Leica LTM Newest member of the family

[colyn]

My newest is a 41 vintage wartime red curtain IIIc.

A previous owner had a flash sync added as you can see by the photos. I have since removed it and will replace the shell with a spare I have in my parts collection.

 

[Solinar]

Dude, your step is showing, along with a couple other odds and ends.

 

[LeicaTom]

My newest is a 41 vintage wartime red curtain IIIc.

A previous owner had a flash sync added as you can see by the photos. I have since removed it and will replace the shell with a spare I have in my parts collection.

Does this camera have the Luftwaffen Eigentum engravings on the back of the top plate?
I`m asking because it`s got the FL. Number on the top plate already.......

Tom

 

[colyn]

Does this camera have the Luftwaffen Eigentum engravings on the back of the top plate?
I`m asking because it`s got the FL. Number on the top plate already.......

Tom

Sadly no.. The FL number is all it has.

I would like to be able to research its history to see where it's been..

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Congratulations on the new family member! 🙂 What lens do you intend to use with it?

 

[colyn]

Congratulations on the new family member! 🙂 What lens do you intend to use with it?

I have several that I can use. A pre-war Summitar, post-war Summitar, J-8, Nokton 50mm f/1.4, and Elmar f/2.8.

I'm favoring the pre-war Summitar to keep it period though..

 

[LeicaTom]

Sadly no.. The FL number is all it has.

I would like to be able to research its history to see where it's been..

Well, FL. numbered top plate cameras are STILL Luftwaffe cameras, send me the serial number through an email and I`ll see if I can get the delivery info`s back in a few days - think it`s late 1941, early 42 and a very late Red Curtain production camera....ohh and the shutter release button collar is not original, it`s a later post 1942 one, those didn`t come out until the slow speed dial lock buttons were introduced

winkermeister@aol.com

What does the vulcanite look like on the back of the camera?

Does it look like there was any printed lettering across the middle?

Tom

 

[colyn]

Well, FL. numbered top plate cameras are STILL Luftwaffe cameras, send me the serial number through an email and I`ll see if I can get the delivery info`s back in a few days - think it`s late 1941, early 42 and a very late Red Curtain production camera....ohh and the shutter release button collar is not original, it`s a later post 1942 one, those didn`t come out until the slow speed dial lock buttons were introduced

What does the vulcanite look like on the back of the camera?

Does it look like there was any printed lettering across the middle?

Tom

Thanks I just sent you an email..
I suspected the shutter collar was newer based on photos I've seen of wartime Leicas but I think I might have an original somewhere in my parts collection. I hope at least.
The vulcanite is pretty much intact on the back but I can't see any indication of any stamping or printed lettering.

Thanks in advance for the info..

 

[photovdz]

how is it possible that my IIIc redcurtains have nice period vulcanite and sweating curtains...
and that yours has pristine curtains and worn vulcanite...
not that I think it's not a true one... but could it be that they have been changed (the curtains)

 

[colyn]

how is it possible that my IIIc redcurtains have nice period vulcanite and sweating curtains...
and that yours has pristine curtains and worn vulcanite...
not that I think it's not a true one... but could it be that they have been changed (the curtains)

I suspect the curtains have been replaced since they are in good condition and light tight. Whoever did it did a fine job. These aren't made of the cheap material found at places like micro-tools etc.. These curtains have the same tight weave pattern as genuine Leica curtains.

 

[LeicaTom]

I suspect the curtains have been replaced since they are in good condition and light tight. Whoever did it did a fine job. These aren't made of the cheap material found at places like micro-tools etc.. These curtains have the same tight weave pattern as genuine Leica curtains.

Does the fabric sparkle slightly, when you shine direct light onto it?

If so it`s the original fabric........

Tom

 

[colyn]

Does the fabric sparkle slightly, when you shine direct light onto it?

If so it`s the original fabric........

Tom

There is a very slight sparkle to it when exposed to direct light.

Where would anybody find original material now??

 

[LeicaTom]

There is a very slight sparkle to it when exposed to direct light.

Where would anybody find original material now??

Nowhere........you have original curtains!

I`ve seen MINT Red Curtain cameras (non Luftwaffe ones) that were just like they came out of the box and the curtain material is really crazy red looking, it`s that sparkle that shows off the original material, when it`s flat looking, then it`s a replacement curtain

I heard rumor that in the 1990`s the Eastern Bloc forgers were putting some fake curtains into some cameras that were run down on the German/Italian collectors market and I even saw a FAKE IIIC Grey body with a Red Curtain in it as well, but if any faked curtains are out there, they have`nt been done for at least 15+ years now

Tom

 

[colyn]

Nowhere........you have original curtains!

I`ve seen MINT Red Curtain cameras (non Luftwaffe ones) that were just like they came out of the box and the curtain material is really crazy red looking, it`s that sparkle that shows off the original material, when it`s flat looking, then it`s a replacement curtain

This got me to thinking so I brought out my 36 vintage IIIa that my granddad gave me when I was 6. The curtains as far as I know have never been replaced at least not since I've had it (1959) and the curtains look new also. Leica must have used some really outstanding quality material.

I heard rumor that in the 1990`s the Eastern Bloc forgers were putting some fake curtains into some cameras that were run down on the German/Italian collectors market and I even saw a FAKE IIIC Grey body with a Red Curtain in it as well, but if any faked curtains are out there, they have`nt been done for at least 15+ years now

Tom

Several years ago a dealer at a local camera show had 2 Russian Fed Leica copies which had red curtains. He admitted to doing it himself with material bought from micro-tools.