does anyone know this kind of tax?

[the_other_dirk]

a leotax actually... I found this camera while browsing eb*y (ebay link) and must admit I had never heard of it. Does anyone here own/use one of these? The one on *bay is currently priced at over 400 euros; way over my budget, so I won't be bidding (I wouldn't even bid if I had the money since I don't know anything about this camera)

Worth the money or better get the real thing (a Leica that is)?

no connections with eb*y seller etc.

(PS found some info on the cameraquest site, but not much)

 

[jlw]

It's an early, well-made, and historically important Leica derivative made by Showa Optical Works. Here's a website with a timeline:Leotax link

Although it's reputed to be a nicely-made camera (I've never personally handled one) its price is driven by collectibility rather than functionality. Translation: Cool to have, but you'll get a lot more picture-taking power for less money by buying something else, such as a nice new C-V Bessa.

 

[the_other_dirk]

thanks jlw for the link and the answer!

dirk

 

[Paul T.]

As well as copying Leica, those creative gentlemn in the UK copy other rare cameras such as the Reid - and the Leotax. THey come up on eBay, sometimes economically worded so that you think you're buying a Japanese copy of a Leica, when you're really buying a Russian copy of a japanese copy of a Leica! This one is a copy:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=27994&item=7524601413&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

 

[the_other_dirk]

copies of copies... thanks for pointing that out Paul, it shows you really got to know your cameras before taking out your wallet!

 

[jlw]

copies of copies... thanks for pointing that out Paul, it shows you really got to know your cameras before taking out your wallet!

You've also got to know your fungi, as shown in the English translation of the description:

The objective is in excellent state, slight marks of cleaning in the front lens, very habitual in this type of objectives the little hardness of the lens. Eyeglasseses without lining, clean and clear, excellent transparency. Without mushrooms, of course.​

 

[oftheherd]

You've also got to know your fungi, as shown in the English translation of the description:

The objective is in excellent state, slight marks of cleaning in the front lens, very habitual in this type of objectives the little hardness of the lens. Eyeglasseses without lining, clean and clear, excellent transparency. Without mushrooms, of course.​

Quite funny! I remember seeing the same translation from Spain for a Fujica lens two or three years ago. In fact, there was a short thread about it at PP&I. This seller must have used the same on-line translation service.