Joe Mondello
Resu Deretsiger
I inherited this well worn antique Leica . . .well it doesn't say Leica on it just Ernst Leitz Wetzlar D.R.P. and there is no model number just the s/n 57553
It was used by a petroleum geologist in the American desert in the 30s and 40s. There is a leather half case that is still in decent shape.
Any ideas or help much appreciated!
Pics are here . . .
http://www.flickr.com/photos/musicandlight/sets/72157594394808981/
It was used by a petroleum geologist in the American desert in the 30s and 40s. There is a leather half case that is still in decent shape.
Any ideas or help much appreciated!
Pics are here . . .
http://www.flickr.com/photos/musicandlight/sets/72157594394808981/
Joe Mondello
Resu Deretsiger
ferider said:
Thank you!
I found more info here. . .
http://www.ozdoba.net/leica/schraub_I_C_Standard_e.html
looks from the s/n to be a I(c) standardized.
Is it worth restoring? Or should I just leave it on my curio shelf?
Last edited:
VictorM.
Well-known
It's inherited: restore it and use it.
Xmas
Veteran
I'd use it unless you have sensitive skin, you either need to try and get the pukka rangefinder or learn how to scale focus.
Noel
Noel
jesse1dog
Light Catcher
Your old Leica
Your old Leica
Hi Joe,
Sounds a good idea to me as well - as long as you have the money to do it. If it was out in the desert in the 1930s and 40s and hasn't had any attention since I should think it will need a CLA. Add the price of a couple of curtains and a new outer covering and the price begins to add up. Then there is the lens! Can you see through it? I don't know anything about costs where you are but I just had a CLA on my IIc plus 2 new curtains and with p&p was nearly £130 the worse off.
Why don't you get some quotes first.
However if it ends up as clutter on one of your shelves, just let me know!!
Shall I start saving now?
Joking (only a bit) - just enjoy having a piece of history. What tales it could tell!
Your old Leica
VictorM. said:
Hi Joe,
Sounds a good idea to me as well - as long as you have the money to do it. If it was out in the desert in the 1930s and 40s and hasn't had any attention since I should think it will need a CLA. Add the price of a couple of curtains and a new outer covering and the price begins to add up. Then there is the lens! Can you see through it? I don't know anything about costs where you are but I just had a CLA on my IIc plus 2 new curtains and with p&p was nearly £130 the worse off.
Why don't you get some quotes first.
However if it ends up as clutter on one of your shelves, just let me know!!
Shall I start saving now?
Joking (only a bit) - just enjoy having a piece of history. What tales it could tell!
Ash
Selflessly Self-involved
If you don't want it.... I'd give it a good home and restore it 
Yea looks like a leica I/Standard to me.
Yea looks like a leica I/Standard to me.
Joe Mondello
Resu Deretsiger
Thanks all!
Any clue as to the value as-is or if restored? Anyone know good Leica restorers?
Any clue as to the value as-is or if restored? Anyone know good Leica restorers?
Ash
Selflessly Self-involved
Value as-is would be quite low. It's what's known as a 'dog'.
A later model Leica (II or III if I remember correctly) had been dropped in the ocean and was in an awful state. It got 'curiosity value' and I'm sure went for aover £100??
I've been given the names of a few different UK Leica repairs, but I don't think many would take that job on cheap. It'd involve removing most of the original parts if the inside is as bad as that shell.
I think you should sell it to me instead
A later model Leica (II or III if I remember correctly) had been dropped in the ocean and was in an awful state. It got 'curiosity value' and I'm sure went for aover £100??
I've been given the names of a few different UK Leica repairs, but I don't think many would take that job on cheap. It'd involve removing most of the original parts if the inside is as bad as that shell.
I think you should sell it to me instead
V
varjag
Guest
Or you could consider restoring it yourself, if you have time and desire. It is a fairly simple camera.
Ash
Selflessly Self-involved
There's a book out there with the repair notes for Leicas, and fix the shutter and wind-on.
Otherwise all you really need is to replace the vulcanite stuff with a nice thin leather (since it's so much nicer than vulcanite) and sort out the lens.
The lens may not have any hope left in it though, it looks a little hazey.
Otherwise all you really need is to replace the vulcanite stuff with a nice thin leather (since it's so much nicer than vulcanite) and sort out the lens.
The lens may not have any hope left in it though, it looks a little hazey.
Joe Mondello
Resu Deretsiger
Thanks again for all the info. Great forum.