just a very old one

[photovdz]

that has seen a lot of things and people

Nr 1505... transformed probably at leica factory in the 30' or even later for the flash synch...

seems like an old wine... better with age, viewfinder and rf perfect... smoothissime...

enjoy


(does anyone know if it possible to find information about the date of factory modifications or ownership...?)

 

[FrankS]

NICE old one. Sorry, can't help.

 

[Livesteamer]

Nice. I wish I had one like that. My oldest Leica is a II from 1934 and I wonder what it has seen. Joe

 

[Benjamin]

Nice! I had to see what the thread was about.

Use it!

 

[SteveM_NJ]

I often wonder if the people involved in building these cameras (designers and assembly staff) ever had any idea that the products they are working on, are going to be used 75yrs and still working.
(can think of very few things today with even the hopes of a fraction of such a lifespan)
(planned obsolescence, unheard of back then)

 

[dee]

I just love that patina !
Mine are a late 1st batch II of 1933 ... and a 2nd batch II with added fash sync .
Just nicely worn in .
Bought before the prices dropped , but who cares ?
I would love an early conversion - it shows how valuable these cameras were to update .
I rather feel like a caretaker , rather than an ' owner ' though . I would be terrified of owning something really rare and covetable !

 

[M2user]

that has seen a lot of things and people

Nr 1505... transformed probably at leica factory in the 30' or even later for the flash synch.


(does anyone know if it possible to find information about the date of factory modifications or ownership...?)

Leitz Wetzlar kept a delivery book which gave details of each camera and to whom it was supplied from the factory but unfortunately the current Leica AG management have said that no information will be available at present nor will they give any clue as to whether this information will be given in the future. Up to a few years ago this information was freely available from the Leica Information service but sadly no more.

 

[John Shriver]

Probably kept secret due to European Union data privacy laws.

 

[Dralowid]

there is a 'show us you conversion' thread on this forum which will give you costs. Difficult to see from the photos but this looks like it may have been converted twice, once by the factory from I to II and then again for the flash sync which doesn't look like a normal factory job.

Michael

 

[David 11084]

Nice thread; there is a sense of history (and a smell!) every timer one of these is lifted to the eye for picture making.......use it!
David

 

[photovdz]

who knows may be this was robert capa's own "spanish" leica ;-)

 

[Luddite Frank]

Wouldn't #1505 have started-out life as a fixed-lens "Standard" ( or "A" ) ?


Very neat Barnack !

My oldest is a II from 1932, nr. 77xxx

 

[colyn]

Nice old camera.

The flash sync conversion however is aftermarket. Leica conversions converted the older Leicas to IIIf with flash sync dial..

Today I picked up a Leica III from 1934 that was factory converted to IIIf BD with the addition of 1000th second shutter speed..

 

[colyn]

Wouldn't #1505 have started-out life as a fixed-lens "Standard" ( or "A" ) ?


Very neat Barnack !

My oldest is a II from 1932, nr. 77xxx

Leica I from 1926...

 

[Erik van Straten]

I totally do agree with Dralowid. Personally I would having it restored in so far that the synch was removed. The conversion from I to II took place in the late thirties. It is nice, but an unrestored Leica I with the number 1505 would be a lot nicer ...

Erik.

 

[colyn]

It is nice, but an unrestored I with the number 1505 would be a lot nicer ...

Erik.

And possibly more valuable if the owner decides to sell in the future..

 

[photovdz]

for sure... but I bought it for 125€ so...
It would be difficult to undo the flash synch since it changed the base of the mechanism see picture 3...

 

[colyn]

for sure... but I bought it for 125€ so...
It would be difficult to undo the flash synch since it changed the base of the mechanism see picture 3...

Usually these mods use existing screws to attach the mechanism and cover. The hole drilled in the shell can be filled with JB Weld and new skin put in place to cover the patch.

 

[Proteus617]

I often wonder if the people involved in building these cameras (designers and assembly staff) ever had any idea that the products they are working on, are going to be used 75yrs and still working...

I've never torn apart a 75 year old Leica, but I have worked on a few dial-set Compurs that are approaching 90. I'm amazed at the jewel like quality and how well they function with the slightest bit of care and maintenance. If I could time-travel back to the factory and show the designers and craftsmen how their life's work is holding up in 2010 they would be proud, but not surprised.

 

[photovdz]

Usually these mods use existing screws to attach the mechanism and cover. The hole drilled in the shell can be filled with JB Weld and new skin put in place to cover the patch.

yes but there still will be a synch mechanic inside... so what's the use of getting rid of it

anyway that leica suits me fine like that...