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: 4/18/2007 Subject: Pre-war Leica
Question I have an older Leica S/N 252028. What model is it? When was it manufactured? What is it's value? It has a Leitz Elmar 35mm lens screw mounted attached.
Answer
Hello,
From the serial number, you have a Leica II, a 35mm coupled rangefinder camera, made by Leitz of Germany in 1937. This is a fairly common model, over 50,000 were sold from 1932 to 1940, and many have survived to today. It is historically significant as the first camera with an integral coupled rangefinder to aid focusing offered by Leitz, and influenced the entire 35mm camera market. It came in satin chrome finish or black enamel finish. Truly excellent examples of the former (with an appropriate normal lens like the Elmar) sell for about $300-$350 in the current collectible camera market, while the latter can go as high as $500.
