My local used camera store has an ultra-rare camera

[Vickko]

My local used camera store has an ultra-rare camera, Midland engraved IIIf.

Wow, never seen one in my hands.

$8600 might be a bit steep, $5500 more likely.

But, who knows.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LEICA-IIIf-...053127214?pt=Film_Cameras&hash=item4ac041f22e

Vick

 

[Vickko]

Okay, I'm wrong, last one at Westlicht got 12,000 Euros ($15,500 usd)

Seems like $8k is a bargain

 

[icebear]

Okay, I'm wrong, last one at Westlicht got 12,000 Euros ($15,500 usd)

Seems like $8k is a bargain

Get a Monochrom instead ...

 

[nikon_sam]

It's purdy......

 

[goamules]

Wait...so if it's a Leica IIIf, it goes for about $600, but if the top has this different engraving, but it's the same camera, it sells for $8,000? I think I'll pass. That's fragile ice to put my money on.

 

[Phil_F_NM]

Only if Mandler himself put his hands on it! 😀

Phil Forrest

 

[NeeZee]

Get a Monochrom instead ...

Well, to pay that price for an engraving might be ridiculous but at least that thing can shoot colour - so why buying something inferior for the same price? 😛

 

[raytoei@gmail.com]

i feel rich, i put in a bid for 2k .... haha

 

[Bar8barian]

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[Vickko]

Yeah, for sure it is a collector play only. But it is in the correct serial number range.

I think they were "training runs" for establishing Midland's competency.

This little store has had remarkable success in coming up with rarities.

 

[Vickko]

I know of the IIIf's but haven't ever seen an authentic IIIg with the "Midland" engraving.

I don't know of any Westlicht records either for "Midland" engraved IIIg's. Does Lager list a "Midland" engraved IIIg?

There are some "Midland" M3's in existence (not just the large lettering).

I believe just a few IIIg's (even fewer than the IIIf's) were marked "Midland,Canada"....

 

[Bar8barian]

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[Vickko]

Yes, I stand corrected. I saw the references in Lager's book to IIIg Midland cameras.

 

[Vickko]

I went to see the camera today.

There was once a time, that if I saw something as rare as this, and available, I'd be booking my appointment to sell my kidneys to pay for it.

Today, no. No excitement. I was intrigued to see the engraving, and interesting to see how the serial number engraving was different than the rest of the lettering. The lettering had very sharp edges, as if it were cut into the metal and then the metal polished down to leave sharp edges. The numbering had more rounded edges, as if it were stamped in.

But other than that, it was just an IIIf with a self timer, with a repair to the vulcanite at the slow speed dial.

I was happy that I could walk away.

 

[Dez]

I find I am highly skilled at walking away from spending $8600 for a camera.

Cheers,
Dez