Leica LTM Is this Leica IIIG a decent deal?

Leica M39 screw mount bodies/lenses
bennyng

bennyng

Benny Ng
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Mar 3, 2008
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Hi guys,

I've always wanted a screw mount Leica body. The larger viewfinder on the IIIG is very appealing. Does this one looks like a decent deal? It doesn't come with anything fancy, just a 50mm f/3.5 Elmar.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Leica-D...ryZ98924QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

200242603001

I think the viewfinder piece is missing and the seller hinted that it needs a CLA since the last time it was used could well be decades ago.

I've been given a second chance offer to pick this up and I'm seriously considering.

Any comments/feedback would be appreciated. Thanks!

Cheers,
 
bennyng said:
Hi guys,

I've always wanted a screw mount Leica body. The larger viewfinder on the IIIG is very appealing. Does this one looks like a decent deal? It doesn't come with anything fancy, just a 50mm f/3.5 Elmar.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Leica-D...ryZ98924QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

200242603001

I think the viewfinder piece is missing and the seller hinted that it needs a CLA since the last time it was used could well be decades ago.

I've been given a second chance offer to pick this up and I'm seriously considering.

Any comments/feedback would be appreciated. Thanks!

Cheers,
Click to expand...

It looks like it may be a good deal if the curtains are still good. Ask the seller to check the curtains for cracks and flaking before buying..
 
I think that's a good deal even if it needs curtain replacement ... the lens is worth close to $200.00 and the viewfinder eyepiece shouldn't be too hard to replace. An original unmarked IIIG not needing work will get $800 to $900 on eBay.

Funny coincidence ... I got mine through a second chance offer a couple of years ago! :)

[edit] ... I would be asking why the viewfinder eyepiece is missing though!
 
I would get the camera after a few questions for the seller. If he sounds OK, then I would go ahead with the buy.
 
Someone was offering new IIIg plastic eyepiece surrounds a while back, but my brain is getting old and tired and I can't remember who it was. Don at DAG might be able to help,or you could have the old worn one from my IIIg. If you are interested email me at: chswood@optusnet.com.au
 
For a IIIg - this is one is priced at the low range considering the camera's cosmetic condition. You are correct to assume that the camera may need a CLA. A CLA at the very least brings peace of mind.

The seller is a US franchise that allows folks to drop off items for eBay auctions.

It took me a few years to buck up and purchase a IIIg. I'm glad I did.
 
Thanks for all the comments!

I'm taking the bait and going for it! Let see how this one turns out. Wish me luck!

Cheers,
 
Charles Woodhouse said:
Someone was offering new IIIg plastic eyepiece surrounds a while back, but my brain is getting old and tired and I can't remember who it was. Don at DAG might be able to help,or you could have the old worn one from my IIIg. If you are interested email me at: chswood@optusnet.com.au
Click to expand...

Hi Charles,

Thanks for your kind offer. I really appreciate it. I'll be getting the one from heavystar instead since I'll probably be getting a filter from them.

Cheers,
 
I think my replacement eyepiece might have come from them, but Keith it wasn't such a generous offer because my old one was very worn. After owning the camera for years, I CLA'd it recently and replaced the crumbling vulcanite with a cover from aki-asahi, and now it works like a new camera and almost looks like one.
bennyng, I think your camera is a steal at US$690 with an Elmar. The president of our collector/user group was happy to pay AU$1500 for a body!
 
With a proper CLA, you are going to get the viewfinder cleaned and RF adjusted, perhaps the half silvered mirror replaced, the shutter attended to, with possible new curtains, and the right kind of modern lube in the right places, plus if the lens needs to be cleaned, I would have that done as well. Shine a flash light through the lens from the back.

I have seen some hazy lenses clean up well, and it is such a great user in the LTM world, it would not be right to take it out in the field in a poor condition.

I would think Youxin could get it together for you in quick order.

Enjoy,
Regards, John
 
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