Have you ever dealt with Westlicht Auctions?

rodinal

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I'm about to send to Westlicht a potentially valuable (10K+) camera. The camera needs restoration in order to achieve maximum price and everybody says that Ottmar Michaelly (close to Wetzlar) is the man. If I was not selling it, I would like to have it restored too. So, the camera must go back to Europe one way or another.

I contacted Westlicht in Vienna, they were very kind and helpful, and they offered to arrange all the needed things to put this camera in the next auction. All I have to do is to send the camera.

At this point, I wanted to check a bit before making a mistake. The camera is not exactly mine (I received it as a gift, but the owner didn't know it was so valuable, so I'm helping him to sell it properly for a little fee).

I know Westlicht for the quality/rarity of the things they usually handle and I have never heard anything bad about them, but the truth is, I have never heard of anybody buying nor selling with them. That is why I'm asking about someone having direct experience dealing with them, specially if you sold something through them. Any help will be appreciated.

Marcelo
 
I'm about to send to Westlicht a potentially valuable (10K+) camera. The camera needs restoration in order to achieve maximum price and everybody says that Ottmar Michaelly (close to Wetzlar) is the man. If I was not selling it, I would like to have it restored too. So, the camera must go back to Europe one way or another.

I contacted Westlicht in Vienna, they were very kind and helpful, and they offered to arrange all the needed things to put this camera in the next auction. All I have to do is to send the camera.

At this point, I wanted to check a bit before making a mistake. The camera is not exactly mine (I received it as a gift, but the owner didn't know it was so valuable, so I'm helping him to sell it properly for a little fee).

I know Westlicht for the quality/rarity of the things they usually handle and I have never heard anything bad about them, but the truth is, I have never heard of anybody buying nor selling with them. That is why I'm asking about someone having direct experience dealing with them, specially if you sold something through them. Any help will be appreciated.

Marcelo

Most serious collectors will pay LESS for a restored camera, not more.

What camera is it, anyway ?

You can likely sell it in RFF classifieds without paying the auction premium.

Stephen
 
Hi Stephen,

You are right, of course, but this camera was "upgraded" in its first years and a couple of knowledgeable persons have told me that a restoration is mandatory. Your personal opinion will be much appreciated.

I showed the camera in this forum some time ago: Three digit Leica with sync
 
Hi Stephen,

You are right, of course, but this camera was "upgraded" in its first years and a couple of knowledgeable persons have told me that a restoration is mandatory. Your personal opinion will be much appreciated.

I showed the camera in this forum some time ago: Three digit Leica with sync

Neat, an Elmax Leica with sync added.

I disagree on the need of an upgrade to make your sale.
The removal of the sync is easy. The problem will be to find the proper early body shell from a donor body.

You will likely be able to sell it yourself for $10K or more.

It will not hurt if you try selling it yourself and fail. You will still have the auction house as a back up.
Stephen
 
I have both sold and bought with Peter Coln at Weslicht and have had no problems. However I have never had work done to improve the value of a camera. The only thing above normal costs that I did pay for was the verification of a Leitz Anastigmat lens (see my avatar) by Mr Michaelly. I believe this did enhance the final sales price beyond the cost of the exercise...if you get my drift.

However, in your case I agree with Stephen. The camera has been modified, it will never be original. Originality is what commands big money and if by working on it you are doing your best to return it to original it should be seen as such.

Without the flash sync it will look better and maybe sell for a higher price but whether this will cover the cost of the work is moot indeed.

Not much helpI know but, as you say yourself, think on it.

Michael
 
I don't consider myself a true collector (but I'm possibly lying to myself) even so, I wouldn't let anybody touch with any tool a 90 year old camera like this... but this camera was already tampered with, around 80 years ago! The tampering itself may be considered part of its value... or not?
 
Ok, I contacted Mr. Bergmann, truly a gentleman, and received this very enlightening comment:

As the camera has been modified and is no longer in its original state anyway, why not modify it again to its pristine condition and give it back all the features it originally had? This is not the kind of restoration (like e.g. repainting or rechroming), which will decrease the items value or even make it a low-value fake.

In my opinion, if the improper fittings and the damaged leather covering are replaced with original (!) parts, it would surely be worth the effort, commercially as well. Moreover as the camera and lens, as far as I can see, is in an overall well kept condition.


Before any reaction, please have in mind he is talking about this very specific case. I think his words are a very sensible view of this situation and can serve as a guide for similar cases too.

Thank you Stephen for referring me to Mr. Bergmann. BTW, he sends you his best greetings and remembers the great time you had in S.F. last year.
 
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