From a relative I became the owner of a Leicaflex 1 serialnr: 1123508 in mint condition, it’s a chrome version with a f2 objective it looks new but the light meter does some strange things it gives incorrect readings . The question is, what would be the value of this camera, and as it al value as a collectors item even with the defective light meter.

-- Jeff Ceuppens (Jeff.ceuppens@skynet.be), February 09, 2002

Answers

There are probably a few people out there who collect them and might be willing to pay for a mint sample with a defective meter. As a user camera the Leicaflex I has some glaring faults (non-TTL meter, focus only possible in the center of the screen)and like any Leica, repairs are expensive. Basically it's case of "it's worth what someone's willing to pay for it". You might try listing it on the internet auction site with an opening bid for the least you'd take for it, and you'll either sell it for that or more--or not at all.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), February 09, 2002.

If your lens has a chrome finish then you have been very lucky indeed. The early chrome finished lenses are very rare and would sell for a tidy sum.

-- John Collier (jbcollier@powersurfr.com), February 09, 2002.

Hello Jeff. Your Leicaflex was manufactured in 1965, the second year of production of the Leicaflex. There two marks of this camera:Mark 1 had a "pie" shaped frame counter and in the Leicaflex collector's eyes is more valued more than Mark 2 which had a circular frame counter and a meter cut off switch incorporated in the film advance advace lever.

Many Leica users say Leica should never have gone into reflex however,the Nikon F heralded a new era in 35mm. photography and Leica had to come up with a reflex to show "how it was done."

If the camera's defective meter can't be repaired at a reasonable fee I don't think you will realize a lot if selling.There is still a good lens attached to the camera and I would consider keeping the camera as a solid classic. Regards.

-- Sheridan Zantis (albada60@hotmail.com), February 09, 2002.