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:
Question Hi. My father gave me his old vintage Leica camera. I'm interested in knowing it's value. It says: Leica D.R.P. Ernst Leitz Wetzlar Germany - No. 463978. The lens says: Ernst Leitz Wetzlar Summitar f=5cm 1:2 No. 722018. I have the original (worn) brown leather case & strap. A General Electric Exposure Meter Model 80W58Y4 No. 860724 with original leather case. Also an Accura 3 legged stand (black plastic & steel) with original leather case.
What do you think this is worth? Is it a common Leica model?
Answer
Hello,
The serial number tells me you have a Leica IIIc, a basic 35mm coupled rangefinder camera, made by Leitz of Germany in 1948. This is a very common model, with over 130,000 sold from 1940 to 1950. A truly excellent example, with an appropriate Leitz 5cm normal lens (like the Summitar) will sell in the $250 range. The light meter and stand are basically worthless.
