IIIf

[puderse]

Is it time to spend some of my own good money on my first Leica!

http://www.shopgoodwill.com/viewItem.asp?ItemID=14016358

 

[Vickko]

I'd shop around a bit more.

 

[tjh]

This camera seems to be headed to a fairly high price, considering condition. Every screwmount Leica I've bought has required service. Factor in another $150 - $300. You might do better buying a camera that has had a recent service.

Tom

 

[Ko.Fe.]

"Shutter appears to jam up", for $300 you are buying the lens. Might take another $300, to get this one as working camera.

I have my IIf for $230 this month, not trashed as this one, FSU lens was $50.

But if lens is in "user" condition this might be good deal.
If you could check it before buying...

 

[Steve Bellayr]

From their site when I purchased something half went directly into the trash & the other half needed repair...just my experience. From personal experience, especially with books, sites selling donated items generally ask for the highest price and often get it for the lowest grade material.

 

[zauhar]

Probably not a good deal. Contact Youxin Ye and see if he has any serviced bodies available (and likewise a user lens).

Randy

 

[pdexposures]

Never buy from shopGoodwill.com. Years ago when that site was largely still a secret you could get really good deals. Then word got out and now everyone knows about it.

BUT, no one seemed to figure out that everyone knows about it. So people will bid far higher than they should thinking they are getting a good deal still. I wouldn't be surprised to see that camera go to $600.

 

[rfaspen]

I'd avoid that. Check the classifieds here on RFF for a much better chance of getting a usable camera. I don't know what your budget is, but that camera is going to sell for more than its worth, and then it WILL need service. There are fully usable cameras for sale on RFF that come from people who really know their gear and tend to be honest, helpful, friendly because we're on RFF. They will allow you to make a truly informed purchase decision. Likely, you can get a barnack Leica that will not require service (in short term) and for a similar price as that Goodwill camera will go for. Its a "no brainer" for me.

 

[Lawrence Sheperd]

It was a lot more fun browsing at Goodwill before they started putting their camera gear online.

 

[goamules]

Never buy from shopGoodwill.com. Years ago when that site was largely still a secret you could get really good deals. Then word got out and now everyone knows about it.

BUT, no one seemed to figure out that everyone knows about it. So people will bid far higher than they should thinking they are getting a good deal still. I wouldn't be surprised to see that camera go to $600.

Yep, I agree with that. All cameras and lenses that I see there, checking just every few months for fun, sell for 50% more than on Ebay. A $100 PenEE will typically sell for $250 from all the idiot bidders.

 

[wallace]

I have bought a perfect looking and serviced IIf from a forum member for some $250 3 years ago. Just be patient....

 

[3 Olives]

Probably not a good deal. Contact Youxin Ye and see if he has any serviced bodies available (and likewise a user lens).

Randy

This is outstanding advice. I bought a IIIc from Youxin several years ago and it was in perfect working order. I just bought a IIIf BD and Summitar 50/2 lens from Youxin for my son. Both are receiving a CLA. He has high standards and his user grade would be excellent at most dealers.

 

[Scrambler]

My vote for Youxin as well. Still happy with my $250 iiic after 3 years. Cheaper than a cla, curtains and rf mirror which they all need if not already done.

 

[squareshooter]

I have purchased more camera stuff than I am willing to admit from the Goodwill site. I have gotten sensational deals and some stinkers. I got a Nikon N70 body in nice shape for $20-something plus shipping. With it, I got a 50 mm f 1.4 Nikkor. What a steal. The camera body is from the 1990s and the lens from the 1960s and that is why, I think, it was overlooked by a lot of people. Lately I have noticed that really nice items (M Leicas, Hasseys, and so on) are selling for prices that are way out of line -- for way too much money. I think it's the auction fever (Oh, I have to have this classic item)... I just bought a Nikkormat in really nice shape.