It’s happened again. I’ve found myself in the unenviable position of telling a customer that his rare and valuable camera is almost worthless.

Two or three times a year I’m offered gold Leicas. The sellers have inevitably bought at a car boot sale for a "bargain", usually paying £80 to £100. They assume they’re worth a small fortune.

The problem is that they’re not gold and they're not made by Leica. These are low quality fakes produced in Eastern Europe.

The good news is that they’re probably worth the money paid. But they’re certainly not worth the many £1000s the sellers are expecting.

So, if you find an ultra-rare Leica at a fair or car boot sale, please check it out carefully.  Remember the seller is unlikely to be a fool …  and if something is too good to be true, it probably is.