Checking out an antique store find IIIf

[Kirbot]

So, I saw a Leica IIIf in an antique store today. The good.... it's $200 with a lens
A 5cm F2 Summicron.

The bad is... There seems to be some minor fungus starting on the rear element. It actually feels like it's on the outside of the glass, but I didn't want to prod at it too much. The camera itself needs new vulcanite, and the shutter is slow and sticky at all speeds.
The only thing I forgot to check was the rangefinder. I have no idea what shape that's in.

If I buy it, I'll either end up reselling it, or sitting on it for a while until I can afford to get it CLA'd and use it.

What are your thoughts on it?
Am I crazy for considering a slightly fungusy $200 paper weight?
Or should I jump on it?

(there's a bad filter on the lens that you can see separating in the picture. the lens itself is OK)

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Pass it and you'll spare yourself the agony of reselling it after sending it for a CLA that cannot be recovered in the sale price.

I'd only consider a purchase like this if I were to keep the artifact for my own use and enjoyment. Then, I'd be happy to invest on it. Otherwise, it's time, effort and everything so that someone else actually enjoys it.

Now... if you change your mind and choose to keep it... then go for it! 🙂

 

[Kirbot]

Keeping it is certainly a possibility... at least if business picks up and I can spare the cash.
I had a Zorki 1 a couple years ago, and I've been lusting after a Leica ever since.

 

[Huss]

Fungus on the lens can mean fungus in the rest of the body.
Did u check the shutter curtains? You definitely need to check the RF, if that is toast then the repair bill will be huge.

 

[Kirbot]

Fungus on the lens can mean fungus in the rest of the body.
Did u check the shutter curtains? You definitely need to check the RF, if that is toast then the repair bill will be huge.

The curtains looked good, but I didn't check them with a flashlight.
I'll do that, and check the range finder next time i'm in the area. (next week, probably)

 

[Ronald M]

Flashlight check will find only some curtain defects, same with flash. Been there , done that.

CLA, replace curtains, repair lens, and there is too much money in it. Not Leicas best 50 either.

 

[rgraphex]

Looking at the photo the lens appears to have separation may not be able to fix. Or offer half. Antique shops I always renegotiate the price if I can.

 

[FrankS]

^

I was just going to say, offer $75, then agree to buy at 100.

 

[goamules]

A Summicron 50/2 is not Leicas best lens?

But I agree, as much as Leicas are "quality" cameras, and "valuable", they really aren't anymore. Unless they are mint, and working flawlessly. If the lens was in good shape, it might be worth it for a $200 Summicron.

 

[Kirbot]

Sounds fairly unanimous then.
I'll let it sit for a while and then see if I can get the price way down.
I know they're willing to work with the prices at least a little bit. I just bought a vintage Apple computer there and got it for $70, instead of $90.
Cutting the price in half might not happen though.

I did just stumble across Oleg and his rather surprising repair prices.
If I could get the body and lens CLA'd and shipped both ways for $150 or less, that'd make this camera a lot more appealing.

 

[Steve Bellayr]

CONDITION CONDITION CONDITION CLA + Lens service + vulcanite + shipping $300+ Leica IIIf + lens (BD) in average working condition $350 maybe a little more I'd let some picker buy it and try and sell it at a Flea Market.

 

[rgraphex]

Kirbot, Oleg will send the camera to the ukraine the work is good I supplied him with new old stock curtains to send along with my leica iiif. Agret job BUT the shipping and work has taken a long time so fine if your in no hurry. youxin ye is just as good a little more cost faster turn around. And I don't think oleg has spare parts.