Assistance needed in determining what I have

[screwmount_guy]

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As someone who is new to the forum, I tried to post this yesterday, but saw no remnant of it today when I logged in showing that approval from a moderator was pending. Nor did I get an email acknowledging this. So I'm thinking it did not go through somehow, and will resend, just in case. If in fact my original post from 7/31 is pending, please accept my sincere apologies for re-posting/re-sending this. My intention is never to be a nuisance or ruffle any feathers, so to speak.

Hello!

  You have a wonderful, very comprehensive website here. I had a couple of questions, if I may. I recently inherited a group of about 25 camera (mainly Leica) books from a family member who recently passed away. Among these were a few items that I have had a LOT of difficulty finding online. I am hoping given your expertise that you might be able to tell me more about these mysteries, and any applicable (even if it's very much a ballpark/approximate) value. These are:

 

1) I received an old book (complete with clear dust jacket) authored by Francis A. Collins, titled "The Camera Man". I saw several comments online about this book, some even going so far as to call it a book of "historical importance". However, all of them that I found were reprints of the book - and the one I have appears to be a first edition so to speak, with a date of 1919 in it.

 

2) The New Leica Manual - This is from August, 1951. I have seen numerous listings for a January, 1951 printing, but the August version seems MUCH more uncommon somehow. Was this a short-printed version by chance?

 

3) I have a Leica Blue Book-Illustrated Price Guide to Collectable Cameras - 1880-1977. I've found several listings for almost the same item, but they ALL say 1880-1978, NOT 1977. Is the one I have a misprint/error version of the book, and much more scarce somehow?

 

4) A Leica Blue Book as well, with almost the same title, except it says 1839-1980 - Special Silver Issue, and is dated 1979

If anyone is able/willing to shed any light upon what these are, and if they have value (either monetary and/or historical) I would be VERY appreciative. My father was a very avid Leica Screwmount collector for many years, and was enamored with everything Leica. In his memory, I would love to be able to find out what these items actually are that he handed down to me upon his passing.

Thank you so much!

Sincerely,

Greg Cohen

 

[jaapv]

Welcome. Be advised that the forum does not allow valuations. 

[screwmount_guy]

Hi jaapv,

  Thank you for letting me know. Understood, and I will not inquire as to any specific valuations. If anyone even happens to know though if these are at all uncommon, or perhaps anywhere that I might be able to find any further reference to them in any fashion, that in itself would be helpful. I always thought I was pretty decent at searching for things on the net, but these items in particular have been puzzling.
**My dad belonged to at least one or two Leica forums back in the day, and always said what a good bunch of people there were. I can see why. Looking at the posts, there seems to be real sense of kinship and understanding. Very nice, particularly nowadays.

[david strachan]

Welcome Greg.

As with all forums, the more you put in, the more you'll get out of it.

There are collectors of all sorts here.  You've got some beaut books; always good for browsing in between your forum posts haha.

We look forward to your first images, once you've decided on a camera.  

...

Edited August 2, 2022 by david strachan

[screwmount_guy]

Hi Dave,
  Thank you for letting me know. It's my first time being on such a forum, so my apologies for the ignorance. I will try to snap some photos in the coming days and post them.

Edited August 2, 2022 by screwmount_guy