1960 M3 Leica

[phil100]

Hello

I have the following, 1 x Leica M3 Body Serial number 1000153.(1960 ?)

1 x Brown Ever Ready leather case for the above.

1 x f1.4 Ernst Leitz Wetzlar 50 Summilux Lens. Serial number 1644346.

1 X f4 90mm Elmar Leitz Wetzlar Lens . Serial Number 1713682

1 X Leicameter Serial number 15823.

I have the original detailed paper to confirm the sale of the above which was supplied used by H.N Brooke In Doncaster dated 11/07/1967.

I am trying to have these inspected and valued, preferably in the East Midlands area. Can anyone recommend anyone please ?

[TimF]

I suggest you go to Leica's Dealer Locator page. Input your address and post code (and a distance from your location) and see who comes up.

Other secondhand dealers, if any near you, should be OK, but only perhaps if they regularly have Leica stock.

From my own experience of browsing dealer sites I'd say they might sell the body for about £500-600, the 50mm for around £500 (it being the first version Summilux, the second improved version would get more, and I may be underdoing it a bit) and the 90mm for £100-250 (the higher end if its the collapsible version, less if not) if they're in excellent and functional condition. For a straight sale you'd likely get about 50-60% of that; for commission sale about 80%

[phil100]

Thanks for your reply Tim, I have contacted a few "local" to me dealers as you kindly suggest, and received mainly good feedback but vague and erratic valuations. I think the kit would be great for a collector, I think I need next to let a collector/ expert physically check it and value it then. I do have a figure in my mind what I would like for it.

Phil.

[TimF]

I'm sure there's some around Phil, but how strong the Leica collectors market is in the UK at present I wouldn't know. The main place for that is, as it has always been, in Japan.

The truth is none of the items you list are especially rare, so for collectors to be interested everything would need to be mint (and I mean mint) and come with boxes and all the paraphernalia.

The other day I was chatting to my dealer (are Leicas a drug?) and he was talking about a new collector in Hong Kong who snapped up any special edition M6s that came into the shop. He just had to call him and say such and such was available. However, it was only special M6 cameras that interested the guy; even sending him a copy of Dennis Laney's collectors guide (a big book!) couldn't get him to broaden his interest.

Do you have any pictures of the kit?

[phil100]

It is not boxed but "in my opinion" very good condition, but that is why I would like it professionally checked to confirm condition and value.

I have some photos of the kit. I dont think i can attach files to these posts. If you want to PM me with your e mail address i will gladly send some to you.

Phil

[El_Sid]

When getting it valued I'd be inclined to say it's for insurance purposes as you should then get a value more in line with typical retail prices. If you just ask what it's worth some dealers are likely to assume you want to know what they would pay you for it, either as cash outright or as trade-in.

[phil100]

When getting it valued I'd be inclined to say it's for insurance purposes as you should then get a value more in line with typical retail prices. If you just ask what it's worth some dealers are likely to assume you want to know what they would pay you for it, either as cash outright or as trade-in.

Thanks for your advice, I am looking to sell it without a trade in.

[TimF]

Hi Phil,
Having looked at the pictures you kindly sent - for which thanks - I'd stick with my earlier comments. The most interesting item amongst the stuff is undoubtedly the 50mm Summilux, which although not rare in itself, does come up less often in that first version than the subsequent model (in its various forms).

I can't see any dealer being especially interested in either the meter or the ever-ready case, as the former have only a very small constituency now, and it would have to work properly for collectors to want it I think, and the latter is something people either like or hate. They'll take them from you, but you'd only get a few pounds.

It might be worthwhile trying some of the London stores, like Red Dot, RG Lewis, Richard Caplan and Aperture (not a Leica dealer, but they do sell quite a bit of leica stuff s/h), and also ffordes in Scotland.

[phil100]

Hi Phil,
Having looked at the pictures you kindly sent - for which thanks - I'd stick with my earlier comments. The most interesting item amongst the stuff is undoubtedly the 50mm Summilux, which although not rare in itself, does come up less often in that first version than the subsequent model (in its various forms).

I can't see any dealer being especially interested in either the meter or the ever-ready case, as the former have only a very small constituency now, and it would have to work properly for collectors to want it I think, and the latter is something people either like or hate. They'll take them from you, but you'd only get a few pounds.

It might be worthwhile trying some of the London stores, like Red Dot, RG Lewis, Richard Caplan and Aperture (not a Leica dealer, but they do sell quite a bit of leica stuff s/h), and also ffordes in Scotland.

Hi Tim

Thanks for your valuable advice. I was not sure what the current market is like. As a layman, I presumed something as old as this in very good condition would be in high demand. I was anticipating a high interest in this and to obtain a fair and reasonable price for it. I do appreciate if a dealer buys this then this will reflect on the price they pay compared to actual value.

[phil100]

Just to keep you updated, I still have this kit, I made contact with a dealer who then constantly promised and promised to come and inspect the kit with a view to a cash purchase, this has never materialised and he has let me down.

I will now pursue other avenues to sell this kit.

[phil100]

A dealer has now purchased this kit from me.Thanks to TimF for your valuable advice on which dealers to contact, one of them bought it and they were very efficient, professional and fair with me.

Thanks
Phil

[TimF]

Hi Phil,
Pleased to hear. Were my valuations anywhere near the ballpark or totally off target?

[phil100]

Hi Tim

You were about right with your valuations, they have purchased it outright from me, after inspecting the kit they found a few items that understandably needed attention.
The amount they have given me is fair.The Service I have received from them so far has been very good, just now awaiting the cheque which they have promised to send today.

The only part I have left now from the kit is a Weston Master III light meter in a brown leather case, serial number S141.3.I presume this is not worth much ???

Thanks again.
Phil

[TimF]

Nice result.

Regarding the Weston meter, as before it depends on whether the thing works and more to the point whether it's accurate. Ebay might be your friend here, both for seeing how much similar items sell for, and for selling.