How to tell authenticity?

[giovatony]

OK, I just received a notice of this new site opening.
They have what appears to be an FSU but labeled a Leica lllb . It looks a lot like my Zorky 3
I`m just wondering if it`s authentic or not since it`s inscribed *Luffenwaffen* etc,etc.
Here`s the link.
scroll down to the Leica lllb



http://www.collectiblecameras.com/

 

[Sonnar Brian]

The two eyepieces are placed close together. This practice started with the Leica IIIb, and was not copied. Essentially, a Leica IIIb is a IIIa with the VF/RF close together. The IIIc through IIIg use the same configuration, but are a one-piece casting rather than having the cover for the VF/RF come off by itself.

 

[hans voralberg]

Collectible camera is quite reputable IIRC so I dont think they sell fakes

 

[wolves3012]

I don't see anything to suggest it's not a genuine Leica, although I'm no Leica expert. It's not an FSU-based fake, for sure. As for the Luftwaffe markings, that's anyone's guess if they are real.

 

[Mablo]

Bottom plate instructions are in English. Not very likely for German Luftwaffe in the -40's. But it's a Leica as far as I can see.

 

[giovatony]

Bottom plate instructions are in English. Not very likely for German Luftwaffe in the -40's. But it's a Leica as far as I can see.

Yet the the stenciled serial # on the bottom plate matches the # on top plate . Strange.