Leica LTM Not just another IIIC Camera Lamp

Leica M39 screw mount bodies/lenses

mothertrucker

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Does this lamp rise above your standard camera lamp hack job?

Seems semi-official. If it was really made by Leitz NY is there a chance this is a real black paint IIIC? Wonder if it would be worth the effort to convert it back.

Leitz NY Desk Lamp - auction site link

s-l500.jpg
 
Almost 1500 USD for a well-worn black top cover with serial number in correct range for black paint (?) is too rich for my blood, but others may disagree.
 
Seeing as it is supposedly made by Leitz NY, they could have used one of the dummy cameras to make it, so no real loss to the enthusiast world.

PF
 
Seeing as it is supposedly made by Leitz NY, they could have used one of the dummy cameras to make it, so no real loss to the enthusiast world.

PF

I figure this is probably what happened, they had some unused parts laying around, maybe a damaged Summar from the test lab etc. and threw something together for one of the executives.

If I were spending 1500 on a lamp it would have to be a little more Tiffany and a little less Leica.
 
Looks a bit hokey to me - "Unfortunately, we have no documentation to support this provenance."
If I was spending $1500 on a lamp I'd want my head checked!
 
Leica cameras are wonderful, of course. But the "collectibles" designed to get you to part with your money? Not so much. I remember seeing the Leica belt buckle in the B&H catalog a number of years ago, one of their less absurd collectible offerings. For a few seconds I considered getting one, knowing it would increase significantly in value, but I'm proud to say I didn't allow myself to get sucked in. I guess they've always had to make their money any way they can (such is the market), but these trinkets are an embarrassment.
 
Reminds me to bring my Leica (Leitz) lamp to my workbench. From the 90s, uses Halogen Lamps with bendable fiber optics to direct the light to hard-to-reach angles.
 
Then there are the "crafters" who cut the keytops from perfectly usable old typewriters to make charms for bracelets. Maybe something as utlitarian as a typewriter doesn't give rise to the same level of outrage as a mutilated IIIc, but still.
 
I see a lot of Argus C3s in that selection - nothing to cry about there.

Still ugly, though!
I'm certainly no fan of "The Brick", but they served many a photographer well who couldn't afford a more upscale camera. And even an Argus deserves a better fate than to be turned into a lamp, and a butt-ugly one at that! Death with dignity...
 
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The C3 is actually a very nice performer. And some folks have adapted the Cintar to various cameras. I believe @raid has one adapted to an M9 with lovely results:
Leica M9 with Cintar 5cm 3.5 (for ARGUS)

Some nice samples here on RFF:
Post your Argus C-3 Shots !

Some of my C3 shots (I found this C3 for $15 at a local flea market coop w/case and local address written in ball-point pen inside. A quaint touch):
Argus C3 "Brick" Rangefinder Camera
You know, looking at your links has made me re-think the Argus' capabilities, if not its bulk and ergonomics. I know of a very minty one in a local flea market that might follow me home. Yep, another camera...
 
The C3 is perfectly capable. I have multiple examples at home. They're all sluggish with aging lubes...but spruce one up and it will perform it's duties with aplomb.
 
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