Sanity check before a purchase

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Brian Legge

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Okay.

I really need a sanity check from people who know Leicas. I've never seriously considered buying one - I've been more focused on cheaper 70s rangefinders. I came across a deal tonight that I'm having a hard time passing up on though - but I know almost nothing about the cameras. I'd love to hear feedback from people familiar with cameras.

Basically, once I sell off the stuff I'm not interested in, the deal is basically for $150:

Leica IIIc
Summarit 50mm 1.5

Am I missing something or is this a pretty good deal? The lens I can judge but what should I be looking for with the camera? Accurate shutter speeds? Arg. I feel like I'm diving in without any research which always bugs me.
 
Okay, I feel a bit better. I definitely agree that condition is everything. I'm definitely okay walking if I have concerns.

I think the main reason for the deal is the number of items being sold as part of the bundle. Several of the items don't really fit my shooting style so I'm okay selling them.
 
Make sure that the lens is not fogged/internal haze and that the front element is not badly scratched. Internal haze can be cleaned, but front element damage repair is expensive, if not impossible. Summarits have their own "look", rounder,creamier tones, not as clinically sharp as modern lenses.
 
Check for smooth shutter speeds (including slow ones), and non-wrinkled curtains.

The IIIc has a 1:1 rangefinder. Clarity check: Ideally, you should be able to focus the camera with both eyes open. If the RF image is too dim, close one eye (the correct one 😛). Youxin Ye should be able to replace one of the half-mirrors in the RF setup without too much cost.

If the lens is clean: sweet deal!
 
That is a great price. A complete Summarit in "as-is/for repair" condition is worth more than $150.
 
Dfin said:
Make sure that the lens is not fogged/internal haze and that the front element is not badly scratched. Internal haze can be cleaned, but front element damage repair is expensive, if not impossible. Summarits have their own "look", rounder,creamier tones, not as clinically sharp as modern lenses.
Click to expand...

I'll second that.

Regards, David
 
The lens wasn't in great shape. No deep scratched on thefrotht element but relatively heavy cleaning marks. The inner elemts were also a bit dirty.

The camera on the other hand seemed to be in very good condition. It seemed reasonably accurate at all speeds, clean, etc. A sticker inside mentioned a cla in 1961 - perhaps it is on the tail end of that.

Based on the cameras state, I picked it up. I have a few fsu lenses that I may be able to use with it. The Summarit may end up the lens I go to when I want something extremely soft or low light. We'll have to see what it does.
 
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