Expert: David Silver - 1/19/2011

Question
I have an early model Leica, with a focal-plane shutter.  Everything is in working condition from what I can tell, and I have the original case (which is not in such great condition).  Is it possible I could get a valuation of this?

Leica #228750, Ernst Leitz / Wetzlar

Summitar 5cm/f2

Leitz Elmar 3.5cm/f3.5

Also, on the case, the lens-cover's stitching has come undone.  Would it be better to treat the leather and re-stitch it, or to leave it as-is?

Thank you in advance,
Patrick

Answer
  


Hello,

Serial number 228750 is most likely a Leica IIIa (also marketed as the Leica Model G), a traditional 35mm coupled rangefinder camera, made by Leitz of Germany in 1936.  It's a fairly common model, with over 91,000 produced from 1935 to 1939, and it seems like the majority have survived.  Value depends heavily on condition and originality.  In general, a truly excellent example of a Leica IIIa, complete with a proper matching Leitz 5cm normal lens (such as that Summar), should sell for around $300 today.  Now the reason why I identified it as "most likely" a Leica IIIa is that these were often returned to the factory for extensive upgrades to later models (it was significantly cheaper to do than buying an entirely new camera), and are then properly categorized as the newer model, so the originality and true model identity of this camera remains to be seen.  Among the pre-war Leica models, the IIIa is my favorite, for its compact size and full features, and I actually use one on occasion, but usually with a more modern lens.  The Elmar 3.5cm f/3.5 is a very popular wide-angle lens that Leitz made for their Leica cameras from 1932 to 1949.  Although common, it remains a treasured usable as well as collectible early Leitz lens, and excellent examples can sell for upwards of $150.  As for the case, leave it alone.  If you have any more questions about the camera, or need help with selling, feel free to forward this message, along with a couple of small (emphasis on small!) pictures, directly to me at the e-mail address below...

Best wishes,

David F. Silver - President
International Photographic Historical Organization

silver@photographyhistory.com