1938 Leica Standard (model E)???

[Jack Conrad]

I'm being offered to purchase this camera for $300. The owner sent me the pics. In your opinion, is it worth it? At this point I don't know any more about its condition than you do. The lens looks kind of hazy...

aW1hZ2UwMDIuanBnQDAxRDM1MzQ4LjVCQzBBOTYw;jsessionid=B1CA8F103FAB615C20FE5295F75C3BAC-n2 by jackcb, on Flickr

aW1hZ2UwMDYuanBnQDAxRDM1MzQ4LjVCQzBBOTYw;jsessionid=B1CA8F103FAB615C20FE5295F75C3BAC-n2 by jackcb, on Flickr

aW1hZ2UwMDguanBnQDAxRDM1MzQ4LjVCQzBBOTYw;jsessionid=B1CA8F103FAB615C20FE5295F75C3BAC-n2 by jackcb, on Flickr

aW1hZ2UwMDIuanBnQDAxRDM1MzQ4LjVCQzBBOTYw;jsessionid=B1CA8F103FAB615C20FE5295F75C3BAC-n2 by jackcb, on Flickr

aW1hZ2UwMjIuanBnQDAxRDM1MzQ4LjVCQzBBOTYw;jsessionid=B1CA8F103FAB615C20FE5295F75C3BAC-n2 by jackcb, on Flickr

 

[davidnewtonguitars]

Depending on mechanical condition, the price is "too good to be true". An elmar can be cla'd easily, and the camera body is simple also, so even if both needed service, the price when done would be good.

 

[Jack Conrad]

Depending on mechanical condition, the price is "too good to be true". An elmar can be cla'd easily, and the camera body is simple also, so even if both needed service, the price when done would be good.

Thanks for your input, David.
Apparently I looked at this camera a year or so ago for the lady, but I can't recall if I looked very carefully at its condition such as shutter curtains, lens internals, etc.

Does anyone know if these pre-war Elmars have soft front element glass like the Summars?

 

[harryjiang]

I will take the offer if you hesitate to buy. Thanks

 

[Jack Conrad]

I will take the offer if you hesitate to buy. Thanks

That's encouraging. Thanks.

 

[p.giannakis]

I was about to say that the price is ok but I am not an expert. I bought my iic in 2010 with a coated Elmar for £300 from a reputable shop.

 

[Dralowid]

Elmars seem less prone to comments about front element damage, might just be the size or it simply has less effect on the results.

Be careful though, the vulcanite looks like it has shrunk or has come loose, see the screw holes on the front. If just loose sticking it back down will be easy but it is now quite fragile and will crack/shatter so watch out, heat will make it a little softer so if it has shrunk, a fair amount of heat might help it stretch back into shape.

 

[davidnewtonguitars]

In early 2016 I paid $734. for a '38 Standard E from Japan, Elmar from Leicawest, cla & new skin from YY, and all shipping charges.
I feel it was a bargain when all was said and done.

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

It looks a reasonable camera and price. I'd not worry about the lens being hazy as they are easily (and cheaply) cleaned. The model and age suggest a thorough check by an expert would be needed but that's not unusual...

Regards, David

 

[Mr_Flibble]

I...euh..bought my Model E a few years ago for $200 from KEH, just the body.
It was sold as "Inoperable".

Never figured out what was inoperable about it. Still works great.

In my opinion; $300 is a nice price for the lens+body combination.


The front element of the Elmars (of any vintage) seems to be much more durable/scratch resistant than the Summar/Summitars. I wouldn't worry about that too much.
Haze has a bigger impact on images than scratches anyway.

 

[Rob-F]

I would definitely buy it at that price!

 

[raid]

I bought a Standard (in black) many years ago as a trade for a Canon RF camera plus $200 No regrets. The camera work beautifully. It has the best sounding smooth shutter release ever. The 5cm finder was replaced with a second accessory flash mount. I use the camera mostly with wide angle lenses such as the Rokkor 21/4 or Canon 19/3.5.