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. I have my step-father's Leica (serial number above). I was wondering if you
knew of a place where I could find the manual or information on how to use it?
Along with the serial number it says Ernst Leitz GMBH and Wetzlar Germany.
Thank you. - Taela
Answer
Hello,
The Leica M3 is a very high quality 35mm coupled rangefinder camera made by Leitz of Germany from 1954 to 1966. Over 225,000 were sold, so it remains a fairly common model, but it retains high resale value due to its superb design and outstanding reputation as a classic in the evolution of cameras. Your example is a "single stroke" version made in 1959. If in truly excellent condition, complete with an appropriate Leitz 5cm lens (such as an Elmar or Summicron), you're looking at about $800 in the current vintage camera market. Yes, you definitely want to find an instruction manual for this beauty, or you may damage it if used improperly. You can find one for sale on this web page:
