Leica LTM To restore or not to restore

[acanalda]

Hi to everyone!

I love classic cars like as I love my classic leicas. Why a pristine restored Jaguar increase in value and a pristine restored Leica Ia decrease in value ?

What a philosophical question !.....

Regards,

Arturo

 

[Vickko]

It is the difference between apples and bananas.

Yes, highly philosophical.

And I think the type of restoration of the Jaguar matters too, whether you use authentic parts vs modern parts. Isn't that true?

Vick

 

[John Shriver]

But the most valuable Jaguar is the one that doesn't need restoring.

 

[crawdiddy]

Hi to everyone!

I love classic cars like as I love my classic leicas. Why a pristine restored Jaguar increase in value and a pristine restored Leica Ia decrease in value ?

What a philosophical question !.....

Regards,

Arturo

If the Leica, or Jaguar, is pristine, then it does not need to be restored. Right?

I'm not trying to be a smart-a$$. Just trying to parse what you said.

OK, I get your meaning, I think. You're saying that restoring a Jaguar increases its value, but restoring a Leica does not? I didn't realize this is the case with Leicas. Can someone explain it to me?

 

[acanalda]

Dan,

That's exactly what I mean. Sorry my bad english!

I bought months ago a very bad painted and broken shutter Leica 1 A. Very cheap but a lot of work to do. Now I have completely dismantled it. I am "restoring" it. Years ago I bought a very bad restored Triumph TR3A. It costs me 3000 Euros. I have completely restored it with original parts and also with new parts with original specs. I've been involved in this proyect for 3 years. Now, the car is like new. I enclose link with the restoring proccess. The car at this moment worth 30000 Euros. 10 x its original cost. (probably the amount I have invested in the restoration )

http://www.ea4az.com/021aed96ce07ac606/021aed98be0bd5604/index.html


My idea is to restore the camera completely, but probably its worth after the restoring would be not higher. But I love this camera like I love my TR3.

Things must change with very old Leicas !!!. I have several of them, all in perfect working order except the 1A. I use all of them every month, as I use the Triumph every week. Is the best way to keep them healthy.

Regards,

Arturo

 

[nobbylon]

I think the best prices acheived on classic cars and indeed exotica are those paid for what is termed 'sympathetic' restoration. Retaining most of the originality where possible. This then gives the feeling to the owner , driver, that she or he is indeed involved with something that is classic and with history rather than a new old car. With cars and motorcycles for that matter, I think it's to do with interiors and paint. Mechanicals are what they are, whether it be cars, bikes or cameras. Replace or rebuild that which is worn out but with original items not pattern. For me, I'd far rather have say a 911 2.7 RS with original interior and paint ex factory, smelling and feeling of 35 yr history than a freshly painted one. Same with say black paint Leica's. I think the more expensive ones are worth more because of this originality, even if the internals have been changed. I think if you can see it then it should be original, prob why old shutter curtains in certain Leica's are not changed.
It's the same with classic watches. Example, a Submariner that's 20-30 yrs old but with an original bezel and dial, even if the internals have been repaired is worth far more than one which has had a new bezel and dial fitted.