Leica LTM Good price for a chrome Leica III (first model)?

[callumross]

I've got the chance to buy a 1939 chrome black dial Leica III (first model) for £149 (~210 USD). Body only. I'd call it 'user' condition: most edges, including dials, have brassing but not dents and no pitting from what I can see, i.e. the paint seems naturally worn down to brass by use rather than negligence. Leather looks good.

The camera is in working condition, shutter speeds tested, etc. there's a 30 day return period also.

I basically just have very little idea how much one of these is worth. There's not too many sold on eBay for reference, and it's very difficult to find the exact same model in the same condition without a lens. I think £149 is a good price, and probably a no-brainer if it wasn't so brassed, but considering the wear I'm not too sure.

Thanks!

 

[Mr_Flibble]

$210 for one in user condition that has been serviced or at least checked over (with 30-day money-back). I'd says that's not bad.

There are certainly cheaper ones out there, but those would likely require a CLA.

 

[Dralowid]

Check the rangefinder, can you see the second image clearly and does it move when the cam is pressed? If not then leave it alone. It is an OK price for a 'user' with 30 day returns but everything must work otherwise you'll be spending roughly the same amount again having it properly serviced.

 

[Pioneer]

I paid about $50 less for my black paint Leica III with Elmar but then a LOT more to overhaul it so it worked properly.

If you can buy a working Leica III for $210 USD then I would think it is worth it. But there may be a difference between your definition of "working" and the seller's definition.

 

[callumross]

Check the rangefinder, can you see the second image clearly and does it move when the cam is pressed? If not then leave it alone. It is an OK price for a 'user' with 30 day returns but everything must work otherwise you'll be spending roughly the same amount again having it properly serviced.

The rangefinder is in full working order, just a bit of dust in the viewfinder. I've been assured everything works fully. 30 days would give me time to put a roll through it too.

$210 for one in user condition that has been serviced or at least checked over (with 30-day money-back). I'd says that's not bad.

There are certainly cheaper ones out there, but those would likely require a CLA.

Cheers, that's what I thought. That said, the shop hasn't necessarily given it a CLA, just confirmed it's working.

I paid about $50 less for my black paint Leica III with Elmar but then a LOT more to overhaul it so it worked properly.

If you can buy a working Leica III for $210 USD then I would think it is worth it. But there may be a difference between your definition of "working" and the seller's definition.

Ah a black paint, that's what I'd like ideally. To be honest I'm mainly looking for something to test a few ltm lenses, a Jupiter-12 and Industar-22 which I received with a Zorki C (currently in pieces in my drawer). I'd hoped I could get the Zorki back to working condition by comparing to something I knew was in working condition too—for some reason no matter what way I put the shutter blinds back in, the shutter speed selector won't line up properly.

The camera is being sold by a reputable shop so I'm fairly confident in their description of 'working'.

Thanks for your replies