Leica 1 Elmax #597 - Authentic?

[ivanuskokovic]

So, I'm supposed to be meeting a guy tomorrow to check out this Leica 1 "Elmax" camera. However, I'm a little skeptical of it not having a mushroom shaped shutter release button and a different vulcanite/skin/covering than most of the early Leica 1 cameras I've seen.

Anybody wish to share their input on this local NYC craigslist ad?
http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/pho/4539557998.html

Thanks.

-Ivan

 

[Rob-F]

I'm sure it's the real deal, but that price???

By mushroom shaped, do you mean the funnel shaped surround ring? Those were aftermarket. I don't think they came from Leitz. Or did you mean the shape of the button itself? That one looks pretty much like the one on my II (d).

 

[ivanuskokovic]

I'm sure it's the real deal, but that price???

By mushroom shaped, do you mean the funnel shaped surround ring? Those were aftermarket. I don't think they came from Leitz. Or did you mean the shape of the button itself? That one looks pretty much like the one on my II (d).

Not so sure how to value it.
Most I've seen have the mushroom shutter release, unlike later cameras like your IId.

Some examples:

http://collectiblend.com/Cameras/Leitz/Leica-I-Mod-A-(Elmax).html

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LEICA-1-MOD...471?pt=US_Vintage_Cameras&hash=item4ad60e2a57

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Leica-I-Mod...860?pt=US_Vintage_Cameras&hash=item2c85c242e4

By the looks of the one I'm supposed to see tomorrow in comparison to the above: the shutter release button is not the same.

-Ivan

 

[ivanuskokovic]

Upon closer inspection I think the camera might be authentic, but modified in it's early years. Even the baseplate resembles a later Leica 1 (Elmar?) but with an Elmax lens.

Must lower it's value quite a bit, I think.

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks!

-Ivan

 

[Rob-F]

OK now I see exactly what you are talking about. Rogliatti indeed shows the 1 "model A" with the mushroom button. On page 23 he calls attention, with picture, to a mushroom button "with indent for cable release." The Luxus on the other hand has the button like the II (d).

Here it is, in Lager, page 13: "The design of the shutter release button evolved in three stages during production of the Leica A with Elmar, from mushroom shaped, to dimpled, to threaded." (With photos of all three types.) So it seems the one in question is from the later production.

 

[CameraQuest]

take a look at a Lager book to compare.
not sure, but call me doubtful on this one.

Stephen

 

[Dralowid]

Quite a few have lost the mushroom release over time, I think it was a common update. Check the baseplate catch is black in the middle.
Not sure about the vulcanite...yes, for each modification the value will decline.

One thing though...in the picture the lens glass looks awfully good...

I'd advise caution but can't help more.

 

[Erik van Straten]

The camera surely is modified, see the release button. This modification however is not very logical, it is no real conversion. So be very careful.

The wind knob is of a much later style too, as is the base plate.

It looks as if the top plate and the lens are mounted on a later body shell.

As Michael said, the glass of the lens looks awfully good. That fact conflicts wih the overall condition of the camera. An Elmar lens is easily placed in an Elmax tube.

Here's a picture of the baseplate of Leica no. 504.

Erik.

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

I'm sorry to say it but I have my doubts, especially about the shutter release; although I can see a reason for it to enable the use of a cable release but even then...

Sorry about that.

Regards, David

 

[Dralowid]

I have a camera in the 10xxx range which would have started life with the mushroom release. Modified sadly.

 

[goamules]

When you meet/met the guy, did you get any history of where he got it? Was he an amateur collector, a yardsale hunter, or inherit it from a grandfather? The provenance can help. But I'd say with possible big money cameras, the risk of counterfeit is much greater. The Soviets copied the basic II Leicas, and I think others. I'd have to be a real expert before I'd spend over a couple thousand. Even that much, you risk it all. Tell the guy that, that with so many conversions and changes, you are really worried, then make your low offer. If you really want it, tell him you'd need a professional appraisal first. But then the risk is he'll up his price.

 

[pete hogan]

Garrett is right IMO. The story that would support that price would be quite a story. Too much risk of having only an interesting relic there.

 

[kbg32]

See if he'll meet you at the Leica Gallery. Maybe someone there can give you some information/advice.