Cameras/Leica 1
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Question
Dear David - forgive me if my approach through this unknown forum is inappropriate. I've no idea about where I am on the net, only that your name has come up and you may be able to help. I apologise if this isn't the case.
I have what I deduce to be a Leica 1 in excellent and fully working condition, in hard leather case which seems to have protected it very well. My Stepfather bought it many years ago from a friend who wanted to get an M3 I think. I'm struggling to read the serial No. but think it's 42831. Lens is 50mm Elmar 3.5. It aseems to work absolutely perfectly.
Question; what should I do with it? My stepfather just gave it to me, but if it's worth a lot then I wouldn't be happy just taking it from him. On the other hand I am a photographer still persevering with Olmpus OM (now fabulously cheap for zuiko's) 35mm equipment along with a Nilon digital, and would enjoy use the Leica. Any suggestions as to value? I could send you some pictures of it if that helped.
Thanks for any time you may be able to spend on this,
Jim.
Hello Jim,
The serial number clearly indicates this is a Leica I made by Leitz of Germany in 1930, but there are three subtle variations of this camera from that period, and values vary. I really do need to see it. Please, feel free to send a couple small JPEG images to me at <silver@well.com> and I'll look at it for you.
Best wishes,
David Silver
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Don't know much about the system here, but David's certainly responded quickly and helpfully and it's just great! 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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