The wartime German lenses are first rate picture taking optics. The Wartime Leica IIIc had a version which added ball-bearing movement to the shutter.
I have three wartime Sonnars, one in Contax mount and two in LTM. No Swastika anywhere in them. I've taken several apart, cleaned, and collimated them.
I suppose the more pertinant question is who would ruin a perfectly good Russian camera and think it was worth $4,000.
I have three wartime Sonnars, one in Contax mount and two in LTM. No Swastika anywhere in them. I've taken several apart, cleaned, and collimated them.
I suppose the more pertinant question is who would ruin a perfectly good Russian camera and think it was worth $4,000.
Pickett Wilson
Veteran
The Luftwaffe actually used a variation of the 250 Reporter (Based on the IIIC) with 50mm lenses for arial surveillance. They were mounted on the planes and fired by remote control.
I've always wondered how good the images they got actually were.
I've always wondered how good the images they got actually were.
Jamie123
Veteran
Yeah, I've noticed that, too. Often it's in combination with an S/M bondage fetish.
Not really that common here in Switzerland and, as you say, in Germany but maybe that's also because it's a more delicate topic around here.
Also, it would be against the law in Germany to sell that Leica due to the swastika.
I wasn't even trying to pass a moral judgement or anything. I'm also not really surprised that someone would have an interest in it due to the rarity. What surprised me is that, given the funds, the OP would've spent that kind of money on it. It's not like he saw it at a garage sale for $20. Even if it were real, it's like 1000% more than a regular wartime Leica would go for. I can't see how the swastika would add that much value unless the buyer has a fetish for Nazi stuff.
Pickett Wilson
Veteran
Here's my "mint" condition fake Leica that I bought in the 1990's sometime. Some of them were pretty nicely made (without all the graphics).
JohnTF
Veteran
I have a Mauser with Nazi, US, and Israeli proofs, in 7.62 Nato.
Never shot it, but it was interesting to me, evidently it was picked up by the US, re-barreled to the .308, sent to Israel to be used in the wars there, then sold and imported to the US as surplus.
Maybe it could be exhibited with a WWII camera?
I know what you mean though about the WWII stuff, my friend's dad brought back a flag, and I did not want it around, regardless the price. Never cared much for the crooked cross or the double S's.
OTOH, a IIIc K-- with normal marks?
Regards, John
Never shot it, but it was interesting to me, evidently it was picked up by the US, re-barreled to the .308, sent to Israel to be used in the wars there, then sold and imported to the US as surplus.
Maybe it could be exhibited with a WWII camera?
I know what you mean though about the WWII stuff, my friend's dad brought back a flag, and I did not want it around, regardless the price. Never cared much for the crooked cross or the double S's.
OTOH, a IIIc K-- with normal marks?
Regards, John
anorphirith
Established
Or have a serious fascination for rare leicas... and would actually think it's worth more than 3000 if it was real
btw leitz is a hero who saved hundred of jews that would be a paradox to buy this leica then
I would also love to buy a Luger, german gun made and used by the nazis.
I don't give a **** about the nazis or the third reich. but more about the rarity of the pistol it's sofistication,design and uniqueness.
I also don't like beeing called a nazi lover
I never thought this thread would go that way....
Jamie123
Veteran
Sorry but you don't seem like a collector as you didn't even spot the fake. Also, if you're just after the sophistication and design there are plenty of "regular" wartime Leitz cameras around. As for uniqueness, I can have my dog take a dump on it before you put it in your cabinet. It'll be the only one he ever shat on.
Just kidding....I don't have a dog.
Anyways, I didn't really call you a Nazi lover, I just suggested that you may have a fascination with Nazi paraphernalia if you're so keen on this. It's not like I said you like to be spanked by prostitutes in SS uniform. You're not in politics, are you?
But let's just leave it at this as I'm not really serious and don't want this to turn into some kind of fight.
anorphirith
Established
I never said I was a collector, more interested in flipping for money
I agree. Good thinking, you should use that everytime you post a reply
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JohnTF
Veteran
My friends have a 1910 era home, with one of the decorative tiles in the foyer having a very similar symbol. I would tell you that there is a mezuzah above it, but I cannot spell it-- found the spelling, hope it is correct. ;-)
As to Lugers, the US considered adopting them before they settled on the 1911 Colt/ Browning, some were made with American Eagles on them, and the few remaining ones in 45 ACP would buy a lot of film. It remains a classic symbol of a very evil time, though it was adopted in 1908, and actually replaced by several other pistols less evil looking. Switzerland, for example, adopted them.
Symbols are powerful, few would rival the Swastika for hate and evil.
Regards, John
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