sgt hop Loc: baltimore md,now in salisbury md

the reyna cross 111 c 1944, was made by royal at st. Etienne in the "free zone" during the german occupation 55-85 dollars...this info from my mckeown's camera book....this is from the 2002 edition, so the value may be different now...

Bipod

It depends on whether you mean current market value, potential for appreciation,
historical value, or utility value.

The good news is that both cameras aren't too beat up and have their ready-cases,
which increases the value. It's possible that both cameras work. If not, it's very
likely they could be restored to working order (if someone has the skills and wants
to spend the time). For the Reyna, it might be worth it.

The Reyna Cross III is a rare camera, even in France:
http://www.collection-appareils.fr/x/html/page_standard.php?id_appareil=10609

In the US it is very rare, but the Reyna brand is not well-known.
And viewfinder cameras tend to be less sought-after than rangefinders.
So the price on the collectable camera market is modest.
However, your appears to be in "very good" condition (provided it works)
and you have the ready-case, which adds value.

Current market value:
http://collectiblend.com/Cameras/SEM/Reyna-Cross-III.html

If you want to sell it and aren't in a hurry, I would start at the
high-end of the range, say $175 if it works. If it doesn't work,
(e.g., if the aperture or shutter sticks, or if the door has light leaks),
you might still be able to get $50 -$80.

If you can prove that it was made during WW II (which is likely) then
that might help you sell it at close to the asking price.

If your Reyna Cross III was made during WW II, the historical value
and hence the potential for appreciation is high. Check to see if it
says "Free Zone" anywhere. If it does, then it was made in the
unoccupied part of Vichy France during WW II. Very few cameras
were made in France during the War.

It still has utility value. It's a decent camera that can take good pictures:
Body is solid cast aluminum.
It incorporates double exposure protection and wind lock.
Lens is a fast f:2.9 44 mm Cross Anastigmat with elf-cocking shutter with B, 25, 50, 100, 200.
Focuses with front lens group, from 0.8 meters to infinity.
Source (paraphrased above) and sample photos:
http://www.pbase.com/edkowalski/kimmswick1

The main advantage is the speed of the lens: f/2.9. It's an Anastigmat,
probably a 3-element lens, so it will have more aberrations than the best
modern lens, especially at wider apertures. It is probably sharpest at
f/8 or f/11. So there is a trade off between light-gathering and shaprness.

The biggest limitations are that it is a viewfinder camera (no focusing aids)
and the fastest shutter speed is 1/200th sec. However, a tapemeasure
solves the former problem, and a Neutral Density filter can allow you
to use it in brighter light. However, it doesn't accept screw-on filters,
so you would need a push-on filter or an adapter.

I would keep it (in a cool, dry, safe place) and hope it appreciates.
If somene published an article about the Reyna brand or about camera
making in France during WW II, that might boost its value.

As another poster mentioned, the Argus Cintar C-3 is a common camera.
But it's an interchangable lens rangefinder!!! (Check out the prices
on one of those from Leica, Nikon or Canon!) Nevertheless, the Cintars
don't fetch much.

Yours appears to be in pretty good shape and has its ready case. If you
want to sell it, with the case, you might get $35-45. Again, if you're not
in a hurry, start your asking price at the high end Stress that it's an
interchangable lens rangedfinder -- some people don't know.

I cannot tell for sure from your photo when it was made but probably:
1945 or 1946. If its a coated lens (hard to tell from photo) it could be later.
You can find out when yours was made here:
http://argusinfo.net/DatingGuide/DatingYourArgus.htm

Matt bought one to practice repairs on and ended up using it instead:
http://mattsclassiccameras.com/rangefinders-compacts/argus-c3/

I haven't used one, but based on what he says, the main disadvantage would
seem to be the rather small viewfinder.

As common as this camera is, even fixed lens rangefinders have increased in price
(e.g., the extremely common but excellent Yashica Electro-35) so it's possible it might
increase as well, eventually.. The fact that it does not look like other cameras is a
point in its favor. I would keep it (but I keep everything!)

The GE lightmeter is old enough to be collectable, but very common.
There are not many light meter collectors, which depresses the price.
Basically, you might get $15 for it if you were lucky. But there are
listing on eBay asking $29 and $47!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/General-Electric-Light-Values-EXPOSURE-Meter-GE-cb-Vintage-8DW58Y4/202297971488
https://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-CAMERA-GE-LIGHT-EXPOSURE-METER-MODEL-8DW58Y4-/350515008391

It probably still works, but its cadmium sulfide photocell isn't very sensitive.
And it would need to be calibrated (simple). And the scale is marked in footcandles --
which work fine with its dial calculator but which are no longer used for measuring EV.
It's worth a tad more if you have the leather case.