Expert: David Silver - 7/20/2006

Question
HI David, I'd like to get an idea of value of camera equipment please.
1. Leica D.R.P. Ernst Leitz Wetzlar No. 484128
2. Wetzlar lens, Summitar f-5cm 1:2 No. 705236
3. Ernst Leitz GmbH Wetzlar lens, Elmar f=9cm 1:4 Nr. 1249350
4. Olympus Zuiko lens, C. 1:2.8 f=4cm No. 60666
5. telescopic view finder that fits on hotshoe, TEWE (Germany)
6.Olympus OIC 4cm view finder that fits on hot shoe.
7. Stitz M-40 CDS light meter made in Japan
Thanks for your assistance. Regards, Robert

Answer

Hi Robert,

1. Leica camera No. 484128 - From the serial number I know you have a late model Leica IIIc made by Leitz of Germany in 1949.  This is a model that was actually introduced well before World War II, it is very common (a total of over 130,000 were made from 1940 to 1951), and unfortunately the ones made after the war were of inferior quality due to lack of resources.  Just about 1951 Leitz was returning to their former glory, but most of their energy was put into development of their first new post-war model, the more advanced IIIf that was introduced about that time.  A truly excellent post-war IIIc with a nice Leitz Elmar 5cm lens would sell in the $325 range today.  With a less desirable lens like the Summitar, probably closer to $300.

2. Leitz Summitar 5cm f2 lens No. 705236 - This is the correct matching 1949 vintage lens for the camera above, and its value is already factored into the camera price.

3. Leitz Elmar 9cm f4 lens Nr. 1249350 - This is the most common non-normal (ie. not a 5cm) lens they made, over 175,000 sold from 1931 to 1968 (yours dates from 1955), and truly excellent examples rarely go for much more than $75.  It was a pretty cheap lens even in its day, and zillions of them are still floating around.

4. Olympus Zuiko lens, C. 1:2.8 f=4cm No. 60666 - I need to know what this fits!  It was made for a LOT of different cameras, and values are all over the map.  Does it fit on the Leica IIIc?

5. TEWE multifocal viewfinder - a common universal accessory from the 1950's and 1960's.  Nice examples run about $30-$40.

6.Olympus OIC 4cm view finder that fits on hot shoe - this is a NECESSARY accessory with the Olympus 4cm lens, and its valued will be factored in there when I know what camera the lens fits.

7. Stitz M-40 CDS light meter made in Japan - Basically worthless.

Okay, we need to know what the Olympus lens fits before I can date and appraise it, so you'll need to get back to me on that.  In general, this stuff is somewhat collectible, but difficult to sell.  If you'd like some recommendations for a few honest collectors you can contact, please feel free to e-mail me directly at <silver@well.com> and I'll get right back to you.  In fact, if you feel the necessity to send any pictures, to verify condition or make further identifications, go ahead, but please keep them small and only in JPEG format.

Best wishes,

David Silver