Leica ii - should i pull the trigger?

[Jake Mongey]

Recently went to exchange my canon 28mm LTM at my localcamera dealer for in store credit to get a good SLR system in 35mm when i happened to spot a leica ii of unknown version for only £70 more.
(Bad wording its another £70 more than the £280 im getting from the lens)
I was looking to buy a camera that i could take with me every day and do my film 365 project on. Should i get the leica?

Any info on it and experience is also welcome.

 

[Mr_Flibble]

At that price (without a photo) I fear it might be copy from the Former Soviet Union. ....or it has to be in pretty dear shape

 

[kb244]

At that price (without a photo) I fear it might be copy from the Former Soviet Union. ....or it has to be in pretty dear shape

I concur with the above, without seeing a pic, it could be anything. Also I would have inquired about the last time it was serviced (factor in the price of a CLA when trying to figure out if it's worth it, YYeCamera for example charges 150 USD for a CLA of that model, 210 if it needs new curtains).

 

[Jake Mongey]

I concur with the above, without seeing a pic, it could be anything. Also I would have inquired about the last time it was serviced (factor in the price of a CLA when trying to figure out if it's worth it, YYeCamera for example charges 150 USD for a CLA of that model, 210 if it needs new curtains).

Just dawned on me my bad description, I meant that it cost £70 on top of the £280 I got from the lens

 

[kb244]

Just dawned on me my bad description, I meant that it cost £70 on top of the £280 I got from the lens

😛 So consider whether or not £520 is worth it to you for a Leica II.

Best case scenario, it's a working serviced authentic Leica II for £350. Next best £520 (approx) Leica II because you have to send it off to be CLA'd. Worse case scenario, a £350 FSU Fed clone.

I knew what you mean, but I mean without knowing it's actual condition, factor in the price of what it would cost to bring it up shipshape on top of what you pay at the shop. Then you can decide from there if it's worth it to you.

 

[johannielscom]

Gotta admit I'm a bit biased, the Leica II is the only rangefinder I own. I love it for its size and historical feel. A good working camera with a clean lens and some skills in composition and developing will get you great images.

GBP 350 for a Leica II should get you a CLA'd one at least. Have a look at peterloy.com (my preferred seller), mwclassic.com, or croydonphotocentre.co.uk to get a good Leica II.

I picked up a second Leica II that needs service as a DIY project. It will likely take a few months before it's all functional again, or I would offer it to you.

 

[Pete B]

Have a look through here
I have a Leica 111f and it's a wonderful compact thing that has become my ski touring camera. When not in use it's a lovely ornament on my shelf. Stick a cheap Jupiter lens on it and you have a superb outfit.
Look here too
Pete

 

[Jake Mongey]

The leica in question is a fixed lens elmar 5cm - what model does that make it

 

[rfaspen]

Fixed lens?

Are you sure you can't get a photo of this camera to share here.

 

[rfaspen]

BTW, the early fixed lens Leica's are more collector's items than users, although it can certainly be used.

 

[johannielscom]

The leica in question is a fixed lens elmar 5cm - what model does that make it

That's not a Leica II then, but a Leica Ia! Made between 1926 and 1936. Did you happen to record the serial no? Four digits 🙄, five? Good condition mechanically, cosmetically? GBP 350 might be a steal for a good condition, early Ia

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

If you want a Leica of that vintage then dare I suggest this dealer has a IIIa and a suitable Elmar for 195 + 145 quid. Here they are:-

http://www.ffordes.com/product/16080510564181

http://www.ffordes.com/product/16082315382281

I've dealt with ffordes several times before and can recommend them.

A photo or the serial numbers of the model II and Elmar would let us give you the answer quickly about it. FWIW, I'm worried that you are jumping in the deep end...

BTW, a Leica II looks like this with an Elmar.

Look dead centre of the photo and you'll see on the focussing scale the figure 1,25. If it's upside-down then the lens is probably a USSR made FED, they are OK but a lot cheaper.

BTW, if the lens cap looks like the one in my photo then grab it fast.

Regards, David

 

[Jake Mongey]

Ill have a look next week and report back what i find about serial number, lens details etc

 

[mpaniagua]

If possible, ask the dealer to let you handle it a little. Barnacks are different beast than Leica M and Canon 7. Make sure its your cup of tea before commiting to it. On the other hand, few cameras hold their values like Leica, so it you dont like it, you could probably resell it without losing money.

Good luck and hope you like the Leica II like I like the IIIG.

Regards.

Marcelo

 

[tunalegs]

If you want to take pictures - no. If you want a collectible, yes.

 

[Steve M.]

If that's a Leica Model A, otherwise known as a Leica I Model A w/ a fixed lens, it is worth thousands. So at that price you have a copy that may or may not work properly. My money is on the "not' part of it.

 

[ForestCap]

Don't pull the trigger and get a CLA'd Zorki-1 instead, for now.

If you REALLY like the style instead of hating it after some days of shooting, either get a Leica II/III or live with the Zorki-1 and a lot of extra films. My Zorki-1 is home-serviced, and it is a good sample. I can shoot it at -5 °C without any uneven exposure - that's all I ask from cameras with early Leica style shutters. I was about to buy a Leica IIIc/f but couldn't justify it since the Zorki is REALLY good.

 

[David Hughes]

Don't pull the trigger and get a CLA'd Zorki-1 instead, for now.

If you REALLY like the style instead of hating it after some days of shooting, either get a Leica II/III or live with the Zorki-1 and a lot of extra films. My Zorki-1 is home-serviced, and it is a good sample. I can shoot it at -5 °C without any uneven exposure - that's all I ask from cameras with early Leica style shutters. I was about to buy a Leica IIIc/f but couldn't justify it since the Zorki is REALLY good.

Hi,

That's a good bit of advice. A FED 1 or Zorki 1 that has been looked after and serviced properly etc will handle just like a Leica II; I've all three and that comment is based on experience. The important bit is the word "properly"...

And a pre-war Leica II isn't quite as good as the USSR version, the RF wasn't tinted and the lenses weren't coated. All three have some points about them which make them difficult beasts to use and can / might make you scream after a while. OTOH, they are fun and you'll always know how to take a photograph because of them slowing you down and making you think about it.

Regards, David