Thoughts on this Barnack

[KoNickon]

Take a look at this Craigslist listing: leica - photo/video - by owner - electronics sale - craigslist

The serial number doesn't seem right for what appears to be a IIIa. Only 5 digits, and the last two digits are "off" -- slightly heavier and not aligned with the rest. The shutter speed dial looks like the edge is slightly raised (?).

As for the scratching out of the Leica logo, I have a IIIf with that -- done by U.S. Customs I understand.

Can't tell much of anything about the Summar from the pictures.

If it's some sort of Soviet copy, it's a good one.

 

[Joe Jesus]

for $100 i’d be inclined to roll the dice. Looks good to me but i’m not an expert.

 

[JeffS7444]

Serial number suggests it started life as a Leica 1. I see nothing to suggest that it's bogus, but it looks pretty rough. IIRC, FED-1s with 1/1000 sec shutter speed exist, but they're rare, and probably worth more than a battered old Leica III.

 

[Miles.]

Originally a Leica I upgraded to a Leica IIIa. I've seen this type of engraving with converted cameras over the years.

 

[KoNickon]

Thanks for these responses. A conversion to a IIIa hadn't occurred to me. Did Leitz reserve a block of numbers for these, and the last two digits were engraved later?

The guy wrote me back and said the vulcanite just came off -- who knows how the camera was stored, or what the internals are. He said it seems to work, for what that's worth. As it happens I have a IIIa covering I could use.

 

[boojum]

Thanks for these responses. A conversion to a IIIa hadn't occurred to me. Did Leitz reserve a block of numbers for these, and the last two digits were engraved later?

The guy wrote me back and said the vulcanite just came off -- who knows how the camera was stored, or what the internals are. He said it seems to work, for what that's worth. As it happens I have a IIIa covering I could use.

OK, $100. The $500 - $1000 for a CLA. Worth it? Alex at OKVintage does it for less that 200 Euros. repair'

Alex did my Contax II. Superb. That's my experience with him.

 

[Dralowid]

Converted cameras 'usually' retain their original serial number.

 

[WoodallP]

I know that US prices tend to be lower but it still seems a very good price. It’s clearly real and if it was near me I wouldn’t think twice before buying, but that’s because I’d fix it up myself. If you are going to be paying for repairs then it’s probably more sensible to get a nicer one. The lens is a gamble, but a good Summar is a great lens.

 

[Dralowid]

Yes, it is certainly a Leica and at that price is worth a go.

The shutter button and surround look newer than the camera and the Summar looks to be nickel?

I wouldn't know how to tidy up the scratched away logo.

 

[BillBingham2]

Worth a shot. Go see what's what and see if you can get it for less.

B2

 

[besk]

I wouldn't think twice - buy it.

 

[KoNickon]

Thanks, all -- I think I'll pursue it. I'm thinking of it in car terms, as a "barn find." Lots of potential.

 

[aw614]

You are lucky Im not up in Putnam County NY visiting family, I would have snatched it as is lol

 

[helen.HH]

Maybe, why not go for it ?

 

[analoged]

Thats a nickel Summar