Leica camera question

DaveH

DaveH

Joined
Dec 2, 1999
Messages
12,249
I have a 1952 Leica camera, IIIF I believe, 50mm and wide angle lens, viewfinder, etc. WIll the value of this camera rise or are prices pretty much stable?
 
Hi Dave,

I have a IIIf also. I think it is the prettiest of all the Leicas. Values have tended to go up and down over the years. At the moment they are kind of low. Will they go up again? Well, with the digital revolution underway, who can say? Sorry I can't be more help.

Any other Leicaphiles on the list?

Lou
 
Leica is among the top of photo collectables - translate that to mean that collectors pay big bucks, sometimes outrageous amounts for the them. On the other hand, what determines a price is usually rareity and condition.

There are some extremely rare pieces of Leica equipment that will go for very high amonts simply because there are so few of them on the marked. Mint condition Leicas and accessories always bring a premium too.

Neither of you mentioned the condition of your equipment. In the case of the models you mentioned, condition will determine price, since they are not particularly rare. Collectors are a bit nuts about this. Having the original box and a pristine "untouched" finish can add lots to the value of a relatively inexpensive Leica. A small scratch can cost.

You might want to pick up a copy of Shutterbug Magazine and check the adds for current prices. In general if they are working and properly stored, your cameras will increase in value a bit over the years, but how much will depend on condition. And, of course, any repair or restoration should only be done by an expert.
 
One reason that Leicas are in such demand amongst collectors is that they are superbly designed and built. I'm guessing that a Leica built in 1952 is put together like a tank, and if the lenses are still in decent shape (no fungus or bad scratches) would take very nice pictures for years to come. Unless you're strapped for cash or have no use for a good camera, why not hang on to it? If you take care of it the value shouldn't go down, and once this digital craze cools down a bit (not trying to start any fights here) it may be in vogue once again.

Regards,
Bill

p.s. if you decide to hang on to it, you may want to invest a hundred bucks or so in having it cleaned, lubed, and adjusted.
 
Thanks for the replies. I'm not much of a camera person and I was just curious.
 
First of all, red dial or black dial, IIIf? Reds are worth more (the flash sync numbers are in red) Second of all, DONT clean the lens. I'm serious here. It's better to have a dirty lens than to scratch the hellishly soft coating Leitz decided to use.
 
WilliePete said:
if you decide to hang on to it, you may want to invest a hundred bucks or so in having it cleaned, lubed, and adjusted.
Click to expand...

While having it cleaned, lubed, and adjusted is a good idea, you probably won't be able to do it for a hundred bucks. The quote I got for cleaning/lubing/adjusting a IIc was around $300, with a two month wait time, as not that many repairman can work on the old Leicas.
 
rtimmerm said:
While having it cleaned, lubed, and adjusted is a good idea, you probably won't be able to do it for a hundred bucks. The quote I got for cleaning/lubing/adjusting a IIc was around $300, with a two month wait time, as not that many repairman can work on the old Leicas.
Click to expand...

Well, there ya go. Like I was saying, toss it in the trash and buy a digital. :p

Regards,
Bill
 
A IIIF has a slow speed governor that will stick up with grease after a long time. (my dad's IIIa has a jammed up slow governor) Also, if you do break something, parts are hard to comeby
 
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