Ever used a gold "Leica"?

[toylas]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Leica-II-D-regu...lm_Cameras?hash=item5ad7be539d#ht_2007wt_1167

If yes then how does the optical quality compare to the FSU friends? For someone like me who is always short of money, this could sound like a nice compromised beginning.

 

[colyn]

Personally I think these polished fake Leicas aren't worth the price.

I'd go with a Fed I with Industar lens instead..they can be found for under $100..

 

[brainwood]

If yes then how does the optical quality compare to the FSU friends? For someone like me who is always short of money, this could sound like a nice compromised beginning.

This IS an FSU camera it will be either a FED or Zorki so the optical quality will be as much of a gamble as all FSU cameras. The Leica Copy part of the 'restoration' extends merely to engraving 'Leica' on it apart from that it will just be a standard FED Zorki. This is not a newly made camera but a gold plated 60 year old camera

If you're short of cash a standard FSU camera is a great choice there are lots to choose from and for much less than this christmas tree example.
Have a look at FED 2 which is a good solid design. Well set up examples are capable of excellent results. Have a look at fedka.com to see whats available.

Chris

 

[Mr_Flibble]

I've had 2 of these leica-fied cameras from GrizzlyBear on Ebay a few years ago. The first one had a shutter curtain full of pinholes, The second worked but could not rewind the film...

The images that I did get out of the second were not too bad though.

In my opinion; don't bother with these doorstops. I think you have a better chance of getting a properly working unmodified Zorkii or FED.

 

[payasam]

Nothing can be compared with itself.

 

[Jamie123]

Why in the world would someone want a golden copy of a nazi camera? If it were real there would be an argument to be made about rarity and collectability but with a copy?

 

[Mr_Flibble]

As a WW2 Re-enactor I wanted one to use as display material at events. "Trophy Camera" so to say. I had the Panzerkampf and 1936 Olympics version.

I'm sure they appeal to collectors and to people with darker interests in Nazi history as well.

 

[Jamie123]

As a WW2 Re-enactor I wanted one to use as display material at events. "Trophy Camera" so to say. I had the Panzerkampf and 1936 Olympics version.

I'm sure they appeal to collectors and to people with darker interests in Nazi history as well.

WW2 re-enactor? There are some things I'll never understand.

 

[mh2000]

I thought FSU's offered a low cost alternative... and without ever getting a well functioning camera I ended up spending way way way more money on my FSU's than on my KEH Leica IIIc... should have just got the Leica first.

That said, the coated FED 50 that came on my early FED camera is absolutely stunning... no other FSU lens I've ever gotten is as good... too bad it's clocked so I can't use it on my Leicas. 🙁

My Industarts and Jupeters are kind weak...

Leicas are really cheap now, at least get a real working Leica or Japanese body and then play "Russian Roulette" with the inexpensive lenses... my advice after playing with FSU cameras for too many years to count...

 

[Steve M.]

mh2000 speaks the truth. The lenses can be excellent if you get a good one. Forget the bodies. My recommendation is just buy a Bessa R and a good FSU lens and live long and prosper. Or at least avoid wanting to throw the !*&#% camera out the window.

 

[HuubL]

I second the Fed2! Maybe you must buy two or three, but one of them will be good.