Looking for advice. What to do with a newly acquired "vintage" (I think) camera.

[Chookman]

It turns out that I am soon to receive camera gear through inheritance. The person who owned it was an accomplished photographer and would develop his own photos in his own darkroom etc. throughout the last 40+ years. I've seen the camera bag with equipment and after a google search, one of the items seems to be potentially valuable. In the bag were two cameras. One was a Pentax that I have on good authority was his "everyday" camera. The other camera was "rarely used" and looks to me to be in pretty close to mint condition. Now, I'm not an expert by any means, but there are no scratches on the camera and all the white lettering etc, is as clear and solid as if brand new.

This camera is a Leica M4. It looks exactly like the one in the following link including the lens but it is in close to mint shape according to my uneducated eyes. (No box or instruction manual though - no idea if it even works.) It has the same engraving etc. but just a different serial number.

http://www.cameraquest.com/leicam4c.htm

I have no plans to sell it as we don't need the money. Assuming it's valuable, it'll be kept in the family.

Questions:

1. The search seems to indicate that it's a rare and sought after camera. How much so? Is there still an active community for film cameras?

2. I'm pretty sure it's authentic and not a fake, but is there anyone in Ontario who would be able to verify with 100% accuracy - preferably without cost? Would my local (non-chain store) camera shop be able to do it?

3. Anyone know what this camera potentially is worth - mostly for insurance purposes? I'm assuming I should insure it? Do you think the value will drop as older fans of film photography dwindle in number hence shrinking the number of people who would desire it? I realize that the answer to question #2 would be able to answer this one but I'm interested in order to have some background knowledge.

4. What is the best way to store this camera? Right now it's just sitting in the camera bag.

5. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[bwield]

I would think that the best way to verify the camera would be to document it and contact Leica with the serial number on the body.

[Jimbobs]

Congratulations - that sounds like quite the treasure trove you have coming!

Have a look at eBay and you will see Leica M4 bodies from $500 to $2500 with the majority around $1500. You don't mention lenses at all - they might be worth as much or more than the body. And a full kit might be worth even more.

[neltron3030]

If you're not going to sell it and unconcerned about value, why go through the trouble of authentication? Just buy some film and enjoy it. I am sure that's what your friend would have wanted you to do. If you don't have any use for it and don't wanna sell it, I am sure you could find perhaps over a billion photo enthusiasts in this world who would take this off your hands at no cost!

[Chookman]

If you're not going to sell it and unconcerned about value, why go through the trouble of authentication? Just buy some film and enjoy it. I am sure that's what your friend would have wanted you to do. If you don't have any use for it and don't wanna sell it, I am sure you could find perhaps over a billion photo enthusiasts in this world who would take this off your hands at no cost!

Well, we're unconcerned about value in that we don't need the money. However, our children or grandchildren may be in a different situation down the road. If this camera + lenses are worth, say $5000 now but might be worth $20000 20 years from now, why not keep it as a keepsake and let the value go up? I know I wouldn't be able to do better investing. I'd like it authenticated to be sure it's worth collecting and for insurance purposes if it is potentially that valuable.

This Leica M4 is the black one made in Midland of which only 550 were made (according to a GIS). I think it'd be a good collector's piece to keep until there comes a time in our family that the money could be needed.

[Jimbobs]

Consider it like you would consider a vintage car. It may increase in value but only as long as there people who want to buy it. As an "investment" its future value is difficult to predict. On the plus side, your investment is nil so you have nothing to loose.

Plus, $5,000 growing to $20,000 in 20 years is just over 7% per annum and not a great return. Better to take the $5k now and put it in a TFSA and a good ETF.

Or, best of all, buy film and take great pictures!

[Chookman]

Consider it like you would consider a vintage car. It may increase in value but only as long as there people who want to buy it. As an "investment" its future value is difficult to predict. On the plus side, your investment is nil so you have nothing to loose.

Yeah, that's what I mentioned in my third question. Since I'm totally out of the photography loop, I'm hoping there is someone on here that might be a collector or part of the "community" in order to give me an educated prediction.

[jayt90]

No one can predict how long 35mm film will be available, or printing paper. When Kodak and Fuji leave the film and paper business, there will only be third world manufacturers, much like vintage vacuum tubes.
That will affect the value of the M4 body, but not necessarily the lenses. Even now, the Leica bodies are not increasing as much as a few years ago, but they are holding on , for the time being.
There are Leica collectors who shun Midland, or Portugal, and yet there are some who collect the Canadian products. The trick is to find them.

[Jimbobs]

When Kodak and Fuji leave the film and paper business, there will only be third world manufacturers,

Emmmm ...... what about Ilford, Agfa, Orwo to name just a few non third world manufacturers.

But I don't disagree with your main point.

[jayt90]

Emmmm ...... what about Ilford, Agfa, Orwo to name just a few non third world manufacturers.

But I don't disagree with your main point.
I should have included Ilford along with Kodak and Fuji. Apparently Orwo is rebranded Ilford.
But Agfa is dead as a consumer film company.
Adox and Efke come from Zagreb
Foma is Czech

The trend to 3rd world production will only increase in the next 15 years, Brands like Sunny and Lucky are already available.

[cipher]

Congratulations - that sounds like quite the treasure trove you have coming!

Have a look at eBay and you will see Leica M4 bodies from $500 to $2500 with the majority around $1500. You don't mention lenses at all - they might be worth as much or more than the body. And a full kit might be worth even more.


If you look closer, the ones with bids are from $600 - $800. No bids on any of the higher priced ones. Typically, lenses keep their value more than the camera. Rare Leica lenses can be worth a fortune.

[blackhawk]

Check out Fred Miranda website,

www.fredmiranda.com

lots of pros and serious amateurs posting plus buying and selling.

The Zeiss lenses are still used on various bodies and highly sought after. You could maybe get a realistic value for the camera plus have other questions you may have answered.

If it has value, take a picture and write down the details and advise your insurance.

Still 35mm film around and the pentax, depending on the model, is very useable with lots of lenses available.

[Stock R]

I was in a similar position as I now have my grandfather's Leica M3.

I would suggest you basically keep it and dont use it. The value of the camera won't move much as the demand isn't really there however rare it may be. Also, depending on the condition of the camera, from lack of use, it may require a full tune up for it to function without being damaged.

Just my 2 cents.

[jayt90]

I was in a similar position as I now have my grandfather's Leica M3.

I would suggest you basically keep it and dont use it. The value of the camera won't move much as the demand isn't really there however rare it may be. Also, depending on the condition of the camera, from lack of use, it may require a full tune up for it to function without being damaged.

Just my 2 cents.

"and don't use it" is not good advice.

You have to use the shutter and film advance at
each speed, move (rotate) the focusing ring, and adjust the aperture every 6 months, if not more frequently. And when dust, oil, black paint, or blemishes show up on the lens elements, thay have to be removed. And you have to keep it in a cool, dry place, preferably in a ziploc bag.

Rather than keep it and not use it, it is better to put a roll through it 3 or 4 times a year,and utilise all shutter speeds and aperture settings.