Leica LTM is it real or is it.....

Leica M39 screw mount bodies/lenses
LChanyungco

LChanyungco

Well-known
Local time
3:52 AM
Joined
Sep 8, 2007
Messages
636
Location
Madrid
View My Gallery
i bid on and won this Leica II... i'm begining to wonder about this camera because the shutter release looks to be from a russian copy.. anyone have any idea just by looking at this photo if this is the real deal or just a fake. i hope i didnt get taken.
 

Attachments

  • 0915_1.JPG
    0915_1.JPG
    19.9 KB · Views: 0
  • 0cca_1.JPG
    0cca_1.JPG
    12.8 KB · Views: 0
  • 0f87_1.JPG
    0f87_1.JPG
    19.8 KB · Views: 0
...it certainly isn't Memorex

...it certainly isn't Memorex

LChanyungco said:
what gives it away ? for me it is the shutter release. in hindsight of course :bang:
Click to expand...

The shutter dial and the rangefinder windows give it away. The letter engraving is "competently amateur" at best; the shutter button is also a giveaway.

Sorry.

Or not, if you are into FSU bodies that undergo "plastic surgery".

Aunque la mona se vista de seda, mona se queda. 🙁
 
thanks everyone, Trit i'm trying my hardest to get out of it but the seller has not responded to any of my emails. do you think contacting paypal would help ?
 
LChanyungco said:
thanks everyone, Trit i'm trying my hardest to get out of it but the seller has not responded to any of my emails. do you think contacting paypal would help ?
Click to expand...

Yes.

Did you pay using paypal funds or a credit card through paypal? If the latter stop the credit card payment. Also contact eBay and report a fraudulent transaction.

Regards,

Bill
 
hold your horses ,It looks to be a real Leica II.
the vf window has the lintel piece of a real Leica.
the shutter dial is the add on external flash sync cam type.
the shutter release guard is the accessory type popular in the US in the 1940s.
it looks to be the real McCoy.
 
I second that it is a real Leica

The shutter speed dial looks like a replacement one that includes a flash synch knob.
The shutter button shroud is exactly like one I used to have for my IIIa.
 
i paid via paypal using my bank acct...

oooh i hope you guys are right about the camera being genuine. but by now i have emailed the seller asking for my money back... but since she hasnt responded to any of my emails i'm wondering if this is some other kind of fraud. i'm a bit confused as to what steps to take next. please advise.
 
Last edited:
Examine the front vf window metal stamping on the one you bought, to any Zorki 1 or Fed 1 picture on the net and you will see the FSU cameras are different to the Leica LTM body.
 
xayraa33 said:
hold your horses ,It looks to be a real Leica II.
the vf window has the lintel piece of a real Leica.
the shutter dial is the add on external flash sync cam type.
the shutter release guard is the accessory type popular in the US in the 1940s.
it looks to be the real McCoy.
Click to expand...
The shutter dial looks wrong. The rewind lever looks wrong. The engraving looks wrong. The platform under the shutter dial is the wrong shape. One of the screws is in the wrong place. The "vulcanite" looks like a stick-on fabric. The release guard is definitely an aftermarket addition. The serial number would make it a 1940 II

Can you post the description?


Regards,

Bill
 
" Leica II D.R.P. Ernst Leitz Wetzler, screwmount rangefinder, serial # 352007 (1940) with Carl Zeiss lens Jena Nr. 3007216 Sonnar 1:2 f=5cm, and silver lens cap. Condition: Overall, very good operating condition, only normal wear, no scratches, gouges, bullet holes or shrapnel dings. 1 square inch of black leather-grained vulcanite missing on front side under lens. Brought back from WWII by relative and stored since 1951. No refunds. Shipping only within US. "

i hope its real... i like the serial number 😉
 
I'm sitting here with my Leica II to hand, and the Leica Pocket Book 7th Edition. The last observation I would make is that the viewfinder window frame is missing the notch that mine has, and the picture in the book has.

This is mine:

2232808529_706f7a20d0_o.jpg


Regards,

Bill
 
BillP said:
The shutter dial looks wrong. The rewind lever looks wrong. The engraving looks wrong. The platform under the shutter dial is the wrong shape. One of the screws is in the wrong place. The "vulcanite" looks like a stick-on fabric. The release guard is definitely an aftermarket addition. The serial number would make it a 1940 II

Can you post the description?


Regards,

Bill
Click to expand...

I disagree Bill .
the shutter dial and shutter realease guard are all optional replacements that are legit for the time period.
most FSU camera fakers do not work the front vf window top lintel stamping to make it resemble the Leica front VF window.
all the screws look to be in the right place, and the stamping in the top view inc. the engraving look crisp and a dead ringer to the 1938 Leica III body that I am holding in my hand at present.
 
Last edited:
Part of the problem in identifying a Leica II is that had a relatively long production span beginning in 1932 and some assembled as late as 1947/48. I was browsing several sources and I see the different VF windows. Then you throw in a few non standard parts and .... a fun discussion erupts..

Not to mention the real fakes!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom