Cameras/Leica camera's - M4, M3, M2
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Question
I recently acquired 3 Leica cameras a DBP M2, DBP M3, And a DBP M4 all German made
I know nothing about these cameras only that they are quite valuable. I assume they are in working condition as they belonged to a relative who took very good care of them. Who would I contact to sell them. Can you give me an idea of their worth.
Hello Donna,
Depending on exactly what variants you have and the lenses on them, yes, they might be quite valuable. You need to first understand that none of them are uncommon. Over 59,000 M4's were made, over 84,000 M2's, and a whopping 225,000 M3's. However, for each model there is a range of values for the specific year and style, plus additional consideration for the lenses. Even the most numerous common variants have value far in excess of similar 35mm cameras from the same period, but what you hope to have is one of the more scarce and desirable variants that were supplied in much smaller numbers for short periods of time. Before we discuss the best way to sell the cameras, we need to evaluate their value and condition. E-mail some small pics of the cameras to me at the address provided below, just general views showing the overall appearance of the cameras and whatever extra lenses are included, I *do not* need extreme close-ups or details or multi-megapixel high resolution images, all that's needed are small quick pic JPEG's, but be sure to remove any caps or cases so I can see the entire camera bodies and the fronts of the lenses. I'll take a look and get right back to you with a primary working evaluation. After that I'll be able to recommend the best course of action to maximize the value. That may mean either referring you to several appropriate collectors or historians you can contact on your own to solicit offers, or I can broker the sales for you myself, or perhaps you could take advantage of the organization's upcoming vintage Leica (and Zeiss Ikon, Voigtlander, and more classic German lines) auction in a few weeks. I'll make this all as easy and stress-free as possible, and it all starts with a simple e-mail and a bunch of pics. I'm here to help, and I look forward to hearing from you!
Best wishes,
David F. Silver - President
International Photographic Historical Organization
silver@photographyhistory.com
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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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