HU: a DIY project waiting for someone on eBay....

I hope it comes with assembly instructions. If it goes anything like my old lego / ikea sets its bound to have a couple extra pieces when the assembly is over.
 
How bizarre. The seller should have been so unlucky to be the one who's camera was being worked on at the wrong time. I hope this m4 isn't cursed.
It actually looks like a doable job. The small parts are mostly screws and washers, which probably only go back together one way.
The smart thing would be to send it to another repair shop.
 
I knew a watchmaker who was repairing a $175,000 IWC triple complication wristwatch (perpetual calendar, chronograph, minute repeater) and found when he was done that he had parts left over. The watch was eventually sold sans the parts left out. Who knows what the effect was on the performance of the watch? This model was known for having some 600+ parts, so what's the big deal about a few odd bits that didn't find their proper homes?
 
Is it just me, or are there two shutter crate castings in the lot? The nearer bits seem to feature a complete crate/baffle assembly. I'm not sure I'm able to identify the type, though, but I don't think it's an M4.

I'm sure someone will come along who knows for certain. Sad story, indeed.


Cheers,
--joe.
 
Photo shows what looks like a core in one peice and also one that has had most of it's parts removed. Odd. I don't think the description is accurate. If it's been stripped further than a normal cla then 'good luck'. If it's less than $50 then yes a bit of fun. Parts like top plate and bottom plate, levers etc can always be sold. There's a line on Stephen's buyers guide which states 'Don't Buy a Leica M "Project Camera" with obvious missing parts, jammed or damaged shutter, separated or damaged finder, among other things -- unless the camera is dirt cheap. Such bargains usually cost more in the long run and eat up a lot of time getting the camera right.'
good advice.
 
The problem with "fine cherman engineering"......

The problem with "fine cherman engineering"......

robklurfield said:
This model was known for having some 600+ parts, so what's the big deal about a few odd bits that didn't find their proper homes?
Click to expand...


In my dealings with precision instruments and finely engineered automobiles, I have developed a premise that many of these items are highly OVER engineered, and too many fasteners are often used in assembly.

Therefore in my passion for automobiles, for instance, I have dis and re-assembled many BMW cars. I have come to the conclusion that if I complete a re-assembly that results in NO left over parts, I have obviously used too many parts, and the final result is a car that is heavier than it needs to be to traverse the highways and byways that I travel.

It may truly be the case with this Leica, in that it may end up overly heavy, and not at all fast in action as a result. If the result of over engineering falls in the category of 10% more parts than necessary, then the camera listed in this post with 600 parts should surely function adequately with 60 left over parts on assembly.

Think about it?
 
Kuzano I agree with you that most German products are over engineered. But, the Germans just are so bloddy good at that!

I'm not gettin' my screwdrivers unsheathed for this one, no I am not, no I am not, no I am ... argh

:p
 
That's a very tempting offer. If for no other reason than the spare parts.
If you have an M4 then here are the parts to keep it running indefinitely.

As far as building a working camera from this lot! I think you should look elsewhere.

The back ground story is sad... RIP Steve.
 
Three take up spools/ tulips
an M2 advance lever
you may well find it's not one original M4 complete set...
 
It is probably whatever was on the bench when Steve's executor cleaned up the shop.
I didn't see the selenium meter though...:
(from the description)
Product Information
Explore the world of photography with the Leica M4 film camera. Click crisp, sharp images with the Leica film camera's 35mm, 50mm, 90mm, 135mm amazing lenses. The Leica rangefinder camera enable you to capture blur free images at a very low shutter speeds. Stop worrying about battery life as the Leica film camera comes with built-in light meter which eliminates the use of batteries. The Leica rangefinder camera is lightweight and easily fits into your pocket for candid street photography. The Leica M4 is easy to use fully manual camera and is of great help for new photographers.
Click to expand...
I think this could actually be a good deal if the buyer has already talked to their repair guy and that person is: a) willing and b) in good health! And the price stays fairly low.
Rob
 
nobbylon said:
Photo shows what looks like a core in one peice and also one that has had most of it's parts removed. Odd. I don't think the description is accurate. If it's been stripped further than a normal cla then 'good luck'. If it's less than $50 then yes a bit of fun. Parts like top plate and bottom plate, levers etc can always be sold. There's a line on Stephen's buyers guide which states 'Don't Buy a Leica M "Project Camera" with obvious missing parts, jammed or damaged shutter, separated or damaged finder, among other things -- unless the camera is dirt cheap. Such bargains usually cost more in the long run and eat up a lot of time getting the camera right.'
good advice.
Click to expand...


How true! My M3 at $200 was a steal.... Until Youxin told me it would be $400 just to get it back into user condition, haha.
I do love it, though :eek:
 
from what I can see, not much work needs to be done. if everything works (the big IF), the shutter needs to be put back in the body casting and the top/bottom plates need to be put back etc... shouldn't take very long. there's a bunch of spare parts too, including a slow speeds escapement and an M3 RF unit.

very sad story though...
 
Spleenrippa said:
How true! My M3 at $200 was a steal.... Until Youxin told me it would be $400 just to get it back into user condition, haha.
I do love it, though :eek:
Click to expand...

Even at $600 your M3 is still a good deal. I bet she's smooth and accurate now.

--------------

I'm more and more tempted to buy this basket case M4. Could be fun. :cool:
 
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