Bought a Leica III, how did I do?

[Krasnaya_Zvezda]

Today at a camera show I picked up a Leica III from 1937/38 with a Summarit 1.5 lens for $275. The body is in pretty good shape, but it is missing just a very small bit of covering next to one of the strap lugs. Shutter speeds seem appropriate, and the inside of the camera was perfectly clean. And the lens, which is what I really wanted, is beautiful, no dings, scratches, dents. The glass is a little dusty, but that will clean up easily.
I thought this was a pretty good deal, what do you think? And does anyone know where I can pick up a lens cap, and maybe a case for this camera?

 

[ray_g]

Looks like you did very well. I usually just use generic plastic snap-on caps from ebay or from HERE. The original leica metal caps can be bought from ebay, but are expensive, and I just end up being paranoid of losing them.

The ER case can also be bought on ebay, but the top and bottom halves don't separate (unless you cut the stitching), so I rarely use them.

Don't forget to post some photos when available!

 

[aad]

Sounds great to me ! My Summarit has a CV lens cap from the previous owner.

 

[Krasnaya_Zvezda]

Thanks, guys, for the info. All very useful. Turns out my cap for the 35mm Color Skopar fits the Summarit. I'm going to see about new covering from camera leather, looks like good stuff at very reasonable prices. Also, I'll start watching ebay for a case.
And I'll be into the Barnack forum, for sure.
Finally, even after having a Digilux 2 for a year and a half now, I really feel like I've joined the ranks of the Leicaphiles.

 

[FrankS]

Well done! I paid almost that much for the Summarit alone! Be sure to check the lens for haze, as they seem to be very prone to that happening over the years. Congrats!

 

[rover]

Sounds like you bought the lens and got the camera for free.

 

[captainslack]

I wouldn't bother with the never-ready, if I were you. Just get one of Gordy's wrist straps. They're perfect for Barnack Leica's. In fact, I've got one on the IIf in my avatar.

Aki Asahi also sells new leather for these cameras. His selection isn't as broad as Camera Leather's, but his prices are better.

 

[Krasnaya_Zvezda]

Just had my new acquisition appraised by the local authorized Leica dealer. Body valued at $350, lens at $250. He said the lens has some haze to it, but not enough to worry about at this time. So I guess my $275 was well invested, indeed.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Essex will clean the lens, and can usually get the haze out, for 80~90 or so. They did my two Summarits.
You did very well on price!

 

[Krasnaya_Zvezda]

Essex will clean the lens, and can usually get the haze out, for 80~90 or so. They did my two Summarits.
You did very well on price!

Thanks for the info. The local dealer said he could take care of the haze, but we didn't talk about price. Now you've given me both an idea of it, and an option in case the price here is higher.