Cameras/Leica DRP Ernst Leitz Wetzlar No:390153 K
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Question
I found a Leica DRP Ernst Leitz Wetzlar No:390153 K camera in it's leather case that belonged to my dad. He was in the Army for many years, served in Germany and Japan, and fought in WWII. The lens states "Leitz Elmar f=3,5cm 1:3,5" and surrounding the view lens is "555523". Any info that you could provide such as age, value, etc. would be greatly appreciated.
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Hello Deborah,
We needed to take an extra day until I could answer your question because the AllExperts system didn't process your image file correctly, and it was important that I be able to see it. The picture finally popped in today (ah, the wonders of the internet!), so here I am...
You have a Leica IIIc, a traditional 35mm coupled rangefinder camera, made by Leitz of Germany around 1944. This is a very common model, with over 133,000 sold from 1940 to 1950, but you have the "k" version that represents a small percentage of the IIIc production run, and is therefore much less common and much more valuable. The "k" version of the Leica IIIc was only offered during the war years, it was fitted with a modified ball bearing shutter mechanism that was more resistant to freezing temperatures, and it was finished in chrome, black, or a sort of blue gray. The intent was that these were primarily meant for military service, but the majority were released to the civilian market over time. The Leica IIIc is usually a very tough item to sell today in this "digital happy" economy, and excellent working examples (complete with a proper matching Leitz lens like that Elmar) tend to go for about $300. In the case of a "k" version, however, the value triples and it's not uncommon for really fine gray or black examples to reach $1000. If you're planning on using it, I really don't recommend it because you're looking at an archaic methodology that will be more frustrating than rewarding. Besides, the odds are that the camera requires some sort of internal repair or adjustment after all these years to function properly. They always do. On the other hand, if you wish to sell it, forward this message to me at <silver@photographyhistory.com>, include a couple more small JPEG digital images (please remove the case) so I can determine the camera's external condition, and I'll get back to you with a much more precise evaluation and some recommendations on how to market it with the least amount of stress. You have a nice little treasure there, I want to make sure you are well compensated for it, and that it goes to a proper historian or collector who will properly preserve it. I look forward to hearing from you!
Best wishes,
David Silver - President
international Photographic Historical Organization
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| Comment | I must say that although this was our first time utilizing the AllExperts website, we are very impressed with the thoroughness, knowledge and detail provided by your Expert, Mr. David Silver. We were able to confidently offer, negotiate, and sell our dad's camera for a great price! We will recommend your website to all our family and friends. Mr. Silver, thank you so much!! You deserve an A+++. | ||
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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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