

Notification Period: You must notify us of your intent to return the item within 10 business days of receipt.
Method of Notification: Please contact us via our website Contact Page or via text at 021 269 3541.
Return Logistics: Items must be returned in a timely manner following notification. Return shipping must be prepaid by the customer, as we do not refund return freight costs.
Secure Transit: We highly recommend using a trackable, insured courier service, as A.B. Donald Ltd cannot be held responsible for items lost during return transit. Alternatively, items may be returned in person to our Auckland office.
Price Adjustments: For exchanges, any price differential will be charged or credited accordingly.

Conditions and Exclusions

To be eligible for a refund or exchange, the item must be returned in the exact condition in which it was dispatched. The following exclusions apply:

Damage: Items that have sustained impact damage or have been exposed to liquids, sand, or heavy atmospheric dust following delivery are strictly excluded from this policy.
Consumables & Parts: Camera parts, batteries, and film are non-returnable

Sell Your Equipment: We Purchase Film Cameras & Lenses

If you have quality analog equipment from the 1950s through the mid 1990s, your gear may hold significant value. With the current resurgence of film photography, your unused cameras and lenses can find a second life with a new generation of photographers.

Whether you have transitioned fully to digital or find that mobile photography now meets your needs, we provide a professional and straightforward way to divest your equipment.

What We Are Looking For

We are prepared to offer competitive market rates for well-maintained equipment. We have a particular interest in 35mm (SLRs and fixed-lens rangefinders) and Medium Format (SLRs, TLRs, Rangefinders, and Folding cameras).

We are especially interested in the following brands:

Nikon & Canon
Leica, Zeiss & Voigtländer
Pentax, Olympus & Minolta
Fuji, Rollei, Yashica & Contax

Our Selection Criteria

To maintain our high standards of inventory, we prioritize equipment that meets the following conditions:

Preservation: Gear that has been stored in a dry, humidity-controlled environment.
Condition: Above-average cosmetic and functional condition; ideally original and not modified.
Integrity: Equipment must be free from exposure to liquids, sand, or heavy dust. We do not purchase lenses contaminated with fungus.

Transaction Process

We purchase equipment both within New Zealand and internationally. By offering your gear for sale, you must declare that you are the legal owner of the items.

Contact Us Today If you have a single camera or an entire collection, please reach out via our Contact Page or text 021 269 3541 with a brief description of your gear. We look forward to discussing your equipment with you.

Consignment Services: Selling On Behalf

While we frequently purchase equipment outright, we also offer a professional "On Behalf" consignment service. This is often the preferred route for those looking to maximize the return on high-quality analog equipment.

Consignment Criteria

We specialize in the sale of semi-professional and professional 35mm and Medium Format systems. To maintain the integrity of our storefront, please note our requirements:

Condition: All equipment must be in full operating condition.
Exclusions: We do not accept point-and-shoot cameras, digital equipment, or flash units for consignment.
Ownership: Vendors must declare that they are the legal owner of the equipment.

The Process

Initial Inquiry: Contact us via email with a list of your equipment and a comprehensive suite of high-resolution images (JPEG format, minimum 500kb per file). Quality mobile photography is acceptable.
Valuation: We will review your submission and contact you to discuss the gear's condition and an appropriate target sale price.
Assessment & Grading: * Physical Inspection: If you can provide the gear for a physical assessment, we will assign a formal grade (A- to A+). These items carry our full Money-Back Guarantee.
- Remote Listings: If distance prevents a physical inspection, we will list the item as "Working Condition" without a formal grade. Please note that our standard guarantee does not apply to remote listings beyond the verification of basic functionality.

Commission and Payment

Commission Rate: Our fee for consignment sales is 12% + GST.
Prompt Settlement: Payment is disbursed to the seller within one week of the completed sale.

Get Started

If you have professional-grade analog gear you wish to sell, please reach out via our Contact Page to begin the consultation process.

Bespoke Sourcing Services

Navigating the global market for vintage analog equipment can be a daunting and risky endeavor. Between inconsistent grading and the uncertainty of purchasing from unknown overseas sellers, finding high-quality gear requires a seasoned eye.

With over 20 years of experience as commercial photographers and a decade spent specializing in vintage equipment, we offer a professional sourcing service to take the risk out of your next acquisition. Over the years, we have cultivated a network of trusted international suppliers, vetted through multiple successful transactions to ensure absolute integrity and quality.

How It Works

If you are searching for a specific camera or lens, we invite you to utilize our expertise:

The Inquiry: Provide us with the details of the specific analog model or optic you require. (Please note: We do not source digital equipment.)
The Proposal: We will leverage our network to locate the item and provide you with a firm, all-inclusive delivered price for your consideration.
Deposit & Procurement: To proceed with an acquisition, we require a 40% deposit, with the remaining balance payable upon delivery.
Our Guarantee: Every sourced item is backed by our complete money-back guarantee. If the equipment is not exactly as described, we will rectify it or provide a full refund.

By choosing our sourcing service, you are not just buying a camera; you are investing in the confidence that your equipment has been professionally vetted and secured by experts.

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