Info on leica camera?

I'm trying to find info on my camera which I inherited from a family member, I was told it still works? has been boxed up along time and all pics in my gallery are the same camera and accessories he purchased this well in the military but not known where.

 

 

Lordy, lord, LOL.....all those images and in not one did you remove the front lens cap to show the lens information.

 

It's a Leica IIIF, Black dial, with a self-timer mechanism, dating from 1954. I'm assuming the lens is a Leitz Summitar 50mm f2 from approximately the same period.

 

Here's a good site on the Leica screw-mount cameras..

 

Leica Screw Mount Cameras

 

There's absolutely nothing unique, historical or rare about any of it, unless you can document it was owned or used by someone of note. The IIIF was the highest production screw mount Leica model, so the easiest to find and least expensive to buy. Most IIIF's did not come with self-timer mechanisms. 1954 was the last year of the "Black dial" version and the only year the self-timer was included, so that is "somewhat" unique, but not goldmine-creating either as there were well over 30,000 of them produced that year.

 

It may "work", although how accurate and well is most likely the questionable part. These camera don't set around unused for years/decades and handle the inactivity well.

Edited August 30, 2017 by Greg M

Leitz: Leica IIIf (black dial) Price Guide: estimate a camera value

 

says USD 420 to 440 for average condition with lens.

 

That might be for ones were the shutter works, and is at least

slightly close to the right times.

 

Some might be amazed that the camera is worth that much,

others disappointed that it isn't much more.

 

I recently bought a Canon IID2 for about half that price, which is

a somewhat similar camera from about the same time frame.

The higher shutter speeds seem fine to me, the lower ones might not be.

 

The rest of the stuff will add a little, maybe more if someone likes the specific

collection. (The Leica flash unit is interesting.)

 

CLA (cleaning, lubrication, and adjustment) might be about $200, which should get

it into great condition for actual picture taking. It might not increase the sale price

by that amount, though.

Leitz: Leica IIIf (black dial) Price Guide: estimate a camera value

 

says USD 420 to 440 for average condition with lens.

 

That might be for ones were the shutter works, and is at least

slightly close to the right times.

 

Some might be amazed that the camera is worth that much,

others disappointed that it isn't much more.

 

I recently bought a Canon IID2 for about half that price, which is

a somewhat similar camera from about the same time frame.

The higher shutter speeds seem fine to me, the lower ones might not be.

 

The rest of the stuff will add a little, maybe more if someone likes the specific

collection. (The Leica flash unit is interesting.)

 

CLA (cleaning, lubrication, and adjustment) might be about $200, which should get

it into great condition for actual picture taking. It might not increase the sale price

by that amount, though.

Thank you, I didn't realize all the extra pics oops, I use a digital camera was just curious but not a camera buff thank you for the info!!

Millions of pics of the same IIIF...Lightmeter is not really worth anything.

BTW, whatever you do do not trust the old leather straps. They are prone to failure after so many years.

BTW, whatever you do do not trust the old leather straps. They are prone to failure after so many years.

If you want to preserve just as an example, not for use,, I have had very good luck with Pecards Antique Leather Dressing on old leather.

It could be a good user, but I am sure, from your description of its inactivity, that it will need, or should highly benefit from a CLA, as lubricants from that period often congeal, stiffen and harden with long periods of inactivity, making the mechanisms temporarily unreliable. If in the USA, I'd recommend Youxin Ye, Don Goldberg or Sherrie Krauter...all of whom I've use over the years. You can Google them for further info and contact information.

It could be a good user, but I am sure, from your description of its inactivity, that it will need, or should highly benefit from a CLA, as lubricants from that period often congeal, stiffen and harden with long periods of inactivity, making the mechanisms temporarily unreliable. If in the USA, I'd recommend Youxin Ye, Don Goldberg or Sherrie Krauter...all of whom I've use over the years. You can Google them for further info and contact information.

Thank you, much appreciated