Cameras/old cameras
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Question
i have 2 old cameras that were my faters and would like some imformation on them if you could,the first is a leica, modle G i think, serial number is 221751,the second camera is a ZEISS IKON,super ikontathey both are in good working order,and am curious to know what they are, and what they are worth, Thank you,Todd stewart, tstewart1@stny.rr.com
Hi Todd,
According to the serial number, you have a Leica IIIa (in the USA called the Leica Model G), a high quality 35mm coupled rangefinder camera, made in 1936 by Leitz of Germany. This is the most common camera made by Leitz prior to World War II. A truly excellent example, with a good clean Elmar or Summar 5cm lens, can sell for $300 to $350 in the collectible camera market today.
I cannot help with the Super Ikonta because I need to know the exact model. Zeiss Ikon of Germany made MANY different variations of this camera over a 30 year span! You need to look at the camera more closely and see if you can locate the catalog number. This will be a simple three digit number (like 515, or 524, or something similar) or more likely an odd looking fraction (like 521/12, or 537/8, or something similar). This number will tell me the exact model and years of production. Do not bother with the serial number (will start with a letter) because Zeiss Ikon used these at random for many different models. I need that catalog number, and then I can tell you more about your Super Ikonta!
Best wishes,
David Silver
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David 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:
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