Cameras/Leica Camera
Advertisement
Question
Hi!
I've got a very nice Leica Camera. It's marked E. Leitz Wetzlar, Germany, Nr. 682681.
Could you please tell me more about the camera and what it's worth?
I Also have an objective (lens?) in original package marked Hektor f=13,5cm 1:4,5 Nr. 1506040.
Thank you very much!
Best regards
David
Hello,
You have a rather odd model of camera. It is a Leica If, made by Leitz of Germany in 1955 (according to that serial number), and it's actually not even any sort of traditional camera at all. As you can see for yourself, it doesn't have a viewfinder. It's not meant to be used for regular picture taking. It's specifically designed to attach to telescopes, microscopes, and other scientific apparatus. I'm afraid it doesn't carry all that much collectible interest, although it certainly carries more monetary value than a LOT of other cameras from that time. A truly excellent example should sell in the $250 range today. These are VERY tough to sell because few collectors want them and users don't care at all. So if you need help, don't hesitate to send an e-mail to my personal address <silver@well.com> and I can recommend a number of honest people you can contact directly. Otherwise you're going to have a heck of a time!
The Hektor 13.5cm f4.5 telephoto lens is the second most numerous ever made by Leitz. Your example (according to the serial number) was made in 1955, and over 105,000 were produced from World War II to 1960. Due to the fact that it is so common, and it was offered as an economical lens in the first place, a truly excellent example would only sell for around $75 today. By the way, if you haven't already noticed, this lens will not fit on your Leica camera. It's for a later model.
Best wishes,
David Silver
Related Articles
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:
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.