I have a Leica camera whose factory number is DRP 638964 with a complete set of lenses and other gadgets. I would like to know under what model should I look for and how much this may cost. I know the cost varies according to the set, but just want to have an idea. Thanks

-- Bernardo Caņizares (info@octaedro.org.ec), November 16, 2001

Answers

Hallo Bernardo,

according to a numberlist I have at hand in D. Laney, Leica Collectors Guide, your camera is a LEICA III f, produced 1952/ 53.

Together with a 50 mm Elmar- lens (and in very (very) condition) it could fetch US $ 500.00

Best wishes

-- K. G. Wolf (k.g.wolf@web.de), November 16, 2001.

Bernado,

If I understand you correctly, the Leica you have 638xxx is Leica IIIf Red Dial (no self timer). The top dial should have a shutter speed of 25-1 (1/25 to 1 sec). If it has 30-1 (1/30 to 1 sec it's a black dial)

The value of the camera depends on condition; IIIf RD are very common. The range would be $300 to maybe $600. You can look on ebay for closed auctions to get a feel for the current market.

The value of the lenses depend on which ones you have; list them with serial numbers and I'm sure someone here could make a guess as to their value.

I personally own and use a IIIf; I like them. If you are going to use the camera to take pictures, then send it to a repair person who specializes in Leica screw mount repair for a CLA. Be prepared to spend $200 to $250 or more for a CLA and replacement of worn parts.

-- Tony Oresteen (aoresteen@lsqgroup.com), November 16, 2001.

Bernardo, from the serial no., it looks like you have a Germany-made Leica IIIf with red dial and no self-timer, and it was probably produced in 1952 or 53. I don't know how much it's worth; perhaps others might enlighten you. For more information, see: http://www .pacificrimcamera.com/pp/leica/sm/iiif.htm.

-- Hoyin Lee (leehoyin@hutchcity.com), November 16, 2001.

Oops! Others have beaten me to an answer!

-- Hoyin Lee (leehoyin@hutchcity.com), November 16, 2001.