Expert: David Silver - 7/5/2006

Question
Hi David,

I have a Leicaflex camera that belonged to my late grandfather. I have no need for a camera of this type, and we would like to try to sell it on Ebay, but I know nothing about this type of camera, if you could help me we would appreciate it.

Liecaflex  # 1166254 (on the bottom of camera)with leather case. The back film cover door is very hard to open. When I look thru the view finder I don't see anything. I dont know if that if normal for this type of camera.

Leitz Wetzlar lens 2169613 Elmarit-R 1: 2.8/35 (no lens cap) when I look thru the lens I don't any image. I do see what looks like it may be dust.
Am I wasting my time by putting this on Ebay?

Thank you, Kathy Rooks  

Answer
Hello,

You have the original model Leicaflex single-lens-reflex camera that was made by Leitz of Germany from 1964 to 1968.  It's fairly common, and truly excellent examples with a proper 50mm lens tend to sell for only around $250 today.  I'm not sure from your description whether you have the 50mm lens on the camera and the 35mm lens is an extra, or you have the 35mm lens only.  The 35mm lens is very nice, but also quite common, and sells for around $150 by itself.  If this is the only lens you have, the camera with lens is still only about $275 together.

The camera is mechanical, it does not need a battery to function (although it is necessary to operate the exposure meter), so if you "don't see anything" when you look through the viewfinder, the shutter must be sticking in such a way that the reflex mirror is locked up.  This is an indication of a more serious problem.  As for the lens, yes, you most likely are seeing dust accumulated inside.  If the lens is that dusty, then certainly the camera as well must have been infiltrated with dust.  To properly clean, adjust, and lubricate the camera body can cost from $150 to $200 (and you'd have to ship the camera away to a qualified repair service), so that's almost as much as the camera is worth!  I'm afraid the camera with lens is therefore only worth something in the $100 range right now.

I doubt you'd find any takers on eBay.  If you'd like to contact me at my personal e-mail <silver@well.com> I could recommend a few collectors of Leitz cameras who also perform their own repairs, and they would represent your best opportunity for a stress free transaction.

Best wishes,

David Silver