Red Robin
It Is What It Is
Some time ago I read of a Leica copy ordered by the Red Guard or some such. Was it a good camera? Can they be had? Was it a faithful copy? I read resently they were buying a lot of used Leica's
JHenry
Established
There was a PRC 60th Anniversary Leica (M6 I think). It was gold plated with red leather; not sure if the gold plating was real gold or not. Is this what you are thinking of?
It had an engraving of Tiananmen gate on the top, along with 1949-2009.
I thought it looked "interesting," but not my thin. I also didn't think it was worth the nearly USD 9,500 cost (if memory serves).
I don't remember ever seeing a Chinese-copy of a Leica M when living in China...and I spent a lot of time looking used camera shops.
It had an engraving of Tiananmen gate on the top, along with 1949-2009.
I thought it looked "interesting," but not my thin. I also didn't think it was worth the nearly USD 9,500 cost (if memory serves).
I don't remember ever seeing a Chinese-copy of a Leica M when living in China...and I spent a lot of time looking used camera shops.
Talex
Established
There is a Chinese copy of the Leica M called "Red Flag." It was built by the order of Jiang Qing (Chairman Mao's wife, and head of the "Gang of Four"). It is exceeding rare, mostly given to high ranking party members and dignitaries. I remember reading that only 900 were ever built.
Because of its rarity, the collectors moved in and the last one one I recall reading about was auctioned off at around $15,000 or something like that.
Because of its rarity, the collectors moved in and the last one one I recall reading about was auctioned off at around $15,000 or something like that.
Avotius
Some guy
There are also a bunch of LTM leica copies made here in China. They are part of a line of cameras called Shanghai with various models with different features. Generally speaking they are pretty awful, you are better off with a Russian copy as these cameras were not well kept or maintained and whenever I have found one here the lens has been full of fungus and or the mechanical bits were not working, shutters were molded or full of holes and also there are some that used a odd type of material for the shutter ribbons that sort of biodegraded after a few decades.
If you can find one in good condition it will probably be quite expensive as they are prized by mainland collectors now.
If you can find one in good condition it will probably be quite expensive as they are prized by mainland collectors now.
rlouzan
Well-known
johannielscom
Snorting silver salts
I once had a Shanghai fake.
Both Shanghai models had a slow times dial, but mine was a FED faked into a Shanghaiand the slow times dial was missing. Engravings were pretty accurate, should not have sold it I guess... :bang:
The Shanghais were the only non-Japanese close Leica copies to ever include a slow times dial!
Both Shanghai models had a slow times dial, but mine was a FED faked into a Shanghaiand the slow times dial was missing. Engravings were pretty accurate, should not have sold it I guess... :bang:
The Shanghais were the only non-Japanese close Leica copies to ever include a slow times dial!
Red Robin
It Is What It Is
Red Flag!!!
Red Flag!!!
Yup, Thats the one. Didn't know it was a sought after piece. Just wondered if it was a good camera. With only 900 each part must have been handmade. Wonder if the lens was imported at that time or if it has any special signature. M-39(?)Coated(?) Any one ever used one?
Red Flag!!!
Yup, Thats the one. Didn't know it was a sought after piece. Just wondered if it was a good camera. With only 900 each part must have been handmade. Wonder if the lens was imported at that time or if it has any special signature. M-39(?)Coated(?) Any one ever used one?