Preliminary identification

Nikon Zoom Touch 500 Quartz Date 35mm Film Camera

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

This is a classic late-80s point-and-shoot 35mm film camera featuring a versatile 35-80mm macro zoom lens and an integrated Quartz Date back. Designed to bring Nikon's legendary optical precision to the casual consumer market, it represents the peak of the pre-digital autofocus revolution.

Story

Released in 1990, this camera captured the transition from manual photography to fully automated convenience. Its Quartz Date feature allowed families to permanently stamp their memories directly onto the film emulsion.

Maker / Origin

Nikon, founded in Tokyo in 1917 as Nippon Kōgaku Kōgyō, built its reputation on world-class military optics before dominating the professional photojournalism market with the Nikon F series. In the late 20th century, they successfully translated this professional glass-making heritage into consumer-friendly point-and-shoot cameras.

Condition & Value

The exterior shows light cosmetic wear and dust consistent with age. The gold JCII sticker is intact, which is a nice touch for collectors. The battery compartment and film chamber must be inspected for corrosion or light leak seal degradation, which would reduce value by 50% if present.

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.