Beemermark
Veteran
He’s asking for a number, not an extensive evaluation of what he has. And most of the advice is wrong. I’d say at least $800.
Inherited Leica camera
- Thread starter s.jacobs9
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JeffS7444
Well-known
Wow, have I ever been out of touch: It hadn't occurred to me that the thorium-glass Summicron might command a hefty collector's premium today; I simply thought of it as a minor nuisance. 🤪
JeffS7444
Well-known
I'd think that figure would be much less if selling to a dealer, rather than in-person to another individual, where the goods can be examined.
splitimageview
Administrator
There is no way to give an accurate number by photos. Without inspection it’s really up to an individual as to how much they want to risk as it may be perfect but it may need 100s dollars of work…lens cleaning is about $180 for quality work and CLA on Barnacks is $450+ (DAG reference prices, he’s the best but there are cheaper alternatives.)
splitimageview
Administrator
Yep they are worth more for sure, if clean, no haze or fungus, without the usual Summicron scratches on the glass.
Coldkennels
Barnack-toting Brit.
I'm about to move up that way... is this Real Camera co? Because if so, I'm going to have to swing by!
Coldkennels
Barnack-toting Brit.
Minor correction: both types of the -f models work with electronic flash. Black dial needs to be set at 2 for a 1/30 shutter speed, red dial is set to 0 for 1/25 and 20 for 1/50 shutter speeds.
The biggest problem I can see is the self timer. The existence of a self timer makes partial disassembly to check the shutter a bit more complicated; on a "normal" IIIf, you only need two good screwdrivers of the right size and a business card. As a result, some places will charge a bit extra to service a IIIf with a self timer.
More hassle than they're worth, those things.
farlymac
PF McFarland
Well, I'm not a numbers guy except when it comes to my money, and what I'm willing to pay for something. What I am trying to get across is how condition and desirability affect what s.jacobs9 can make from a sale. He obviously has no emotional attachment to keep the outfit, but he may want to maximize his profit. Therefore, it's good for him to know what might be behind any estimate he gets from those who are better versed in the value of Leica gear. According to Collectiblend.com a IIIf Red Dial with lens is worth anywhere from twice to three times the camera alone (retail). And while some folks find the self-timer models undesirable, there are others who will pay a premium for them as they make up a smaller number of the total models produced, which is a collector thing. So, a IIIf Red Dial Self-timer with the collapsible Summicron 50/2 in average condition (if all his camera and lens needs is a CLA to reach that condition) is somewhere around $600-700 (post CLA). In its present condition its $440-460. Knock both of those estimates in half for just the camera. But that's only one source. Local market prices could be higher or lower. There are too many variables to say here right now just what he could get for his outfit, and one of them is just exactly how does he want to sell it. A dealer will never give him more than wholesale, but he might not want the hassle of putting up with unscrupulous buyers looking to rip him off (which happens on eBay a lot). He could make a better profit by selling on commission through a dealer, instead of just accepting the dealers offer. That way he avoids interacting with individuals and eliminates advertising costs. Another thing to consider is selling to KEH or B&H, but still, that is more-or-less selling it wholesale based on condition, and they also take into account what is selling hot at the moment, so the price goes down if no one is buying things like the flash unit. And the camera instruction manual is a taped together photocopy, so it's basically a freebie add-on. One can buy originals in very good condition for reasonable prices.
PF
