Best approach to sell Leica collection

[Jennifer Yue]

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Hello—

     My dad was a lifelong avid Leica amateur photographer (~50 years).  He spent a lot of time and years finding the items that he wanted, mostly second-hand, using photography forums and B & H in NY to ask questions.  It seems emotionally heretical to me, but it is not practical for my mom to keep all of what he had.  I am keeping his M3 double stroke camera with Summicron M 50mm f/2 Rigid mount and M/R meter and am deciding with my son what very few additional lenses we may want to keep.  We are both interested in portraiture and closeups.

     

     I am wondering if you have any ideas on the best way to sell the rest, as well as other German made cameras and accessories he used.  The goal would be to have them well-appreciated by their next owner while recapturing a fair to good amount of their value.  My son is planning to put them individually on eBay.  I am just not sure how they could get the respect they deserve, as they are in really good condition.  Thank you.

[Charles Morgan]

Where are you based? It might help people with dealer recommendations.

I have sold a select few Leica M mount lenses (all Zeiss ZM mounts) on Ebay in the last few months. My main priority was getting value (helped by some fee free deals) but most ended up in the hands of relatively young enthusiasts looking for reasonably priced lenses to go on their first Leicas. As to how they treat them, once they are theirs, they're theirs. 

I suspect your objective of having them well appreciated is likely whichever route you take. But the more they pay, the better the chance they will value them!

[stray cat]

Jennifer, you can place items for sale in classified ads on this forum - just look under the menu item "Classifieds" at the top. Selling here should at least ensure that someone interested enough in Leica gear to participate in this forum would potentially purchase the items. That might give you some peace of mind that they would be valued. There are quite a few serious collectors here, too, who are very knowledgeable about all things Leica who I'm sure would be interested to talk with you about your father's collection (or to potentially purchase items). I've bought and sold things here and can assure you it's a friendly, vibrant community. Best of luck whichever path you choose.

Edited September 15, 2020 by stray cat

[pedaes]

Dan Tamarkin is a genuine guy and has an Auction comming up if any of the pieces are truly rare/good condition.http://www.tamarkin.com/ordering

Don't be unrealistic on value unless the items are truly exceptional. Good luck.

 

[Denys]

Hi Jennifer!

The comments above are sensible; seek expert advice. That way, you will be dealt with fairly and the equipment has a better chance of finding a new owner that appreciates it.

At risk of offering advice that doesn’t answer your question (my specialty in this forum..) I would say don’t do anything - at least in a hurry. Perhaps the last thing you want is to find a new home for equipment then wish you had kept it..    ..camera equipment takes up less space than - and doesn’t require the same regular attention as - cars or race horses!

Whatever you decide: good luck!

Edited September 15, 2020 by Denys

[caloosajo]

Another vote for Dan Tamarkin with the Leicas you may let go. He is thoughtful and fair in assessing condition, ensures that a product is cleaned/lubricated/aligned before being sold, and his knowledge and enthusiasm bridges the gap between his audience comprised of both users and collectors. 

[spydrxx]

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All good advise above. I'd add if planning to sell on Ebay, that a full  description of condition as well as any recent repairs/CLAs done, accompanied by a lot of detailed and clear photos will attract the best bidders and best price. If selling thru a dealer, expect their offer will be 20-30% below what they expect to get for the items, basically as a commission. I've bought and sold lots of camera gear on Ebay over the years, much of it Leica gear. Solid buyers will ask questions which demand knowlegable answers by the seller before they open their wallets. Newbie bidders with lots of $ often don't ask much, but if they find defects not disclosed will howl and demand refunds. So if going this route, be prepared to be honest, knowlegable, responsive, and possible negotiate final values.

[adan]

Another option targetting potential Leica-seekers would be one of the specific Leica auction events, such as:

https://www.leitz-auction.com/auction/en/home

They especially like really-high-end rarities, but almost always include more prosaic Leica gear as well, to fill in the gaps. (Profits are profits!)

Tamarkin (and I buy from them a lot, retail) also runs their own annual auction: https://www.tamarkinauctions.com/

[jaeger]

Depends on what you have Jen, it's better if you can list them here. 

[RayD28]

Jennifer, one factor you did not mention is whether you want to sell in bulk, meaning a small number of transactions for several items, or if you are OK with selling piecemeal.  If in bulk, you limit your options since you are probably limited to dealers (deep pockets) or auctions.  Someone here might know specifics about auctions but some houses have significant fees.  

I've thought about what to do with my unwanted equipment when I pass.  I don't have much equipment but I'm still looking forward to the suggestions you get in this thread.  

Sorry to hear about your father's passing, and best wishes with whatever you decide.  

Edited September 16, 2020 by RayD28

[plaidshirts]

Facebook has excellent Leica and film camera buy/sell groups where you can screen the buyer to your satisfaction.

Fredmiranda.com is a popular photo forum site with a huge buy/sell section.

I’ve bought and sold camera gear on all the places mentioned in this thread. They all have their pros and cons. 

But since you want yours to be well appreciated, I’d recommend using Leica-specific venues such as this one or on FB.

My condolences and good luck with your sale.