Leica LTM Now Official Leica owner! III (1936)

[photobizzz]

Finally recieved my first Leica in the mail today. It was love at first sight as I purchased it from Cameta Camera in NY without seeing photos of it (they dont list photos for their used equip) It arrived in better than expected condition for a 70 year old camera. No brassing, no scratching except a few really light scratches on the baseplate, RF and VF clean and clear and working perfectly. The vulcanite is even like new! I went through the speeds and they sound correct as well. I am not sure but the shutter could have been replaced, if not it must have been in a stable environment these last 70 years as it looks like new. I also got a Summar at the same time and it is in just as good as shape as the camera. I will add some photos to this post later.

The lens and camera could have very well be the original combo as the serial numbers of both indicate construction in 1936. I found loading the film pretty easy (my first time with a bottom loader) thanks to the sticky on this board. We shall see how the first roll turns out.

Now that I have this body I cannot wait to get the IIIf that Keith shipped me. I think it will look good with the 9cm Elmar black barrel lens I have coming.

😀

 

[MikeL]

Congrats photobizzz! I'm looking forward to seeing some photos with the Summar.

My III (1933) is at the post office right now with a coated Summar after Youxin gave the III a once over. I'll try and take some photos with it tomorrow to share. Take care over there.....
Mike

 

[Keith]

Hi Colin,

Congrats ... let's see some pics of the camera and of course some out of it!

One of my favourite cameras is a 1936 II I bought off ebay really cheaply because the flash sync put all the collectors off I suspect. I may or may not remove it one day and recover the camera ... it doesn't bother me that much to be honest ... it's still one of the prettiest cameras I own. I love the brassing on these old black Leicas and it's a lovely camera to use!

I have my fingers crossed for the arrival of the IIIf! 🙂

Cheers ... Keith

 

[LeicaTom]

Congrats photobizzz! I'm looking forward to seeing some photos with the Summar.

My III (1933) is at the post office right now with a coated Summar after Youxin gave the III a once over. I'll try and take some photos with it tomorrow to share. Take care over there.....
Mike

Hey there! what did Youxin say about that transport band, did he fix it?

Congrats Photobizzz on your new Leica, get out there and shoot will be good to see more Summar photos!

Tom

 

[dougdarter]

Hi Colin,

Congrats ... let's see some pics of the camera and of course some out of it!

One of my favourite cameras is a 1936 II I bought off ebay really cheaply because the flash sync put all the collectors off I suspect. I may or may not remove it one day and recover the camera ... it doesn't bother me that much to be honest ... it's still one of the prettiest cameras I own. I love the brassing on these old black Leicas and it's a lovely camera to use!

I have my fingers crossed for the arrival of the IIIf! 🙂

Cheers ... Keith

Congratulations Photobiz!!

Here is my II - a bit earlier - 1932. It will always be my favourite, it's the first Leica I ever bought, over 30 years ago.

 

[Sonnar2]

here is my contribution to the thread (1935 III with black rim Summar)

more http://www.taunusreiter.de/Cameras/Leica_Barnack.html

Small, pretty, fun to use. My oldest camera BTW...

 

[Keith]

Wow ... these old gals have some class!

Photbizz will be having major gas by now. 😀

 

[JNewell]

Especially in black!

 

[photobizzz]

Man I want a SBOOI but they are expensive! I dont really mind the viewfinder on my III but I am sure a brightline would be nice. I like the black III, is the paint original?

 

[Sonnar2]

the sbooi was 75 GBPs at a British Internet Shop, Incl. case and one-week-return option, very few signs of use. Ebay usually is more expensive.

In fact, Ive bought the sbooi right after the Iii. Wearing glasses, the viewfinder of a Ii/Iii isnt particulary funny to use.

And yes, the black is original. Iii was the last srew mount Leica normally available in black or chrome, and therefore, still can be found today reasonable priced. In fact I paid less for it than for my later, technically advanced Canon RFs except the Canon 7.

What impresses me is how quiet and smooth this 72 years old camera still works.

 

[photobizzz]

Here are the first photos from III & Summar

Here are the first photos from III & Summar

Had a small piece of film from the previous owner stuck up in the gears so I had to wind this roll up early. Not bad for a 70 year old camera and lens though. The scans are by no means good, I just scanned them fast.

😎