Cameras/Leica Ernst Leitz Wetzlar
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Question
Hey David,
)
I am cleaning out my grandfather's house and I found a Leica Ernst Leitz Wetzler Camera Nr. 558559
It looks to be in very good condition. A few age spots on the metal in the back. Lens is not scratched. It has a Tiffen Series 6 Adapter for Summitar F:2.
The leather case is rather beat up.
I was wondering what you think a camera like this is worth? And, do you think the best place to sell it is on eBay?
Thanks for your expert advice.
Hello,
You have a Leica IIIf, a traditional 35mm coupled rangefinder camera, made by Leitz of Germany in 1951. This is specifically the so-called "black dial" version with the earlier shutter mechanism. The Leica IIIf is an extremely common model, with over 180,000 units produced from 1950 to 1957, and it seems like the majority have survived, but it remains fairly popular as a classic usable as well as collectible camera. A truly excellent working example, complete with an appropriate matching Leitz 5cm normal lens (such as that Summitar) should sell for around $300-$325 today, but remember, as a "mundane" seller (somebody not in the camera trade) your reasonable expectation is actually about two-thirds of that. I don't think eBay is the best option, but without immediate access to a qualified experienced broker like me who could maximize the value for you, I'm not sure what else you could do. My suggestion is that you try a free local Craigslist internet ad for about two weeks first. Be bold, ask $400 and see what sort of counter offers you get! If no legitimate buyers emerge after two weeks, then you'll have to go on eBay, where there's a strong possibility your eventual buyer will be in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, or Japan. That's where all the more common Leica gear seems to be going these days...
Best wishes,
David F. Silver - President
International Photographic Historical Organization
silver@photographyhistory.com
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Wonderful reply David. Thanks so much. | ||
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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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