Cameras/Vintage Leica Camera
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Question
We have a Leica camera that was my husband's grandfather's and were
wondering what it is worth. It has Leica D.R.P, Ernst Leitz Wetzlar, Germany
on the top and Nr. 598567. The lens has Summitar f=5 cm 1:2 Nr.914696,
Ernst Leitz Wetzlar on it. It has a brown case that has a small case on the
strap that says Polaroid. It opens and there is what I assume is some sort of
meter in it. We also have an exposure meter that is also in a brown case
which opens on both sides. It has Weston Elec Inst Corp, Model 735 on one
side. On the other side it says Weston Master II Universal Exposure Meter.
Hello Amy,
You have a Leica IIIf, a traditional 35mm coupled rangefinder camera, made by Leitz of Germany around 1951. It's a high quality camera, but very common, with over 180,000 sold from 1950 to 1957. A truly excellent example, with an appropriate matching Leitz normal lens (the Summitar is perfect) and case, can sell in the $300-$350 range in today's collectible camera market. (The two meters are extremely common and basically worthless, and represent no extra value to the camera.) This is a difficult item to sell these days, since so many have survived, so condition is vital. In excellent or better shape, they basically sell themselves on eBay, but less than excellent and the price drops considerably.
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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