Cameras/LEICA D,R,P. Nr. 622265
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Question
Dear Mr.Silver, I browse in the www.allexperts.com and when I read some of your expert answers I am quite sure you may be able to give me some idea what Leica camera I have: On the top reads: Leica D.B.R. Nr.622265 Ernest Leitz Wetzlar Germany On the objective reads: Canon Camera Co. Nr. 61872 SERENAR f 3.5 35 mm. Please can you eMail me years (it looks like from 50's) that camera was produced? Canon Camera Co. - it is the well known Japanese corporation which was involved with some business with Leica ? Thank you in advance for your answer. Peter Soukup
Hello Peter,
That would be a Leica IIIf, a 35mm coupled rangefinder camera, made by Leitz of Germany in 1952. This is a relatively common model, about 180,000 were made from 1950 to 1956, but generally high quality. When found in truly excellent condition, usually with a Leitz Elmar or Summitar 5cm lens, they sell for around $350. Canon had absolutely no relationship with Leitz. However, Canon (and a number of other companies) made cameras that were in effect "Leica clones" that used the exact same lens mount as Leitz. Therefore, a 1950's Canon lens, like your Serenar 35mm f3.5 wide-angle, will work quite nicely on a Leica. As you might assume, Leitz lenses will work quite nicely on Canon cameras as well. Your Canon lens is worth just about the same as the previously mentioned Elmar or Summitar lenses, so the total value of your camera and lens is still around $350 today if it's all in excellent shape. That's actually a really nice combination you have there, very practical and functional (I prefer to do most of my own shooting with a basic wide-angle lens), and I'd hazard to say you could produce striking images with it.
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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