Cameras/Leica DRP Serial # 691xxx
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Question
Summicron 5 cm F 2 lens. in Leather case. This camera looks about unused. How old it it? What is current fair market. I understand that I really can only ask about 50% or so.
Hello Bob,
Serial number 691xxx should be a Leica IIIf, a traditional 35mm coupled rangefinder camera, made by Leitz of Germany in 1954. Very common. Over 180,000 were sold from 1950 to 1957. A truly excellent example with an appropriate Leitz 5cm normal lens (like that Summicron) should sell for around $350-$375. You're correct, if you tried to sell it on your own, it would be reasonable to expect a return of around 50% to 60% of market value. But you're not on your own. Forward this message to me at the e-mail address below, attach a couple small pictures of the camera so I can assess its condition for myself, and I'll either connect you with some good honest collectors who would pay a fair price or I'll handle a sale for you personally. Maximizing your return is just a matter of representation, presentation, and reputation, all things that are acquired with experience and years of commitment. After 30+ years in this field, I've learned and earned my share, and I'm happy to help. That's just one of the reasons why I'm here...
Best wishes,
David F. Silver - President
International Photographic Historical Organization
silver@photographyhistory.com
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| Comment | Just what I hopefully expected. Thanks. | ||
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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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