Classic Leica, Etc to Sell - Who buys?

[Geneve]

I have a collection of classic cameras (from Kodak, Rollei, some German stuff, etc, but most notably Leica M and R).

Being 35mm, I guess the market is now fairly limited.

However, I would like to find a buyer/dealer (with some integrity) who specialises in this market and would give me a fair price - ideally with part/ex for Leica digital.

Any recommendations?

thanks

[zcacogp]

I think that the market for top-end classic 35mm stuff is still there. You'll need to shop around a little to find it tho', and don't be in a rush to sell.

They sound like lovely cameras. All the best with selling them. I always wanted a leica but could never afford one ...


Oli.

[theRossatron]

What do you have for sale? I love the old Leica stuff. I currently have an M3, I should really use it more.

[-Pete-]

There are quite a few camera shops near the British Museum, including at least one that specialises in Leica and sells used examples.

[Geneve]

theRossatron said:

What do you have for sale? I love the old Leica stuff. I currently have an M3, I should really use it more.

Main item is a mint (never used) Titanium M6, plus really nice R4, various Leica lenses and accessories, several spec Rollei 35s, lovely Kodak Retinette 111c outfit, a 11b, couple of Voightlanders, Carl Zeiss, Pentax-mini 110 outfit, Minox miniature Leica (new/unused), etc. All lovely stuff in a display cabinet, but just not getting used, so toying with the idea of moving on.

Interestingly, I collected them, not because I'm a keen photographer (I'm not), but because I loved the quality of the styling and (mainly) German engineering - beautifully made.

Could do Ebay, but don't fancy all the hassle

[Geneve]

-Pete- said:

There are quite a few camera shops near the British Museum, including at least one that specialises in Leica and sells used examples.

I remember that shop opp the BM - bought a few things from them in the '80s.

[theRossatron]

Geneve said:

Main item is a mint (never used) Titanium M6, plus really nice R4, various Leica lenses and accessories, several spec Rollei 35s, lovely Kodak Retinette 111c outfit, a 11b, couple of Voightlanders, Carl Zeiss, Pentax-mini 110 outfit, Minox miniature Leica (new/unused), etc. All lovely stuff in a display cabinet, but just not getting used, so toying with the idea of moving on.

Interestingly, I collected them, not because I'm a keen photographer (I'm not), but because I loved the quality of the styling and (mainly) German engineering - beautifully made.

Could do Ebay, but don't fancy all the hassle

They are beautifully made. A mint titanium M6 sounds rather nice but I'd be guessing probably out of my reach in that condition! You don't have any M lenses do you?

[Geneve]

yes, one maybe two, but rather find one source for all. thanks

[Bacardi]

Geneve said:

I remember that shop opp the BM.

There's this one http://www.theclassiccamera.com

I've never dealt with them but have heard of some less than enthusiastic reports.

I have been happy with http://www.richardcaplan.co.uk

Of course, all dealers will give you less than you could get privately, but that's the choice. Caplan does do commission sales, so you would get a better price... as long as someone wants what you've got, or you are prepared to wait.

I'm planning to visit and trade in/upgrade some M and R bits. I know I'll lose ££££, but that's just the game. All the stuff was paid for long ago, so as long as I don't have to spend more money... it's better than sitting on a shelf, or having to deal with scammers on fleabay. IMO, YMMV.

[theboyfold]

PM sent.

You can also try Ffordes, they will buy lenses if you are in that part of the world.

[Mr Snap]

The market is bouyant and rising...

I wouldn't take your stuff to a shop, you'd get nowt in comparison to real value.

Have a look at APUG.org lots of film buffs with money to spend on decent gear..

[Cheib]

You could try the classifieds on talk photography....they'r very active. I've bought a few things through it, anything good goes very quickly. There are also plenty of threads on there about dealers for used cameras too.


http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/


Off the top of my head www.robertwhite.co.uk are a Leica dealer and do have a small amount of used equipment so they might be worth a try.

Richard Caplan as mentioned above are a Leica specialist so deffo worth a try.

[Geneve]

Thanks for that.

[Simpo Two]

Mr Snap said:

I wouldn't take your stuff to a shop, you'd get nowt in comparison to real value.

This. Depends if you want (a) simplicity or (b) maximum yield.

Any dealer will/can only give you a trade price, which is by definiton much less than it's worth.

[Mr Snap]

Simpo Two said:

Mr Snap said:

I wouldn't take your stuff to a shop, you'd get nowt in comparison to real value.

This. Depends if you want (a) simplicity or (b) maximum yield.

Any dealer will/can only give you a trade price, which is by definiton much less than it's worth.

Trade price = about 50% of actual value. You might get a better deal if you did part ex. but not by much.

[Geneve]

Thanks again.

Ideal would be a private collector. Jewel in the crown is the Titanium M6 - probably worth more than everything else together, which is a shame, because there are some beautiful cameras.

I still love the detailed engineering quality of old cameras. I've ran a few 35mm films through most of them and there was so much satisfaction setting up the shot, getting it just right and then the joy of really pleasing results - particularly with monochrome. So much more character than digital. But nowhere near as convenient.

Probably a bit like audiophiles with vinyl.

[Simpo Two]

Geneve said:

Probably a bit like audiophiles with vinyl.

My thoughts too.

eBay it is then

Interestingly most results are from overseas sellers and are Buy-it-Nows not auctions. But it gives you some idea of the market.

Edited by Simpo Two on Sunday 20th November 19:31

[Mr Snap]

Geneve said:

Thanks again.

Ideal would be a private collector. Jewel in the crown is the Titanium M6 - probably worth more than everything else together, which is a shame, because there are some beautiful cameras.

I still love the detailed engineering quality of old cameras. I've ran a few 35mm films through most of them and there was so much satisfaction setting up the shot, getting it just right and then the joy of really pleasing results - particularly with monochrome. So much more character than digital. But nowhere near as convenient.

Probably a bit like audiophiles with vinyl.

That's why I suggested you look at apug (analog users group).org - an advert there would be like hitting the motherload.

They're all probably vinyl freaks, too...

[Geneve]

Simpo Two said:

eBay it is then

Interestingly most results are from overseas sellers and are Buy-it-Nows not auctions. But it gives you some idea of the market.

Eventually decided to have a go on eBay. Someone I know agreed to list them for a commission.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/maryelcombe1986/m.html?h...

Scroll down a bit...

[Simpo Two]

Well you're pitching to the whole world, including people specifically looking for those cameras.

But cameras like that deserve better photos; I hope the poor images don't deter bidders. It sounds silly but the better the photos, the more people pay.