Bought 1C got 1F BD and a K

[Sykomor]

So, I finally found and bought a Leica 1C but found out that what I got was a 1951 1F black dial. After some googeling I understand that this was only made in a small batch and may be more valuable than I wish for a user camera. Looking at the auction site doesn't help because all 1F BD I found are in fact RD with 1/25 s as the slowest speed when it should be 1/30 s in a BD. Should I sell it to someone who appreciate it more or just put my Elmar 3,5/3.5 on it and shoot away, or perhaps get a more period correct Summaron 3.5. I was planning to use it with my Voigtländer 25mm but the viewfinder is huge on the tiny 1F.

The second curtain (pictured) needs, if not replacement, at least some covering with liquid rubber.

I would also like to know what the K stands for (pictured). Does it refer to kältefest or ball bearings?

IMG_0846 by inspectoris inspectoris, on Flickr

IMG_0848 by inspectoris inspectoris, on Flickr

IMG_0852 by inspectoris inspectoris, on Flickr

 

[Vince Lupo]

Total production numbers for Leica If is about 15,000 cameras total, but only 1118 were 1951 black dial models. There's another black dial on eBay right now (ser #563090) and the asking price is 289.90GBP. There's also a fully CLA'd one on eBay (ser #563876) for $689USD.

Personally I don't think it's any more 'valuable' than a red dial (although I do appreciate the limited production of the black dial version), so I wouldn't worry too much about putting it to use. Neat camera to be sure, but I don't think it's a model that Leica collectors are actively seeking (though I could be wrong!).

Not sure about the hand-scribed 'K' on the inside of the body -- usually the 'K' shutters (ball-bearing) had a white K on the second curtain and had a K at the end of the serial number, but that was during Wartime.

I think that shutter curtain should be replaced -- I tried rubber coating a curtain like that once, and what happened is the rubber flaked off and got into the shutter mechanism. Then I had an even bigger mess on my hands! Maybe run a roll of film through the camera to see if that curtain might still be okay for now.

 

[sepiareverb]

Just use it!

 

[Sykomor]

Thanks for the price examples (still can't find them on the site though). I really like it so I'll probably just start using it. I think it'll be very nice with a Summaron 3.5.

Sorry about the low quality picture. Here's a larger one: k by inspectoris inspectoris, on Flickr

 

[Sykomor]

So I decided to keep the 1F. The first test roll is in the camera and I tried all my wide angle lenses on it. One problem though: The little stop in the front of the cold shoe is missing. I changed the two shoes so I can use the finder but somehow I'd like the camera to be complete. Where can I find the little metal stop part?