Cameras/Information on a older Leica Camera
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Question
My father left me a Leica DRP Ernst Leitz camera. NR614374.
Lens is a summitar f=5cm Nr912389. Can you tell me anything about this camera.
Thanks
Dave
Hello,
From the serial number, I know you have a Leica IIf, a basic 35mm coupled rangefinder camera, made by Leitz of Germany in 1953. They didn't make that many of these, about 12,000 from 1951 to 1956, but they are regarded as problematic cameras of relatively low interest among collectors. The IIf was the "poor man's" version of the classic IIIf. The price was reduced by removing the slow speed mechanism, and by reducing the highest speed to only 1/500. On the other hand, the IIIf had a separate slow speed dial that allowed exposures down to a full second, and the top speed was 1/1000. As such, the IIf was always regarded as, well, limited. Your Summitar lens is actually a few years older than the body, so perhaps your father had an earlier Leica camera and wanted to save money by carrying along the same lens when he upgraded to a new model. Otherwise he would have purchased a newer Elmar or Summicron lens to better match the camera. Assuming truly excellent overall condition, you're looking at about $300 today. It's a very difficult camera to sell, so if that is your intention, let me know at <silver@well.com> and I can recommend some collectors you can approach directly.
Best wishes,
David Silver
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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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