Leica LTM Advice on buying a III

Leica M39 screw mount bodies/lenses
Disaster_Area

Disaster_Area

Gadget Monger
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I'm thinking of picking up a IIIc, I got into RF's in an attempt to relive my full manual days with a K1000 and as a way to take a break from my SLR's. I have an R2a and while I love it, it still feels too ... modern. The allure of AE is too hard to resist :) and while I'm definately going to keep the R2a, I want a camera the FORCES me to slow down and take my time.

So I'm thinking of picking up a IIIc, I'll never need the flash capability so unless I found a IIIf for the same price I could get a IIIc I don't think I'll be considering one. My main concern is prices seem to be in a pretty broad range for a IIIc, anywhere from $200-$600. Should I grab a cheap one and expect to send it for a CLA? What should I look for to make sure it's not a copy? I don't care if it looks beat to hell as long as it's 100% working, whats the most I should pay for one in that condition? And how much of a gamble is eBay?
 
Buy one from our classifieds.
FSU copies look vastly different from a Leica IIIc, check photos of both to see what I mean.
 
You should consider budgeting for a CLA. These cameras are old and unless the seller can vouch for one being done in the last ten years or so it's going to need a CLA. Cosmetic condition is probably the biggest factor affecting price. I picked up a real nice IIIF very cheap because it needed a shutter and had a very light scratched X on the back. You might also want to consider a seperate 50mm VF and the biggest minus on a III body is the little bitty VF.
 
I would stick the a C, IMHO it's the perfect classic LTM body. There's a guy in Boston (Yeh?) who does a great job with all non-electric Leicas. Sorry I can not remember his name, lots of folks here have used him, I will if I ever revive my fathers IIIa.

The self timer on the F just makes it look too modern to me. Price-wise I would look to buy it from someone here and reach out to CLA places and add the cost (with shipping both ways) to your purchase price.

B2 (;->
 
I, too, would buy from the classifieds here rather than ebay. People here take better care of their cameras and know what they are selling. They will also give you a longer period to evaluate the camera.

I would have Youxin Ye do the CLA. He does a great job, quickly, and for a very reasonable price.

As part of the CLA, I would ask him to check in the shutter still has a range for future adjustment. My old IIIc eventually reached a point where it couldn't be adjusted any more.
 
I bought my IIIc from the classified ads here. The seller had recently had it CLA'd by Youxin Ye although when he checked it before shipping, he noticed that one of the shutter speeds was off and sent it back to Youxin for further adjustment. It was in good cosmetic condition and came with a very clean 50/2 Summitar and a small selection of Summitar filters. A really excellent deal for USD 400 and a fine testament to the goodwill and honesty of some of the people who post here.
 
John Shriver said:
Nothing wrong with a IIIa if you want to save some dough, and have a slightly lighter camera.
Click to expand...

Agreed...

This model is just as good as the IIIc if properly CLA'd and will last as long contrary to popular belief..
 
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