Worth having it serviced?

[andydg]

A family member asked me to sell a IIF sn:612316 along with a lens sn:915544. It places both units in the early 50's according to the online serial numbers listing I've found. The lens looks clean, but the focus ring is difficult to move.
Am I correct that the lens is removable and this is considered a screw mount? Not knowing for sure I don't want to force it, as there is no play and it won't budge.
So the question remains, should I have it serviced prior to sale or just let someone buy it and worry about it after?
It does appear to be a red dial model, if I am correct. It has red in the window where the film wind knob is. red background with asa in black lettering, etc.

 

[B-9]

Red Dial refers to the engravings around the flash selector dial directly beneath the shutter speed dial. The lens detaches counter clockwise. Make sure to use the focus tab, you may be just rotating the head of a collapsible lens.

 

[andydg]

Red Dial refers to the engravings around the flash selector dial directly beneath the shutter speed dial. The lens detaches counter clockwise. Make sure to use the focus tab, you may be just rotating the head of a collapsible lens.

Thank you. I looked again and it is a red dial, just some of the numbers have dirt in them from 50 years of existence. I was able to remove the lens, gently turning it while gripping it firmly. I'll email DAG and see what he thinks. (He serviced my M6 and I was extremely pleased with the results. Hope he is still around. 🙂

 

[Dralowid]

I would sell it without servicing it. I don't think the cost of a service is really covered between the selling price of 'as is' and 'serviced'.

 

[B-9]

Agree,

As is, will likely collect a fair price anyhow.

CLA if youde like to keep it, as you won't see a penny return.

 

[farlymac]

I'm of the thought you should get it serviced. First, you haven't put any money into it, since it's owned by a relative, and was probably payed for eons ago. And secondly, anyone who buys it will not want to pay much, knowing they will also have to get it serviced if they want to use it. I don't see why you couldn't get the cost of a CLA, and a little more, out of it. I don't know as I'd want to buy something I then have to immediately send off to repair for who knows how long before I'd see it again. But that's just me. I've seen folks pay way more than actual worth for a Leica that looked like it had spent time at the bottom of a flooded basement.

PF

 

[Mudman]

PF- The problem is most cameras don't actually get more than what the servicing costs unfortunately, unless prices have shot up on SM Leica gear. Sometimes the price difference is a moot point sadly. It's nicer for the end buyer, but not necessarily any better for the seller.

 

[goamules]

Don't service a lens or camera for sale. If the lens focuses stiffly, take it off, look at where the brass threads are when you focus, on the back side. wipe them with a little lighter fluid and Q-tips. Leave some of the now softened old lube. Done.

Here's the cost breakdown. A Leica IIIF will sell for $200 to $300. If you have both it and the lens CLA'd by DAG, it will add $150 to $200 to the cost, thereby obviating any profit. Yet, if you sell it unserviced, and say so, it will still sell for $200 to $250.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

It is IIf, not IIIf.
IIf is much less desirable and in 2014 I sold mine in perfect working condition with new skin on it for less I paid for it.

If OP's IIf has dried out, broken shutter clothes, curtain not returning and RF is dim it is worth next to nothing. If it works fine, $200 is the highest price for IIf.

Lens might be different story, if it is clean inside out, the rest is serviceable after purchase under not so low price. 🙂