Patricia Zimmerman , Jan 03, 2008; 09:32 p.m.
Hello I am new to this site but I have a very old camera and the understanding
that I have from my family is that it is one of 4 that were brought into the US
from Germany. I will give as many details as I can. According to the direction
book from the camera it is a Leitz Leica Camera Model G for single (still)
pictures on standard cinematograph film strips. On the back of the book it has
a date of May 1937. It has a U.S. Customs Entry NO. 823991 and Leica Camera No.
319181 and an Import Certificate number of 2186. The lense that is on it now
the No. is 505933. I am assuming that these are serial numbers, but not sure.
This camera also has red, yellow and green filters, looks like an old type of
zoom lense I believe. It has another lense that can be put onto the camera that
is smaller than the one on the camera (Numbers are Leitz Elmar f=3,5cm 1:3,5).
Another lense with the no. 455773 this is a much bigger lense (Elmar f=9cm 1:4).
Another piece which I am not sure of what it is but it would slide onto the top
of the camera and when you look into the one side it looks like it would
magnify. A Leitz Rahmensucher whatever that is and a Fedco Tone control filter.
I don't believe that this next piece is connected to the camera or it's maker
but it is called a Expophot and has what looks like two dials. All of the
accessories and the camera are in the original containers and are very old.
This camera was given to my husband and we are interested in the value of it and
if in fact it is one of 4 cameras that came into the US. Any help would be
appreciated.
Thanks,
Marcelo Pandolfo , Jan 03, 2008; 09:49 p.m.
Hi Patricia,
According to serial numbers, that camera would be a model III or IIIb from 1939. Also, the lens on it dates from 1939. The Elmar 9cm dates from 1938. Regards,
MP
George Shihanian , Jan 04, 2008; 12:09 a.m.
You have a Leica and lenses and a few accessories from approx.1939. If you're asking if only 4 came into the US and if it is rare, and if you have just become rich, the answers are- No, No, and No.
Rob F. 
, Jan 04, 2008; 12:24 a.m.
Picking up on Marcelo's post, I can see why he says it's either a III or a IIIb. There is some ambiguity in serial number listings. The number Patricia gives could fall either in the range cited for the III, or then again for the IIIb. That's odd! I know these serial number lists are not perfect, but I've not seen a given serial# fall into two places before.
Does anyone else have any observations on this?
Rob Spoon , Jan 04, 2008; 02:47 a.m.
One of the 'freedom train' Leicas perhaps? Value depends on condition of the camera and lenses. Why one of four?
Have a look at Cameraquest.com if you want to know more about these great cameras.
Francisco Solares-Larrave , Jan 04, 2008; 03:38 a.m.
I think it's one of four that her family brought into the US, and not one of only four produced
or exported into the US. At least, that's how I see it.
Adrian Bastin , Jan 04, 2008; 03:40 a.m.
Sartorious puts it firmly in 1939 as a IIIB.
Adrian Bastin , Jan 04, 2008; 04:07 a.m.
That's the most clear and intelligent description of a camera and lenses I've seen on this forum.
Their value depends a great deal on their condition. In good working shape the camera body might be $300 but double that for near mint condition. lenses, each in the $200 range if the glass is in very good condition.
Resist any temptation the clean the glass; you could easily make a lens more or less valueless.
Take a look at the well known internet auction site. But prices are often inflated, and cheap fakes are numerous. So look at well photographed cameras, especially where there are several close up pictures.
If you could manage a picture of the equipment to show here, it would help a lot
Anthony Brookes , Jan 04, 2008; 04:16 a.m.
My two lists both put 319181 as a IIIB of 1939. If it's a III the shutter would only go to 1/500th.
Charles Stobbs 
, Jan 04, 2008; 10:12 a.m.
I don't think it is a zoom lens but a collapsible lens to make it easier to carry.
