My baby, a 1935 IIIa.

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So about 10 years ago, right after I graduated high school, I purchased a Leica IIIa with my graduation money, after being interested in them for YEARS after hearing stories about my grandaddy having one many decades ago and seeing some of the photos he took with his. He was somewhat into photography, but really, I think he liked the Leica's more for their craftsmanship and durability, which, of course, is top-notch.

Anyways, to the point, sorry guys for rambling...What would be a fair price for my baby in its current condition (pics included)?? To me, no amount of money would suffice, but my bills are piling up and I am most likely gonna have to sell her. 🙁 It makes me sick to think that I may have to get ride of something that I wanted for years and years and finally got one, but I haven't used it in a few years and the money would help more than it sitting on a shelf as a talking piece. I guess I'd rather someone else get good use out of it as well.

Ok guys, it would be greatly appreciated if I could get a ballpark range of what my IIIa is worth. I'm not trying to break anyone's b*lls, but don't wanna be ripped off either.

Thanks in advance!
-Matt

 

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and here are the last 2 pictures I wanted to include.

I can also take more pictures, if anyone is interested.

Thanks again!

 

[batterytypehah!]

Hi Matt, welcome to the forum!

You don't mention if it's fully functional but cosmetically, it's got a lot of problems. I'm afraid it wouldn't go far towards paying those bills.

For comparison, KEH has a IIIa body listed right now in "bargain" condition (that means looking a good deal better than yours...) but inoperative, for $105.

I'll let others chime in on the lens, since there are many variations of the Elmar and I'm not a collector.

The good news: Since it is not actually your grandfather's camera, I don't think you should feel bad about being forced to sell it. You will easily find another one when times are better.

 

[Mr_Flibble]

It does looks somewhat scruffy. But if it's still fully functional, and the lens is in good condition; I think I would put down about $325 to $350 for it myself, if I was in the market for another IIIa.

Sorry to hear you might have to let it go, but as BatteryTypeHah! says it should not be hard to find another one.

 

[kully]

I had difficulty selling my 1939 IIIa (CLA'd) with a 1940 Summitar for 250 quid ($350?), so decided to keep it.

Looking at your camera and not knowing what functional state it is in, I'd agree with Rick & batterytypehah! - perhaps $200-$250 or a little more if someone really wants it.

 

[Michael Markey]

In the UK dealers seem to be asking two to three hundred pounds for the body only.
They appear to work on a 50% profit margin.