1934 Leica III? Need help identifying and estimating value

<p>I have what I believe to be a 1934 Leica camera based on the serial No. 144133<br>

It was my great uncle's camera and includes an Ernst Leitz Wetzlar lens No. 219906<br>

It also has its original leather case, although the lens portion of the case has come unstitched and, while I still have it, it is no longer attached to the rest of the case.<br>

I would like to sell this and need help in determining its value. Thanks for any information anyone is able to provide me.</p><div></div>

<p>Jennifer,<br>

<br />I have a similar camera from 1935, but with different lenses. Most Leicas of this age are in need of a CLA (cleaning, lubricating and adjusting). In many cases, that will approach the value of the camera itself, so the market for one in unknown condition is not too great.<br>

This link will take you to a website that has a similar camera listed, but nothing comparable to the Summar lens.<br>

http://www.collectiblecameras.com/home.php?cat=410<br>

<br />Wish I could be of more help.</p>

<p>You might try the completed auctions on Ebay and see if you can find your camera there, look up the listing and see what condition it was in as determined by the seller.</p>

This camera belonged to your grandfather and owes you nothing, nor would it cost you any money to keep it and pass it

on to your child or grandchild. Unless you are desperate for cash, why would you sell it? I wouldn't. But then I'm just a

sentimental,guy.

<p>The serial number does make it a III from 1934; and the Summar lens is probably contemporaneous. Neither is by any means rare. The camera body is clean externally, but nothing can be said about its functioning. Nor can it be said if the lens is clean inside or full of haze or fungus.</p>

<p>It's a Russian fake. Probably a Zorki. This is what I am going to say everytime one of these threads comes along. ;-)</p>

<p>Jim, you are wrong; and I see no valid reason for this fooling about.</p>

It is a Leica III with a 5cm f2 Summar lens. If the lens is on good condition, without scratches- is worth $300~$400. I sold one like this for $375. If it needs a cleaning, damaged glass- closer to $175. The camera- probably needs a CLA, Youxin Ye charges about $130 for this work. In good condition cosmetically, "as-Is" condition functionally, the body is worth $100~$150.

<p>Mukul, I was teasing. Pardon if this was not obvious.</p>

<p>It was obvious to me, Jim, and it will be obvious to other old members. What of the person who needs help, who posted the question thinking that she would get that help here?</p>

<p>Great point!</p>

<p>Thank you all for your assistance. I appreciate the prompt responses and having perused other similar questions, I understood that Jim was joking. </p>

 

Russian Leica III copies do exist, and are rare and valuable. There is also a Russian copy of the Summar- also rare, and worth as much as the original. It would not be engraved "Summar". Yours is all-Leica.

 

Just to verify: the top shutter speed of the Leica III is 500, the Leica IIIa is 1000.