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Cameras/Leica Camera value

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Expert: - 8/12/2005


Question
 I have a Leica camera that was owned by my mother.  It has lots of assessories and branded camera bag etc.  Its in great shape... no scratches or problems.  It has several lenses and a portrait lense.  The numbers on the top of the camera ar m3-786462.  Leica (dbp).  Any idea of the value of this camera?  It also has a pair of light-meters etc.  I can attach a picture of it if necessary.

Answer
Hello Charles,

That would be a Leica M3, a very high quality 35mm rangefinder camera made by Leitz of Germany in (according to the serial number) 1955.  This is the earliest version of the M3, the "double stroke" version, and is the least desirable for users, but it still maintains value for collectors.  A truly excellent example would go for about $500.  But that's just a start!  With Leica equipment, every extra lens and accessory has the potential to bring surprising further value!  Rather than glut the AllExperts system with messages back and forth, please feel free to contact me directly at silver@well.com with more information about the rest of the outfit.  Simply make a list of whatever identifying names and numbers you find on the front end of the other lenses, and perhaps some idea of any other accessories with the camera, and e-mail it to me.  If necessary, I may ask for a few small JPEG images to identify pieces for myself.  Once we have a better idea of the entirety of the outfit, I can suggest many appropriate and profitable venues for you to pursue.  I look forward to hearing from you!

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:

http://www.photographyhistory.com


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