Expert: David Silver - 4/18/2011

Question
I have a 35mm aircraft camera with 3 50 foot film cartridges may be full of pictures im not sure and has rcaf numbers. IT was overhauled by ernst leitz in 1961 and the numbers I see are14a/2590 or des-917-a  I also have a R.C.A.F ref. Number 41-A-2590.  Do you have any idea what it is and a value.  Thanks  also the film containers have the number 50 on the viewer so i dont know if they are used or new

Answer

Hello Rusty,

There were many different models of Leica cameras requisitioned by the military branches of countries all over the world after World War II.  Actually, by far the most valuable examples are those made prior to and during the war for the German military, but the post-war examples acquired by other countries can bring high prices as well.  Leica cameras in the Canadian military services are represented by three broad categories.  There were pre-war standard Leica models, such as the Leica IIIb and IIIc, that were liberated by the British military at the conclusion of the war and turned over to the Canadian services.  There were post-war standard Leica models that were requisitioned directly from the re-opened Leitz factory by the Canadian military.  And there were special purpose Leica cameras that were primarily requisitioned by the RCAF.  I suspect you have one of the latter special purpose cameras if I understand your description, but to properly identify and evaluate your camera I really need to see it.  The military numbers and codes honestly don't help, there is a wide range of possibilities, and a corresponding wide range of values.  So please forward this message, along with a couple small digital images of the camera, directly to me at the e-mail address below, and I'll give you a proper appraisal.  Once we know exactly what you have and what you can expect to get for it, I can give you some recommendations for selling it, or I can even broker a sale for you personally.  I look forward to hearing from you!

Best wishes,

David F. Silver - President
International Photographic Historical Organization

silver@photographyhistory.com

(415) 681-4356