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: 6/21/2006 Subject: leica IIIc
Question Thanks for your response. I think it is a post war camera. Serial # is 416926 and the lens is a Sunnitar 5cm f/2 #900162. It also has 30 in red on the shutter speed dials.
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Followup To
Question -
Hi! I saw your comment about not selling a Leica on ebay. I have a IIIc in nearly mint condition with it's case. The leather strap broke from the leather being dried out. I would like to sell it, but I'm wary of ebay after reading your comment. The camera needs a good home.
Answer -
Hello Greg,
Yes, eBay auctions can get scary, plus there's no guarantees for success. Not a good place to be dangling your Leica!
We need to determine exactly what version of the IIIc you have before we can set a value. There are pre-war versions, unusual (and some quite rare) military versions made during World War II, and then the post-war version. If you provide the serial number from the top of the camera I can date it and figure out the version. It would also help to know what lens is on the camera. After that I will probably be able to recommend some buyers you can contact directly for a stress free transaction.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Best wishes,
David Silver
Answer Hello Greg,
Yes, the serial number dates this IIIc to 1946, a post-war model, and that's the least desirable of the breed. They had inferior chrome that tended to "bubble" and flake, sometimes sloppy gearing, and were generally among the worst cameras Leitz ever made. It took the factory about five years until they were able to get high quality materials again, at which point they offered a completely new model (the IIIf), but the immediate post-war cameras were a sad lot. Also the Summitar's serial number dates it to 1951, so you have a mismatch there. For a truly excellent example of the post-war IIIc with a mismatched Summitar lens, I'd say you're looking at around $300. If you'd like some recommendations for selling the camera, please feel free to contact me directly at <silver@well.com> and I'll get right back to you. You can also send me small (emphasis on small!) JPEG pictures if you feel the need to verify anything.
