Noob questions on Leica lllc

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IdeaEarth

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Hello everyone,
I came across this forum while searching for information on a camera / lens I have recently acquired. From all of the pictures I've seen, my camera looks like a Leica lllc model. All details match exactly. From what I've seen, I've assumed the model number corresponds with the production year (mine is 481139). The chrome is pitting and de-laminating, mostly on the bottom, but also on areas of the top. Everything seems to work on it, but I really know nothing about the mechanics of older cameras. I can only tell the shudder works on the different speeds.

This camera was fitted with a Leitz Xenon f=5cm 1:1.5 lens (No289783). The lens seems to be very dirty with smudges and dust. I have not attempted to clean it as I've read where it could be damaged by a novice (that would be me). Mechanically, the lens seems to work well. I can't seem to find much info about this lens. I don't know if it was an upgrade from a standard or not. My Grandmother used to tell us "Is it heavy? Then it's expensive!". Don't know if she was on to something, but this little guy is not a lightweight.

I would like to get some opinions on this if possible. Do I have something of value, or am I sitting on a paperweight?

Thanks for the assist!,
Mark
 
Hi Mark,

For good background info on these Leica Screw Mount "Barnack" cameras, go to Stephen Gandy's website:

http://www.cameraquest.com/classics.htm

Mr. Gandy also has a chart to date your camera body:

http://www.cameraquest.com/ltmnum.htm
(from your serial #, it looks to be around "1949/1950")

A chart to date your lens is found here:

http://www.forloren.dk/lbf/leica_lens_serial.htm
(your lens is from about "1936")

As to determining an approximate value, I'd suggest you search eBay for completed auctions, and visit camera dealers' web catalogs - such as Ritz Collectibles:

http://www.ritzcam.com/catalog/index.php

And KEH camera:

http://www.keh.com/

Of course, value is dependent on condition and dealers will charge more as they need to stand behind their stuff. If it's something you inherited, it may even be "priceless". 😀 But if you plan on using it yourself, factor in a cost of $100-200 for a clean/lub/adjust (CLA). Your 60-year old camera probably needs it if it's been sitting around for a while.

I find these Leica screw mounts beautifully crafted and engineered and I enjoy using mine.

rt 🙂
 
Thanks much for the info everyone. The craftsmanship of this was really impressive so I thought it was worth checking on. I'll check out the links tomorrow!
 
If you do decide to keep the camera and lens, and if the lens is as dusty/smudgy as you say, it will probably need a cleaning as well (~$100). On the otherhand, if it's badly fungus-ed, you may be better off finding another lens.

There are a lot of lens choices out there in Leica screw mount should you decide to add another to this kit. Now the fun begins! 😀

good luck! 🙂
rt
 
If you send the camera to Youxin Ye (assuming you are in the US) you could get out of the whole process for $150.00 which would include a full CLA for the camera and a clean of the lens. Provided the camera doesn't owe you a lot this would be very worthwhile as you would have a very nice reliable user screwmount that wouldn't need any other attention for a long time! 🙂
 
rtphotos said:
If you do decide to keep the camera and lens, and if the lens is as dusty/smudgy as you say, it will probably need a cleaning as well (~$100). On the otherhand, if it's badly fungus-ed, you may be better off finding another lens.

There are a lot of lens choices out there in Leica screw mount should you decide to add another to this kit. Now the fun begins! 😀

good luck! 🙂
rt
Click to expand...

Is there a way for a novice such as myself to tell if a lens is simply dirty vs un-cleanable? My online research has not pulled up a lot of info on this particular lens. As a matter of fact, a quick google of "leitz xenon" now shows this thread on page 1 results. Tried an online appraisal using the KEH tool (nice!) but due to it's condition, it came back they want to see it. I'll probably send it out to get a grasp of it's potential value.

My wife says I've got too many hobbies now. She warned me to not start another...:bang:, so I'll probably either sell it to KEH or test the eBay waters. Anybody here ever sell to KEH?

Many thanks again...
Mark
 
IdeaEarth said:
Is there a way for a novice such as myself to tell if a lens is simply dirty vs un-cleanable?
Click to expand...

You will want to distinguish between cleaning marks, fungus, dust and fog. Dust, fog and some fungus can usually be cleaned up by a competent repairperson, but cleaning marks and damage from extensive fungus are permanent (without replacing the lens elements - and expensive).

If you can take some sharp closeups of the lens and post them here, one of the more knowledgeable folks might be able to give you a better idea of what you are up against.

You can also talk to a few repairpersons and see what they think. I personally would ask Sherry Krauter, but check out Andrew Nemeth's webpage for a list of other reputable Leica repairpersons:

http://www.nemeng.com/leica/007e.shtml

On the other hand, have you tried shooting a test roll with it? Unlikely, but maybe the images will be acceptable and fine.

Good luck,
rt 🙂
 
When I look through the lens up at a light, I can see some tiny black specks I'm assuming are dust. I can't get a clear enough picture to show this. The outside of the lens looks OK. But tat's my untrained eye looking at it. As stated, I guess my best bet would be to try out a roll of film. Any specific kind I should use? Or just something cheap? I'm afraid if I play around with it, I might like it...😱

Here are a couple of pictures of the beast:

LeicaTop.jpg


Leica1.jpg
 
It doesn't look too bad. The body shows some dechroming, but that is normal for this model and year. The lens is worth cleaning if the glass is not scratched too much. In good condition these lenses still bring 400-450 US$.
 
xayraa33 said:
man.. Leitz sure had some bad chrome plating from 1947 to 1950.
Click to expand...

Serious chrome contamination in various issues all the way up to 1951 - conditions didn`t improve with many things till the start of the Red Dial IIIF and M3 production

If you find a MINT "Sharkskin" Leica IIIC you have a very unique and rare camera, especially if you have a equally as hard pressed to find a good condition "Sharkskin" 90mm f4.0 Elmar

Tom
 
LeicaTom said:
Serious chrome contamination in various issues all the way up to 1951 - conditions didn`t improve with many things till the start of the Red Dial IIIF and M3 production

If you find a MINT "Sharkskin" Leica IIIC you have a very unique and rare camera, especially if you have a equally as hard pressed to find a good condition "Sharkskin" 90mm f4.0 Elmar

Tom
Click to expand...

I got a IIIc and a IIIf from 1951 and the chrome is very good, much better than my friends 1948 Leica IIIc.
 
LeicaTom said:
Serious chrome contamination in various issues all the way up to 1951 - conditions didn`t improve with many things till the start of the Red Dial IIIF and M3 production

If you find a MINT "Sharkskin" Leica IIIC you have a very unique and rare camera, especially if you have a equally as hard pressed to find a good condition "Sharkskin" 90mm f4.0 Elmar

Tom
Click to expand...

Tom, how much would you rate this one?
IIIc, 1949, pretty nice chrome, intact sharkskin, fully functional...
leicaiiic.jpg
 
Last edited:
HuubL said:
Tom, how much would you rate this one?
IIIc, 1949, pretty nice chrome, intact sharkskin, fully functional...
leicaiiic.jpg
Click to expand...

#477xxx serial - right in the middle of a batch of bad cameras I have recorded, seems to be in very good condition

Shame Leitz did away with the "Sharkskin" style covering, it was nicer/more practial than the normal vulcanite (which the 1943 to 1947 batches were lousy!)

Tom
 
Use whatever film you have handy, although you ought to use slide film to get a accurate and unbiased test of your camera's shutter.

Set your camera on a tripod and run through all the shutter speeds and f/stops regardless of the film type. Low contrast, excessive flaring, and un-focused images, may be a sign of lens issues requiring professional service.

And if you've never loaded your camera with film before, check this sticky for instructions w/pictures (and DO TRIM the leader as instructed!):

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22421

Your camera/lens may not be in as great a shape as HuubL's, but yours certainly has character. It's a camera begging to be USED!

And yes, there is a definite possibility of you getting hooked on these cameras. But we won't tell your wife if you do. :angel: It may take more than a roll or two, but these Barnack cameras are something special once you start using them.

Good luck!

rt 🙂
 
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