Expert: David Silver - 4/24/2006

Question
received an old leica from my father. It says Leica D.R.P. on it and the serial number is No. 531698.
Lens says Ernst Leitz Wetzler and the serial number is 788890.
Would need some work and would like to know value.
No case no manual.
Any information would be appreciated.

Answer
Hello Manny,

From the serial number you provided, you have a Leica IIIf ("black dial" variation) 35mm coupled rangefinder camera made by Leitz of Germany in 1950.  They made over 180,000 of the IIIf (71,000 of those were the "black dial" model) between 1950 and 1957, so it's a relatively common item.

The dial color has to do with the shutter.  On early examples, with an earlier shutter mechanism design that originated before the war, the little numbers around the flash synchronization dial are black.  When they improved the shutter in 1952, they decided to distinguish cameras with the newer design from the older ones by making the flash numbers red.  In general, the "red dial" models are much more desirable because the shutters are so much better.

Assuming the lens on the camera is a proper normal unit with a 5cm focal length, you most likely have a Summitar (since you could read the serial number on it) or possibly an Elmar (in which case you either have extremely good close vision, or you used a magnifying glass...the serial number is darn near microscopic on this lens!).  The number dates it to 1950 as well, so it's a perfect match for the camera.

Condition is vital to the pricing of Leica cameras.  For a Leica IIIf "black dial" in truly excellent condition with appropriate matching Leitz 5cm lens, you would expect a fair market value of $400-$450.  A truly mint example can be 20% to 40% more.  However, the value drops quickly for a IIIf in less than excellent shape, and the collectible camera market is full of available examples selling in the $250 range.

Please feel free to contact me again if you have any other questions.

Best wishes,

David Silver