engfeh
Newbie
I have just bought my first Rangefinder-camera; a nice-looking 1950 IIIc, which has at some point been upgraded to a IIIf BD ST - the shop sold it as a IIIc, and for the usual going price of such cameras where I live, so I didn't complain. After a bit of searching, it seems these conversions are more common than I first thought; does anyone have any estimates of how many were made? Also, are they worth any more (or less...) than unconverted IIIc's?
Anyway, this being my first "mechanical" camera, I find it difficult to evaluate the condition of this one. The shop has a nice 30-day return policy, so no harm is done so far. I really like the thing, and I feel like it's in pretty good condition for its age, but I would still like an expert's opinion on a few things.
First of all, there is a noticeable amount of play in the advance knob and the fast shutter dial. I'd say it is less than 1/2 mm, but it is still visible. It doesn't really bother me, but I would like to know if it is a sign of excessive wear. The numbers in the film speed reminder also aren't perfectly centered, so the preceeding numbers are slightly visible, but as the dial doesn't go very high anyway this is a non-issue.
Secondly (and for me, more worryingly) a slight screeching sound can sometimes be heard when advancing the film, as if the camera needs a CLA. Can using the camera in this condition cause it to wear down quickly?
Thirdly, I would like to know how bright the RF usually is on such a camera. I find it perfectly usable under most conditions, although prone to flare, but the dot from the right hand window is a lot dimmer than the one from the left hand one. I suppose this is to be expected, even with a new beam splitter.
Lastly is a question about the 1951 50mm Summitar I bought with it. It was the cheapest Leica lens they had in the shop, but I think the optics looked quite decent. A lot of dust on the inside, and a few small scratches here and there, but I couldn't see much fog or any signs of separation, although my final judgement will have to wait until I have had a few rolls through the camera. But mechanically, it doesn't feel quite as smooth as I expected a Leica lens to feel like. It is a bit stiff, although I can usually still move the lever with one finger, and it tends to stick in place sometimes. Also, there is some play in it as well, causing it to give audible "clonk" sounds occasionally, when changing direction of the focusing ring. I suspect it needs to have the threads cleaned and lubricated, which I might end up doing myself.
If I keep the camera (I think I will, unless you advise otherwise - I have grown fond of it already) I plan on sending it somewhere for a thorough CLA; probably somewhere in Germany or the Netherlands. Fotomechanik Reinhardt seems like a good place. Does anyone know how much it would likely cost? Being a poor student I would like to find a place that doesn't charge an arm and a leg, but they should of course do a good job...
Anyway, this being my first "mechanical" camera, I find it difficult to evaluate the condition of this one. The shop has a nice 30-day return policy, so no harm is done so far. I really like the thing, and I feel like it's in pretty good condition for its age, but I would still like an expert's opinion on a few things.
First of all, there is a noticeable amount of play in the advance knob and the fast shutter dial. I'd say it is less than 1/2 mm, but it is still visible. It doesn't really bother me, but I would like to know if it is a sign of excessive wear. The numbers in the film speed reminder also aren't perfectly centered, so the preceeding numbers are slightly visible, but as the dial doesn't go very high anyway this is a non-issue.
Secondly (and for me, more worryingly) a slight screeching sound can sometimes be heard when advancing the film, as if the camera needs a CLA. Can using the camera in this condition cause it to wear down quickly?
Thirdly, I would like to know how bright the RF usually is on such a camera. I find it perfectly usable under most conditions, although prone to flare, but the dot from the right hand window is a lot dimmer than the one from the left hand one. I suppose this is to be expected, even with a new beam splitter.
Lastly is a question about the 1951 50mm Summitar I bought with it. It was the cheapest Leica lens they had in the shop, but I think the optics looked quite decent. A lot of dust on the inside, and a few small scratches here and there, but I couldn't see much fog or any signs of separation, although my final judgement will have to wait until I have had a few rolls through the camera. But mechanically, it doesn't feel quite as smooth as I expected a Leica lens to feel like. It is a bit stiff, although I can usually still move the lever with one finger, and it tends to stick in place sometimes. Also, there is some play in it as well, causing it to give audible "clonk" sounds occasionally, when changing direction of the focusing ring. I suspect it needs to have the threads cleaned and lubricated, which I might end up doing myself.
If I keep the camera (I think I will, unless you advise otherwise - I have grown fond of it already) I plan on sending it somewhere for a thorough CLA; probably somewhere in Germany or the Netherlands. Fotomechanik Reinhardt seems like a good place. Does anyone know how much it would likely cost? Being a poor student I would like to find a place that doesn't charge an arm and a leg, but they should of course do a good job...
