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 I am looking to find a value on my Dad's Leica camera.
I know he bought it around 1950-1952.
I have the origional reciept but there is no date on it, but there is a date of 1952 on a reciept for a binoc lens.
He purchased them in Garmisch.
Nr 599511 is the number on top above the slot for the flash.
Leica D.R.P.
Has all the origional paperwork and it says-
The Synchronized Leica.
Origional leather case.
Also comes with a red box containing all flash componants and synchronizer cable.
I can send pics.
Thanks for any help.
Wendy
Answer
Hello Wendy,
From that serial number, you have a Leica IIIf, a traditional 35mm coupled rangefinder camera, made by Leitz of Germany around 1952. This was a very popular model, and they sold over 184,000 of them from 1950 to 1957. With sales numbers like that, you can imagine it remains quite common. However, a truly excellent example with an appropriate matching Leitz 5cm normal lens (such as an Elmar or Summitar) should still sell in the $300-$350 range. They're great cameras, even by modern standards, and there are many collectors who regularly shoot with them as well as preserve them.
