Looking for someone knowledgeable on vintage cameras / audio equipment

[smokey30725]

I am helping an older friend of the family sell off a lot of antiques that his late wife and he have collected over the years as part of a downsizing of homes. He has several vintage cameras, among them a Leica M3 from 1962 that has the whole kit and carry case. I see these online for $2000 on up for the combo and want to make sure that everything is in working order. Does anyone on here know about or deal in vintage cameras? Would love to have the Leica and the other cameras gone over to make sure that they are in good working order. Anyone out there that can help? He also has a vintage Sony stereo receiver and a United Turntable record player.

 

[fotog54]

This is just a suggestion. Contact KEH Camera (www.keh.com).

They buy vintage cameras and could offer a price for the whole collection. They also have in house repair/technicians for this type of service. Located in Smyrna, just down the road from Glock HQ.

 

[shootsacanon]

This is just a suggestion. Contact KEH Camera (www.keh.com).

They buy vintage cameras and could offer a price for the whole collection. They also have in house repair/technicians for this type of service. Located in Smyrna, just down the road from Glock HQ.

+1 for KEH. They won’t pay top retail, but they’ll pay a fair price for the condition, & they’ll know what they’re looking at. Also don’t have to worry about dealing with scammers, etc, that way. If you don’t like their offer, you can always decline it.

 

[CitizenK]

I didn't have a good experience with KEH. I used to shoot a lot of sports and misic events 30 years ago and moved on.

About 6 months ago here's what I took in to sell:

Medium format equipment
Mamiya 645 body with Autoexposure/metering hood
Mamiya Pistol grip autowinder
Mamiya 42mm portrait lens
Mamiya 80-200 zoom
Mamiya fixed 400mm lens

35mm
Rollei SL35E body
Zeiss 50mm Lens
Zeiss 80-200mm zoom

Bogan Tripod.

A host of bags, handheld and remote flash equipment, etc.

This is all pretty high-end equipment that I easily spent over $5k in 1980's dollars.

I got offered $300 for the lot.

YMMV...

 

[fotog54]

That is why I just offered it as a suggestion, not necessarily a recommendation. Not much market for film stuff anymore. Could always try eBay. Broader market for niche items like film cameras.

I used to shoot weddings with Mamiya 645 stuff also.

 

[superprime]

The biggest issue with the Leica will be the seals rotting. Thats pretty easy to check. Buy a decent roll of film, if you can find some, and take some pics. Have it developed and see if you have any light leaks. If I still had access to a dark room, I would do it for free. I used to roll, develop, and print my own black and white film. KEH is kinda like Carmax of the photo world, the offer will be fair and a good starting point for a private sale. There were a few different versions of the M3 (single stroke, double stroke, German, Canadian, Preview models, low serial numbers, some with added M4 sync capabilities). They are workhorses for sure, but it also matters what glass comes with them. KEH will also repair it for around 350.00.

 

[Lancekl]

I am helping an older friend of the family sell off a lot of antiques that his late wife and he have collected over the years as part of a downsizing of homes. He has several vintage cameras, among them a Leica M3 from 1962 that has the whole kit and carry case. I see these online for $2000 on up for the combo and want to make sure that everything is in working order. Does anyone on here know about or deal in vintage cameras? Would love to have the Leica and the other cameras gone over to make sure that they are in good working order. Anyone out there that can help? He also has a vintage Sony stereo receiver and a United Turntable record player.

When you say "the whole kit" what is included?

 

[smokey30725]

When you say "the whole kit" what is included?

Here’s what I have with it

 

[smokey30725]

More pics

 

[shootsacanon]

If you’re willing to deal with it, parting it out on eBay is probably going to get you the best return. i.e. body individually, lens individually, accessories individually. I don’t know Leica gear, but from what I can tell, it looks like sold listings for the lens range from $800-2000. Might be worth joining a Leica forum for opinions on fixing the leatherette on the body, vs keeping original, & better ideas of values based on condition. FWIW, it looks like there are even peel & stick leatherette kits, although I’m not sure how those affect value either.