first lens for first Leica (noob to Leicas)

[colyn]

When you ask adorama or keh questions about their used equipment, all you get in reply is ... "uh, we don't know anything about it...".
That's the last time I'll ever order an old Leica from either place. Maybe igorcamera.com or kevinscamera.com are better.

I don't know about Adorama but KEH has always been very helpful with me and has answered all of my questions to my satisfaction..

igor is ok but Kevin is way overpriced...

 

[pekuekfir]

I'm in the right frame of mind. ok, so maybe I overreacted a little. I've been collecting various things for over 30 years, and I have always looked for "as original" items to buy.

I think I will love the camera. The controls "feel" nice when you move them or turn them... like quality (well maybe not the I-50 though).

I was quoted $150 for a CLA for the IIIc by the camera repair shop in my city. they have been in business since 1948. I gather this is a fair price? They said that it included no lens work.

KEH seems like a good place. However, in my case, I asked a few specific questions about a particular Leica IIIc in their vintage listings. Their reply was something along the lines of "it's used and will show some wear". Ok, thanks...
I ended up buying from adorama, and I did not bother to ask anything first, so I can't say for sure how they would have replied.

I am printing out an owners manual for the IIIc from cameramanuals.org.

As to the original question "which lens to get", although I just bought an I-50, I intend to also buy a J-8. f2 is much more usable than the f3.5 of the I-50.

thanks again for all the info!