Leica IIIf/summaron 3.5 - purchase advice

[cpborello]

I've been interested in trying out an LTM for a while, and it appears that I have come upon a reputable seller with one. I've checked RFF member Dan Colluci's antique camera website (thanks Dan, I use your information not infrequently), and the kit seems to be priced competitively ($535), but there are some condition issues -- slightly hazy rangefinder and a hair off in the veritcal orientation. Further information with pictures is provided in this link:

http://www.jimtardio.com/leica/leica.html

With the condition issues, do you all think it is a decent deal? I'm not looking for the deal of the century, nor am I adverse to sending it for a CLA, I just figured I'd reach out to those more knowledgeable than me.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[OldNick]

The Leica IIIf Red Dial with Self-Timer normally demands a higher price than those without the timer. The condition pictured does show some wear. I would suspect the camera would work ok, but Summarons seem to attract haze, could need cleaning. On the positive side, I use a 35mm f/2.8 Jupiter 12 on my IIIf and it makes a nice package. Good luck with the deal.

Jim N.

 

[jack palmer]

I've been looking at IIIf's on the auction sites and I think you could probably do better as far as condition.

 

[xayraa33]

alignment of the RF is easy on the IIIf, something that you can do your self.
most of these 50 something year old Leica bottomloaders have some issues with the RF patch visiblity, unless the mirror has been replaced recently.

 

[cpborello]

Thanks for the advice all. I'm looking for a user, so looks are less important to me than functionality -- unfortunately, this is where you run a higher risk buying sight unseen.

 

[aad]

You'll need a finder for that lens anyway.

$535 for an outfit doesn't seem bad, a CLA from Youxin Ye adds maybe $100 or so?

 

[cpborello]

Thanks aad. I plan to use a a summitar that I have.

 

[JTK]

fyi I don't think "most" have rangefinder patch issues, that's the luck of the draw. A weak rangefinder patch should earn a discount becase it means a CLA at the very least...and more like $150 than $100.

You also want a good 1-sec that doesn't hang, and sounds longer than 1/2 sec. Again, CLA, although some do improve on their own if you click the slow speeds 100 times or so, just to loosen er' up.

You for sure want a bright frame finder for the 35, either Leica or CV. Alternatives aren't nearly as much fun.

And a good Summaron 35/3.5 is WONDERFUL but it wants a shade for outdoors, and even for strong indoor lighting.

 

[JTK]

...also, the story about Summarons and haze is almost an urban legend now...it's true that old Leica lenses had more coating grief than Japanese lenses, but even a hazy example is a wonder....and many have no haze at all.

 

[xayraa33]

I have seen enough IIIf and IIIc Leicas to know that alot of them have a weak secondary RF image .
most camera Techs will not touch the 50/50 mirror during a CLA, this is an additional repair and rightly charge extra for it.

 

[JTK]

Certainly, a camera tech does see cameras with issues, and he'd especially see 50 year old treasures with bleary eyes. Leica screwmounts never did have wonderful rangefinder, so it's especially likely that one of these 50+ year-old beauties would want to see the plastic surgeon if it found a lover in modern times. Perfect examples with no problems do abound, and one should expect to pay a small premium. Same with Summaron/haze legend, which is the same as Summicron LTM/haze legend etc. Easier to find a perfect Summaron than perfect Summicron, IMO.

 

[JTK]

Certainly, a camera tech does see cameras with issues, and he'd especially see 50 year old treasures with bleary eyes. Leica screwmounts never did have wonderful rangefinder, so one of these 50+ year-old beauties would undoubtedly want to see the plastic surgeon if it found a lover in modern times. And yes, the mirrors aren't part of typical CLA. But perfect examples with no problems do abound, and one should expect to pay a small premium if one stumbles across an example that doesn't need botox. Same with Summaron/haze legend, which is the same as Summicron LTM/haze legend etc. Easier to find a perfect Summaron than perfect Summicron, IMO. Easier still to find a perfect Canon lens of the same vintage.:angel:

 

[cpborello]

Thanks all for the help. I've been busy with work the past day or so, and didn't have a chance to look further into it, and now you have me on the fence about it.