Leica LTM Leica IIIF 1956?

Leica M39 screw mount bodies/lenses
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mllanos1111

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Hi,

I might have an opportunity to buy a Leica IIIF with two lenses for $400 and I was wondering if it's a good price. He says the following.
Leica IIIF 1956 have original reciept and instr. book flash attach and bulbs all the correct coeds . Good working condition.
also leather leica cases viewfinder 3.5cm 5cm f1.5.

What do you think?
 
If the lenses are non-FSU and have clear glass and no significant scratches and if the camera is operational it is a reasonably good deal. A lot depends on the kind of lenses and their condition. A wide angle is usually worth a lot more than say a 135mm telephoto.
 
Black Dial or Red Dial? I've heard that RD have some improvements in the shutter.
Below is my Recently arrived 1953 Leica IIIf.
Click the image a 2nd time (+)... looks better Large.
 

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As David says. 50 1.5 would match the contemporary Summarit, a so-so lens, but if in nice condition worth 200 US$. The 35 3.5 is 100-150. What viewfinder? A VIOOH would add 40-50 US$ to the value and the SBOOI would be worth 75 US$. The body alone like 250-300 and if it has the selftimer, that would add yet another 100 US$ to the value.
It seems like he sells a whole system, so there may be hoods included and filters perhaps. Even the original receipt adds to the value!

Yes, definitely a good deal!!
 
Sounds like you have the opportunity to purchase a IIIf red dial / self-timer camera, with a Summarit and a Summaron, plus extras. That is a very fair price.

The RD/ST sells for around $300 to $400 in the US.

I use a IIIf for hiking and bicycling just as Oscar Barnack, the designer of the origianl Leica, had intended.
 
I just spoke to him, he seems to know his stuff and went to (Leica Academy?)
He said the IIIf has no self timer, but it was his fathers, purchased it in Germany.
He has the original receipts and has been in the case.
He said the case looks a little worn, but is still very good, the camera is extra clean only one owner.
The 50mm 1.5 and the 35mm 3.5 is also very clean and show little use.
He also has the universal finder in the case and is perfect along with flash and other things.
 
He just sent me a couple of cell phone pics, not the best quality, but here they are
 

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Last edited:
mllanos1111 said:
I just spoke to him, he seems to know his stuff and went to (Leica Academy?)
He said the IIIf has no self timer, but it was his fathers, purchased it in Germany.
He has the original receipts and has been in the case.
He said the case looks a little worn, but is still very good, the camera is extra clean only one owner.
The 50mm 1.5 and the 35mm 3.5 is also very clean and show little use.
He also has the universal finder in the case and is perfect along with flash and other things.
Click to expand...

For $400 flat out....go for it!!!!! It might need a CLA, but send it to Youxin Ye and it`s like new in less then 3 weeks, maybe you`ll have $500 spent total investment (without lens CLA`S)
BUT THAT`S WELL WORTH THE INVESTMENT FOR A SMALL IIIF KIT

I just saw a Summarit f1.5 50mm sell on ebay for over $450 (just for the lens with no caps - people are crazy/desparate sometimes)
But honestly, collectors admire and desire the items with original bills of sale and the stuff doesn`t look too bad (the Summaron cap looks messed up, but you can get a replacement for $30)

I`d also say it`s more then likely an early 1956 model, but that`s no big difference, just that the late one`s WITH self timer had the Leica IIIG shutters and are maybe the most desired of all the IIIF variations etc.

Buy it, Clean it and Shoot with it!!!!!!

Tom
 
Ahhh, he had second thoughts about selling it at the last minute because it has sentimental value to him since it was his fathers. 🙁
Oh well something else will come up.
 
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