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:
Expert: David Silver Date: 9/1/2005 Subject: Leica Camera
Question I have a Leica IIIc camera with an Elmar 50mm F:3.5 lens I am trying to evaluate. What date were these two items made? The camera serial number is 393928 and the lens number is 597215
Thank you
Answer Hello,
The Leica IIIc was introduced by Leitz of Germany in 1940, and over 130,000 of them were made through 1951. It is easily one of the most common Leica cameras. The serial number on yours suggests it came off the assembly line in 1945, making it part of a batch that was the very last of the pre-war versions. After World War II the Leica IIIc was slightly modified, and it often suffered from poor quality chrome due to lack of resources in Germany. The pre-war Leica IIIc is looked upon as a better version, and is more desirable to camera collectors.
The Elmar 50mm f3.5 lens is the single most common normal focal length lens Leitz produced. It was introduced in 1925, and nearly 380,000 were made through 1961. The serial number on yours dates it to 1945, so it is the proper match for the camera.
A pre-war Leica IIIc in truly excellent overall condition with an equally fine Elmar lens would sell in the $350 to $400 range today. If the camera and lens have proper German military markings (indicating they were requisitioned by the military for the war, most usually by the Luftwaffe), the price easily doubles. If the shutter curtains of the camera (screw off the lens and look inside, and make sure you cock and fire it so you see both curtains) is marked with a "K" or are red in color rather than black (indicating the camera was specially adapted to the military's specifications for cold weather work), the price easily doubles. If you have military markings AND the adapted shutter (they most often go together), the price easily triples. However, condition is the first priority. The Leica IIIc is an exceedingly common model and price drops dramatically with condition.
If you are looking for a way to sell the camera, let me know and I will recommend some honest collectors who would make you fair offers. Avoid eBay because that is where too many examples of the Leica IIIc go to die. You'll do MUCH better with a direct sale.
