some assistance needed on a Konica III

[meste]

Hi,

I guess here are coming many people with more experience than me, and maybe I can get some help.

I intend to get a Konica III from ebay and I saw this one

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=280154148368&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=018

it looks like in good condition, would it worth the price of $277?

I have seen others located in States but I would prefer one from Europe as I won't pay any extra taxes.

thanks,
meste

 

[dnk512]

Nope! You should be able to get a great unit for about half this price.

 

[Steve Bellayr]

The list price per McKeown's (2002) is $120-180. I paid $87 plus shipping then it needed $80 servicng plus shipping. It is an increasingly uncommon camera. Ritz lists one for $225 with a one non-functioning blade. I did see on on ebay several months ago sell for around $100 but the seller stated that he did not know if the camera worked. As you know the lens does not come off the III so if the blade is not functioning what do you do? If the camera is completely functioning it is a close call in my opinion.

 

[meste]

I asked the seller and says that both of them (he has 2) are fully functional.

I don't know what to do!

meste

 

[raid]

Meste: Be patient. Note that shipping costs are EURO30 from Germany to the USA. If you are going to get one Konica, make it the IIIA or IIIM, whichever is lower priced. The viewfinder is much better than in the "regular" Konica III.

I paid less than $200 for my IIIM. A month ago, I could have bought a IIIA for $150. I did not.

 

[meste]

Raid, thanks for replying - I willtry to play patience - just that right now there are no IIIa or IIIm 's on ebay

maybe someone from here wants to sell it?

I should post an anouncement

thanks,
meste

 

[GaryMc]

Konica III

Konica III

I picked up a III a couple of months ago from a camerashop in Windsor for $75. This was my first rangefinder I love it and would probably pay way more than that if i had to if another one came up. I'm hooked on rangefinders now!! I'm even thinking of pawning my D80 to fund another.

 

[julianphotoart]

Oh that "arsenal" guy is a hoot. I picked up a gorgeous a Konica IIIa for $50. Even after a full CLA and shutter rebuilding it was half what "arsenal" wants. That guy really galls me.
So, as Raid said, be patient. I found mine sitting in a camera shop front window as novelty "background" for all the digital junk they're trying to sell. I offered the owner the money and he was happy to sell a camera that, to him, had no meaning. Go figure.

 

[meste]

I picked up a III a couple of months ago from a camerashop in Windsor for $75. This was my first rangefinder I love it and would probably pay way more than that if i had to if another one came up. I'm hooked on rangefinders now!! I'm even thinking of pawning my D80 to fund another.

gary, it looks like the price is a real bargain - is the camera fully functional? the meter, the shutter speeds etc?

meste

 

[GaryMc]

Konica III

Konica III

It worked fine except for the frame counter and small light leak.When i went back to the store to pick up my rolleiflex after a tuneup he fixed the counter and resealed it. I love this camera!! now i need a 35.5 yellow filter