Leica IIf

[gliderbee]

I'm offered a Leica IIf (serial 676814) and I'm allowed to test it (I just loaded a film).

It is a red dial, but I don't really know what that means: it has the red figures around the speed dial, but what are these for ? How are they used ? (EDIT: Ok, I've found out by the reference to the manual in another thread on the IIF).

Furthermore, there's a part missing that covers the VF and RF window at the back of the camera. I can see through the VF allright, but when looking trough the RF, I only see a light blue background with a lighter, round disc on it (that disc dissappears when I cover the second RF window on the front). Please have a look here (the picture is not sharp (phone camera), but you'll see what I mean):

Is this camera worth buying ? If so, what would a reasonable price be ? Can the VF be repaired ? It seems to work nice (test pending, as I said).

Thanks,
Stefan.

 

[batterytypehah!]

The camera is missing (at least) two parts, the viewfinder surround (with two screws) and the glass for the RF. Neither part should be hard to find and it's a two minute job when you have them. Reckon $20 for the trim piece (DAG Cameras has them, item DAGSM108 here: http://www.dagcamera.com/leica.htm), not sure how much for the glass.

It's not a good sign and moreover, you can't check if the RF works, and that's one of the most basic checks. Have the seller pay for the parts, if you can, and then decide.

EDIT: On closer inspection, both lenses (RF and VF) seem to be missing. Are you sure the view through the VF is fine?

 

[rogerzilla]

The red dial is the flash delay. All you need to know is to set it to "20" and leave it there if you're going to use electronic flash at 1/50, which is the fastest sync speed.

The black eyepiece should be available from most repairers; it seems to be plastic on post-1950 cameras. Rangefinder repair costs about 85 GBP in the UK, so knock that off the asking price. If it's otherwise in very good condition pay about 150 GBP/$250 maximum.

 

[aoresteen]

How much is the seller asking for it? Figure about $275-$300 for Don Goldberg to overhaul it. If the sellers wants $500 for it pass; if the price is $150 or less I'd take it and fix it.

Does a lens come with it? If so which one?

Six years ago I sent Don a IIIF BD that was in way worse shape and it came back working perfectly.

 

[gliderbee]

I'll meet with the seller again this weekend or next week; in the mean time, I will have taken some pictures with it and developend them.

As for the VF, in fact, it might look too good: it is indeed as if I'm looking without any glass, but what I see is smaller then reality, so there must be some lens in there 🙂

The seller says he has no clue about the value and I'm sure he knows nothing about photography, but of course, he knows the name "Leica". I've found a recent sale on eBay Germany of a working IIF for euro 125. I think I'll offer him 80-100 euro for it, but I'll check first with Will Van Manen for the repair.

It might be that this camera has been used for copy work: there's the complete Leica copy stand in it's original box, with some small lens attachments, in a big box (BOOWU), with the camera, a Elmar 5/3.5 and a Summaron 3.5, some separate viewfinders (50mm and 35mm), Leica lightmeter, some filters ...

Stefan.

 

[Particular]

I have a IIIc in parts that is also missing the eyepiece. I got the plastic part on ebay for $10. As well as a new half mirror for the rangefinder. I am having a harder time locating the lenses though. I've been trying to figure out the focal length so that I can order them from a optical supplier like Edmund Scientific.

My best guess so far is that the viewfinder lens is f 68mm, while the rangefinder lens is f -24mm (negative). Both lenses have a diameter of about 5.5mm.

If anyone can verify (or correct) this info that would be great.

 

[gliderbee]

@CNNY:

you are correct about the size of the eyepiece lens. I'm missing the RF lens too, but the VF lens is there and the view seems fine to me:

Is there a way to check if the RF is otherwise ok ? If I look through the RF window, I see a full disk enclosed in a square, but nothing moves when I change the distance on the lens; when I cover the second windows (viewing from the front, the left one) with my finger, I see my finger when looking through the RF, so I guess the mirrorsystem is still there, right ?

Stefan.

 

[batterytypehah!]

You should secure the VF lens. Without the black surround, it can fall out any moment.

 

[Particular]

The square that you see is the half mirror, which sounds like it is still doing it's job alright. In my case it is very dirty and the silvering has gotten patchy. You should look at it from the front of the camera, as you will be able to see any imperfections. You should also remove the lens and look at RF (left) window from the front. You should see a small circle with with the same view as you see through the right hand window (cropped). If you now move the RF wheel in the lens mount, you should see that circle moving left and right. This only confirms that the basic RF mechanism is working ok. It may needs to be re-alligned which is a small job.