AboutDavid 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:
Expert: David Silver Date: 6/26/2008 Subject: Leica
Question My husband inherited a Leica DRP, Ernst Leitz Wetzlar, No: 252857 with a Summar Lens f=5cm 1:2, No 386518. Included is the original invoice dated 2-20-1938 purchased Almer Coe & Company, Evanston, Ill. We have the original leather case but no lens cap. I have several questions. 1. Could you please tell me the value. 2. What type of film to purchase to see if it is functioning? 3. Are there any manual available to find out what each knob is for? 4. What is a safe cleaning solution for the metal case, i.e, grime around the dials. I was thinking of alcohol with a q-tip but don't want to risk removing any of the print.
Thank you in advance for any help.
Donna
Answer
Hello,
From that serial number, you have a Leica IIIa (also known as the Leica Model G), a traditional 35mm coupled rangefinder camera, manufactured by Leitz of Germany in 1937. This is a very common model, with over 91,000 sold from 1935 to 1939. It's significant as the first model they produced with a super fast shutter speed of 1/1000 second. Although common, a truly excellent example of the Leica IIIa, with an appropriate matching Leitz lens (your Summar is perfect) should sell in the $300-$350 range today. You don't have to find any sort of 'special" film to test the camera...it will accept any standard 35mm cassette available at any photo supply store. I recommend you start with a roll of basic color print film, and the people at the store can offer you many inexpensive options. Regarding cleaning, yes, a bit of alcohol on a Q-tip is not a bad idea at all for getting to those little grimey spots around the chrome. As for an instruction manual, definitely yes, you want to get one before attempting to use the camera. There's even a trick to loading the film, and if you screw it up you won't get any pictures at all! So I highly recommend you go to this web page:
Scroll down to item #LEI-114, a nicely done reprint of the reprinted 1944 instruction manual for the Leica IIIa (yes, it's a reprint of a reprint!), for only $18 plus postage. Worth every penny!
