AboutDavid 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:
Expert: David Silver Date: 8/3/2007 Subject: Leica camera & accessories
Question I got a leather camera bag with a camera & various accessories from my uncle. The top of the camera says: Leica DBP Ernst Leitz GMBH Wetzlar Germany - Nr. 814078. The lens on the camera says: Ernst Leitz GmbH. Wetzlar Summicron f=5cm 1:2 Nr. 993017. I addition to this there are 2 other lenses: one is a Leica, Elmar f=9cm 1:4 no. 165866 and the second is a Canon, Serenar 1:4 f=13.5 no. 33957. Can you tell me what these are worth?
Answer
Hi,
That would be a Leica IIIf, a standard 35mm coupled rangefinder camera, made by Leitz of Germany around 1955. It's a VERY common model, with well over 180,000 sold in the 1950's. With a proper matching 5cm normal leitz lens (the Summicron is correct), if in truly excellent condition, you're looking at around $350-$400. The 9cm f4 Elmar is the single most common short telephoto lens that Leitz offered, and truly excellent examples rarely bring more than $100. The Canon 13.5cm f4 is a knock-off telephoto lens from Japan designed to fit Leica cameras, and that brings around $50. So the whole outfit is roughly $500-$550. Hard stuff to sell these days. If you need some recommendations on how best to sell it for the maximum return (please don't waste your time on eBay!), just let me know.
