I've been looking for a IIIf RD ST 1954 (my vintage) at a decent price for ages (190€ body only), and here it is at last. Arrived yesterday from 120 miles away. I cleaned the outside thoroughly with metal cleaner, removed the grime from the knurled buttons with tooth picks. Apart from two dings on the top plate, brassing on the slow speeds and rewind knobs as well as various scuff marks on the top plate, it looks pretty cool and decent to me with its griptack cover. Range-finder is spot on, viewfinder clean as a whistle. Eye cup looks new.
The shutter needed to be exercised though. It didn't sound quite right and slow speeds were sticking. Must have been sitting idle for quite some time. Several actuations at the various speeds got it to work as it should smooth wind on and silent action. Timer works alright. Hope the curtains are light tight. They look clean and in good shape. My 1955 Zorki 1 is perfectly sound, so I expect a Leica to be at least as good... If a CLA is really needed. I know a competent guy in Bordeaux who works for fair prices. But I hope I'll be lucky again. I'll post some pics in the gallery when I've put my first roll through it.
Marc