Best Christmas Present Thus Far?

[petepete_seattle]

I called my Uncle to thank him for my $30 Starbucks card on Christmas. He is aging and does not get around well nor is his vision well. It's been a while since I've talked to him. Well, we got around to talking about photography and cameras. I told him I collect and use Leicas. He was suprised that I knew quite a bit about Leicas. He told me about his 4 Leicas ... 2-M3s, 1-M6, and one that I want to ask you all about because he vaugly discussed this one. Some how he aquired a Leica in WW2. He started to trail off because he was tired. To end this he asked me again if I was a serious Leica user. I said yes. The next thing I hear on the phone is, "They're yours."

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What can this model be? Was it "aquired" from Germany during WW2? Was there an official US issue (I didn't think that was possible since you couldn't by Mercedes then). Anyone know the official story of WW2 Leicas? Anyone?

 

[Avotius]

You going to share with me right? Im from seattle, it all goes way back right? 😀

Anyway I dont know what the deal is with the ww2 leica's, a lot of them are extremely valuable if real. Seems to me though that it might be a pre world war two that he picked up used or nos or something like that, but who knows, might get lucky.

 

[petepete_seattle]

He did say he had it when he was in Okinawa. Could've been his own or from someone in the faimly. The family history (I may be getting this wrong) is that they came over from Germany in the 1800 and still had relatives over there during the wars. I dunno. I was suprised to find out another Leicaphile in the family who is the original owner. I feel like not waiting and fly out to interview him and take portraits of him with his collection. He's not well and could go anytime.

To answer your question about giving them out ... I'd charge you high rental a with a CC deposit 😛 after a credit history check, of course

 

[like2fiddle]

He did say he had it when he was in Okinawa. Could've been his own or from someone in the faimly. The family history (I may be getting this wrong) is that they came over from Germany in the 1800 and still had relatives over there during the wars. I dunno. I was suprised to find out another Leicaphile in the family who is the original owner. I feel like not waiting and fly out to interview him and take portraits of him with his collection. He's not well and could go anytime.

To answer your question about giving them out ... I'd charge you high rental a with a CC deposit 😛 after a credit history check, of course

You should interview him ASAP and tape record the conversation too. You'll never regret it. A deceased neighbor of mine told me many times to do just that with my grandmother who was in her 90's so that I could retrieve invaluable family history - I never did it, and now that I have a little more time and would like to trace the family history in more depth.... well you see where I'm going. Take his picture with one of those old Leicas.

 

[erikhaugsby]

The next thing I hear on the phone is, "They're yours."

wow, all this in addition to the 4 Leicas you already have!? I say, you are far too lucky.

Maybe the WW2 Leica was a Luftwaffen-eigentum snatched off of a (POW?) German? If it is lucky lucky lucky LUCKY you.