IIIc converted to IIIf BD

[lxmike]

I f a Leica IIIc is listed as converted to IIIf BD, what exactly has been converted or added to the IIIc camera body. Any help greatly appreciated

 

[Sonnar Brian]

"Usually" the Factory Flash Sync and film-speed reminder dial.

 

[lxmike]

thanks brian

 

[LeicaTom]

Leitz flash sync, black scale flash sync numbers, chrome bumper added to shell, if the camera was WW2 the film speed dial is updated to newer B setting, often the vulcanite covering is changed to IIIF/M3 style vulcanite covering.

Have to look at each camera to figure out if it's a real factory conversion or not, many cameras were cut up or had mods added by photoshops in the late 1940's early 50's and this effects the value of the camera, factory modified cameras are much more valuable than third party modified/photoshop cameras.

Tom

 

[lxmike]

now I've whittled it down to two choices now, theres a nice shape IIIF RD and a IIIc converted to IIIf BD with delayed action, price waise roughly the same, so its a choice between the two

 

[Ron (Netherlands)]

now I've whittled it down to two choices now, theres a nice shape IIIF RD and a IIIc converted to IIIf BD with delayed action, price waise roughly the same, so its a choice between the two

If you are more a collector and look for rarity then the IIIc conversion is probably more of your choice. In terms of value indeed there will be hardly any difference (apart from the black paint models, they go for more), and as said before, only a true Leitz factory conversion is worth it. You can have a look at the conversions thread here:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=91238

 

[lxmike]

thanks ron

 

[martin_t]

The genuine Leitz converted IIIcs _are_ really nice. One gets the feeling that Leica put its best techs on these cameras. In addition to the other mods mentioned, the second curtain latch was replaced on the pre '48 IIIcs to the newer, improved design necessary for the IIIf BD flash sync assembly. Part of it covers the chassis serial number so the tech simply inscribed it again by hand to the right. This manual inscribing of chassis numbers was done on some Leicas with asterisked serial numbers too, depending on what transformation took place, so don't think you've got a hack if you see this. A look under the hood of my '46 IIIc converted. They left the body covering alone but they studded the shell, which I kinda wish they hadn't done.

 

[lxmike]

Well Thanks for all the help chaps, I have just purchased a IIIc converted to IIIf BDST, so I'm a happy chap, should have it friday or monday at the latest. Will post photos on arrival. I purchased it from M W Classic, they were very good and helpfull