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Cameras/Regarding Leica camera model

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Expert: - 6/8/2010


Question
Hiya,

I have a question regarding a leica camera I acquired a few years ago. The model number is 300100 and the lens says Summar F=5cm1:2 No 424642, I was just wondering if you could identify the model of my camera? I found some information on the internet; however, I couldn't find out what it was worth and its history.  Many thanks,

- Daniel

Answer


(Hello Daniel, it's now June 20th, and this is a follow-up on the previous question and answer.  I haven't heard back from you since our first exchange, and I wanted to reinforce how important it is that you drop me a line at <silver@photographyhistory.com> so we can properly evaluate your camera. There remains that possibility you're sitting on a valuable piece of Leica history, and if so I want to make sure you realize the maximum profit from it, as well as see it gets into the hands of an appropriate collector or historian who will properly preserve it.  I'm still looking forward to hearing from you!  Best wishes, David Silver.)


Hello Daniel,

Thanks for stopping by!  That serial number is right on the cusp of two similar Leica models from 1938, and could be either a regular version Leica III (Model F) or the 250 exposure capacity version of the Leica III (Model FF), so I really need to see it to be certain.  Please send a couple of small JPEG images directly to me at <silver@photographyhistory.com> and I'll take a look at it for you.  If your intention is to sell, and if it's the Model FF, it could be worth several thousand dollars, and I can help you find an appropriate collector or historian willing to pay full value.  I look forward to hearing from you!

Best wishes,

David Silver - President
International Photographic Historical Organization

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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:

http://www.photographyhistory.com


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