Click on cameras

John Windsor's auction round-up

The yen is weak: now is the time to buy Leica cameras, whether for use or as collectables. Up to 40 per cent of the money bid for cameras in London comes from Japan and the yen's decreased buying power has prompted Christie's South Kensington to throttle back estimates by 10 per cent, especially at the top of the market.

Secondhand Leicas are not expensive. A couple of hundred pounds can buy one. At South Ken's camera sale on Thursday (2pm), a Leica IIIc of the early Forties is estimated at pounds 200-pounds 300.

The housing market is on the move, and so, therefore, are the more traditional modern Brit paintings. Bullish estimates at Sotheby's, Wednesday (10.30am), on Edward Seago, Dorothea Sharp and - a glimmer of more refined taste - Gwen John, whose watercolour of a young girl is est pounds 4,000-pounds 6,000. More modern Brits at South Ken, Friday (10.30am).

Countrywide auctions

Manchester: Domestic electrical appliances, including popcorn and bread makers, telephone answering machines, Thursday (11am) at 51a Broughton Lane. Auction International (0161-832 2400).

Plymouth: Computers and peripherals at the Novatel, tomorrow (11am). South West Computer Auctions (01934-642437).

Headcorn, Kent: A 1952 Rolls Bentley, a cabin cruiser, a Thirties model locomotive, among 1,000 lots at the Weald of Kent Golf Club, Monday (12 noon). Wealden Auction Galleries (01622-891568).

Fairs

London Autograph Fair, Chesterfield Hotel, Charles Street, Mayfair, West London, tomorrow (01483-232423).

London International Watch Fair, Music Rooms, 26 Molton Lane, London W1 tomorrow (0171-499 0564).

Ardingly: Tuesday-Wednesday. IACF (01636-702326).

Further information about auctions and fairs: Antiques Trade Gazette and Government Auction News (fax information line 0336-423488).