Leica M3 Questions

[ajoh3148]

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Hello everyone - This is my first post, and admittedly, I am not a camera enthusiast or photographer.  My father was, and when he passed away, I received his Leica M3 along with an additional longer lens, Honeywell flash attachment, some other sort of attachment, and manuals.  I am very sentimental about these pieces even though I don't have a clue how to use them.  I "may" be interested in selling them, and that is why I am here.  I would prefer to sell to an established and trusted dealer and not privately.  I have never sold via eBay, etc. and I don't have the technical Leica knowledge to adequately describe the pieces or evaluate their condition.  I will say they appear to be in excellent condition and they were never used roughly, but rather treasured.

I have reviewed online listings for the same M3 models.  The problem is they run anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.  I know a dealer will have to have room to make money, I just don't want to be taken for a ride.  I'm looking for advice on what to do and who I might reach out to.  I know that none of you have the pieces in front of you, but from what you see do you have an idea of sale value?

Thank you!

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[jaapv]

This is a very nice and complete set. The forum cannot give valuations. However I would contact Tamarkin and ask whether it should. beauctioned

https://www.tamarkinauctions.com/

The alternative would be Leitz Photographica Auction (formerly Westlicht)

 

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

[ajoh3148]

Thank you for the guidance - it is tremendously appreciated!

[Pyrogallol]

If you don’t need the money I would say keep them and maybe use them and have the camera serviced. They will continue to go up in value better than money in the bank.

[nitroplait]

You will be asked to remove the Leica Meter to show the serial no. of the camera.

Do yourself a favour and read the instructions on how to remove it. I have seen too many Leica M tops damaged from wrong removal of Leicameters.

[pippy]

2 minutes ago, nitroplait said:

You will be asked to remove the Leica Meter to show the serial no. of the camera...

If the manila pouch for the instruction manual and registry card seen in the last frame of the OP is for this camera it would appear that the serial number is 800538 and that it dates to 1955. The 'Buddha-Ears' strap-lugs would support it being an early example and the #No. of the Summicron also dates to 1955.

Nice set of items seemingly in very fine condition. If the equipment is of sentimental value then I, too, would suggest learning how to use them and remember your father when you do so.

Best of good fortune!

Philip.

[nitroplait]

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18 minutes ago, pippy said:

If the manila pouch for the instruction manual and registry card seen in the last frame of the OP is for this camera it would appear that the serial number is 800538 and that it dates to 1955. The 'Buddha-Ears' strap-lugs would support it being an early example.

Yes, you are absolutely right! 
However, I do doubt anyone will buy it or take it in for auction without having confirmed the sn number on the camera - or seen the condition of the top plate for that matter😄

[jaapv]

Judging by the frame counter there might be a film inside. 

[jankap]

Flash equipment is outdated, because the modern cameras can be damaged.

[jaapv]

1 hour ago, nitroplait said:

You will be asked to remove the Leica Meter to show the serial no. of the camera.

Do yourself a favour and read the instructions on how to remove it. I have seen too many Leica M tops damaged from wrong removal of Leicameters.

Disengage the shutter wheel connection by lifting the wheel of the meter before. sliding it off.

[wizard]

vor einer Stunde schrieb jaapv:

Disengage the shutter wheel connection by lifting the wheel of the meter before. sliding it off.

As far as I remember, the shutter speed wheel needs to be in a specific position for mounting and removing the Leicameter. Since I never had a Leicameter, I do not know which position that is though.

[jaapv]

Yes. It clicks in IIRC. A few decades ago…

[Anbaric]

If the instruction book is the same as the PDF on this page, it should have instructions for removing the meter, and will of course have instructions for rewinding the film (if there is one) and unloading the camera:

https://www.cameraworks-uk.com/leica-owner-manuals

Even a very old film will probably be worth processing, and may be of interest to the family. Some old colour films (like Kodachrome) can probably no longer be developed normally as the process isn't generally available, but a specialist service should at least be able to get black and white images from it.

[madNbad]

I noticed the brochure highlighted the frame selector lever most likely putting this camera early in the production run when the feature was added. It would be worth keeping and learning how to use it.