cviviani
Newbie
Dear all,
I just spotted in a shop a Leica IIIf (605xxx) w 50/3.5 and original purse in seemingly good condition. However, not being an expert in these cameras, I would ask your kind advice on how to understand if the camera is in good order or not. I only tried to focus using the rangefinder and it seems to work ok. Not very very bright but fine. The shutter makes a nice and firm sound. What else should I look at? I understand for example that the Elmarit could have some fogging problems, but I honestly wouldn't know how to detect them.
Oh, and by the way, the price would be €520 all included.
Any advice would be highly appreciated.
thanks
Carlo
I just spotted in a shop a Leica IIIf (605xxx) w 50/3.5 and original purse in seemingly good condition. However, not being an expert in these cameras, I would ask your kind advice on how to understand if the camera is in good order or not. I only tried to focus using the rangefinder and it seems to work ok. Not very very bright but fine. The shutter makes a nice and firm sound. What else should I look at? I understand for example that the Elmarit could have some fogging problems, but I honestly wouldn't know how to detect them.
Oh, and by the way, the price would be €520 all included.
Any advice would be highly appreciated.
thanks
Carlo
je2a3
je
Hi Carlo,
Did you remove the lens and cycle through all speeds from B, 1s, 1/2s----> 1/1000? You should see the shutter progressively getting faster in action. The "B" setting should show snappy action on both curtains.
A bright flashlight (LED type) would aid in assessing the condition of the lens.
All these tips require a bit of experience though.
I'm not abreast with current pricing, got my ca. 1950 IIIf over ten years ago. Really nice camera, you'll enjoy it!
Good luck!
Did you remove the lens and cycle through all speeds from B, 1s, 1/2s----> 1/1000? You should see the shutter progressively getting faster in action. The "B" setting should show snappy action on both curtains.
A bright flashlight (LED type) would aid in assessing the condition of the lens.
All these tips require a bit of experience though.
I'm not abreast with current pricing, got my ca. 1950 IIIf over ten years ago. Really nice camera, you'll enjoy it!
Good luck!
payasam
a.k.a. Mukul Dube
I'd recommend that you get the shop to agree to take back the camera, for a full refund, if a test roll shows any problems. I'll be glad to suggest things you might do when exposing the test roll. I am uthappam AT gmail.com.
The lens would be an Elmar, by the way.
The lens would be an Elmar, by the way.
john neal
fallor ergo sum
Carlo,
Priced a little on the high side, I think - IIIf combos are not that rare.
For that money I would expect the body and lens to have had a recent CLA and want at least 6 months warranty. Obviously, a lot depends on condition, but I would have thought you could find one similar on ebay for <400 euro. OK you would probably have to pay for a CLA, but that shouldn't push you over that shop price.
As the saying goes - "caveat emptor". You could always try haggling on the price........
Priced a little on the high side, I think - IIIf combos are not that rare.
For that money I would expect the body and lens to have had a recent CLA and want at least 6 months warranty. Obviously, a lot depends on condition, but I would have thought you could find one similar on ebay for <400 euro. OK you would probably have to pay for a CLA, but that shouldn't push you over that shop price.
As the saying goes - "caveat emptor". You could always try haggling on the price........
Beemermark
Veteran
I'd recommend that if your not an expert in old Leicas you buy one from a reputable Leica dealer. Tamarkin in the US an example. You should buy from a dealer who has knowledge of Leica LTM cameras and can answer any questions as to condition. He should also be willing to give a guarantee.