Cameras/Leica camera
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Question
I've recently discovered a Leica camera inherited from my father-in-law. The top says "Leica DRP, Ernst Leitz Wetzlar, Nr 570571", the lens is a Summitar f=5cm 1:2 No. 811971
I'm interested in two things - approx. value (but no intentions of selling), and most importantly - where can I find information on using it?! I'm an avid photographer but only experieced in dSLR's - would love to use this beauty but the dials and knobs are more daunting than any digital camera I've encountered!
Hello Jane,
From that serial number, you have a Leica IIf, a traditional 35mm coupled rangefinder camera, made by Leitz of Germany in 1951. This is a fairly common model, with over 35,000 sold between 1951 and 1956. A truly excellent example, complete with an appropriate matching Leitz 5cm normal lens (like that Summitar), can sell in the $350 range today.
If you want to use it, there's no way around it, you MUST get an instruction manual. The best place for that is John Craig's web site. Go to this web page:
http://www.craigcamera.com/ib_l.htm
Scroll down to item #LEI-085 or #LEI-108, either instruction manual will give you what you need, and for $30 plus shipping it's a very good deal
Best wishes,
David Silver
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David Silver
Expertise
I'm an expert on all types of antique, classic, and contemporary cameras, as well as the general history of photography. Everything from ancient box cameras to modern single-lens-reflex; from simple Kodaks to sophisticated Leica and Nikon; from glass plates and roll film to movie and 35mm. I can identify and appraise them, explain how they work, and offer insights on their restoration and care. I can also provide historical background on vintage cameras and equipment, and guidelines on their purchase and sale.
Experience
I've been a professional photographer and a student of the history of photography for nearly 30 years. During that time my collection of vintage cameras and photographic paraphernalia has grown beyond 2000 significant pieces. I've published nearly 70 articles in the field, including 16 in the popular "Buying Classic Cameras" series for PHOTO SHOPPER MAGAZINE from 1995 to 1997, I'm currently a contributing editor for CAMERA SHOPPER MAGAZINE and McKEOWN'S PRICE GUIDE TO ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC CAMERAS, and I've written numerous entries for WORLD BOOK ENCYCLOPEDIA. Portions of my collection have been displayed in museums and special exhibits in the past two decades, and many of the items were photographed as illustrations for books. In 1985 I founded the International Photographic Historical Organization (InPHO), which eventually evolved into its intended purpose as the best first resource for information on the history of photography. I'm also a founding member of several e-mail forums dedicated to specialized areas of photography, and I'm the moderator of the Internet Directory of Camera Collectors (IDCC), which remains the largest and most successful such group in the world. For more information about the International Photographic Historical Organization and its many services, please visit its web pages at:
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