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Leica M39 screw mount bodies/lenses
1927 Leica Convertion

1927 Leica Convertion

Here is a Leica we just found in a families storage bin a low S/N what would its value be for insurance purposes? We are new to this not sure what to do.

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pjo said:
Here is a Leica we just found in a families storage bin a low S/N what would its value be? We are new to this not sure what to do.
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It is a prewar conversion from a Leica I into a Leica III. After a conversion a Leica always kept its original number.

In this case the value of the camera is lowered by the conversion. A four-digit Leica I in original condition is worth much more money than a Leica III. The number 5242 indicates that the original camera dates from 1927. The conversion took place somewere between 1934 and 1939.

Erik.
 
The value of the camera is highly dependent on its condition, which is difficult to determine from the picture. The cosmetics looks very good, so if everything is working properly mechanically, and the lens is free of scratches and other impairments, its value would probably be $450-$500. As Erik mentions, the low serial number is just a curiosity now due to the conversion.
Strange, isn't it- the owner probably paid a good deal of money for the upgrade, and was doubtless very pleased with the resulting modern camera.

Cheers,
Dez
 
Yes, it is a great serial number but has no intrinsic value. Indeed conversions, however rare, fall outside the interest area of heavyweight collectors. They don't know what they are missing or don't understand the interest or are simply buying for investment value about which I will say nothing. So your camera is worth no more than the value of what it is now (if you get my drift)

The same applies in other fields where 'original' is the only thing that really drives value.

Having said all that Westlicht seems to achieve higher prices for interesting conversions than anyone else.
 
Ron (Netherlands) said:
Very nice conversion!
Btw these lenses were made in M and LTM....
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I know that some of the old Summilux lenses were made in LTM, but I didn't know they made LTM versions of recent lenses like the Summilux 'Type 3' in the picture.
Ron, do you have a link showing such a lens in more detail, or any other info on these?
 
RFH said:
I know that some of the old Summilux lenses were made in LTM, but I didn't know they made LTM versions of recent lenses like the Summilux 'Type 3' in the picture.
Ron, do you have a link showing such a lens in more detail, or any other info on these?
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here is some info on one that was for sale:
http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/pho/4810025809.html

here's one still for sale:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Leica-Summi...44612491?pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item259ccf2a8b

and there are even more on the internet (so perhaps not so rare as they say):
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1236799
 
Now this is quite rare and someone might need it. It is the top cover as used on black postwar conversions to II & IIIa etc. No apparent serial number so presumably unused. It is the 'high' cover to accept the later shutter. Note that is has no hole for flash sync plug.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Leica-III...ography_VintageCameras_SM&hash=item2a4d30253c

One wonders where it came from. I will resist it but others may not

Michael

No connection.
 
RFH said:
Sweet. How did you get that lens onto the LTM body, if I may ask?
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This was my first lens, bought for my M3. It's the limited edition Summilux III which was made for the Japanese market, I believe. They pop up on occasion. It's a bit unbalanced on a Barnack but is a very nice lens.
 
That is old original paint and the flaking around the engraving is entirely appropriate for the age. Overall the camera body looks very original and unmodified.

I have not heard of chrome cameras being sent back and refinished in black pre war. Back then black was cheaper than chrome and changing all the fittings? Sounds very illogical.

Both Cameraquest and Summilux.net have your number as being chrome.

Hmmm, dunno (helpful aren't I?)

Michael
 
For some reason the Woods Metal lettering seems to have suffered more on Leica III cameras then on Leica II cameras, at least in my observation. I have black nr. 114317 with exactly the same sort of wear. As Michael says, this is not a converted camera. With some cleaning and lubrication it can be a great user if the curtains are still good.

Erik.
 
Erik van Straten said:
For some reason the Woods Metal lettering seems to have suffered more on Leica III cameras then on Leica II cameras, at least in my observation.

Erik.
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ERrik,

I wonder...is it worse on later cameras than on the earlier ones? Possibly.

Or...and this just guessing...Leica IIIs tend to come in cases with a velvet liner in the lid. Leica I and II seem to come in cases with a liner in the lid made of a plain 'sealed' cloth (what used to be called 'american cloth' in the UK).

The latter would not hold moisture up against the paint in the same way as velvet...

Just an idea!

Michael
 
Thanks for that clarification Michael and Erik. I'm very happy with what I got from Japan. Somebody must have looked after it for a long time. The shutter curtains are fine, and I've found the camera works well in the 30th second to 125th range. 250th and 500th cause underexposure. It is stiffer and coarser to wind to the next frame than my IIIc and IIIf. I think it needs some old lubrication cleaned out of the shutter mechanism and a re-lube and re-calibration done. But it certainly is beautiful to look at and use.
 
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