Leica C11 - future collectible?

[runes]

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I bought a C11 about 11-12 years ago. Shot a few rolls of film before I put it in the closet. I suppose it was an OK camera for being APS, but a lot of 35mm compacts were superior when it came to IQ.

 

The last time I used the camera was in 2004 or 2005. Now I have been offered a few quid for it. As a rule I sell the equipment I don't use, but I don't know if I want to sell this one. I don't think I will ever use it again, but I wonder if it will be a collectible in the future?

 

It was only made for one year, and "only" 50.000 copies were produced, and it was AFAIK Leica's only non-35mm film camera.

 

So what do you Leica experts think? Will the C11 be a future collectible?

[Pangur Ban]

Yes, but as a novelty or completist item only. APS film was a transitional technology and something of a dead-end commercially as it was rapidly overtaken by consumer digital. It was one of those good ideas that came a bit late. So, by all means hang on to it as it may well appreciate but don't expect it to be part of your pension plan. Personally, I think APS is the 1990's equivalent of 127 film.

 

The chances of being able to use it in 20 years time are a lot less than, say a 1930's Barnack Leica - many of which are likley to be functioning as well as they ever have done, with the right lens on the front.

[rramesh]

Anything can be collected. Whether it's value appreciates significantly over time depends. A C11 paired with an M11, X11 and an S11 may make for an interesting quartet.

[wda]

I like this idea of a collectible quartet! But I wouldn't place too many bets on magical appreciation.

[josevalerio]

I like this idea of a collectible quartet! But I wouldn't place too many bets on magical appreciation.

I bought a 2nd hand C11 in good shape and found where to buy & develop APS films. But I need the manual. Does anyone have a PDF edition to share?

Thanks

[spydrxx]

Probably a small niche collectable, but not valuable.