Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/07/25
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Hi, A friend of my mothers just stopped by and handed me an old Leica that belonged to her father. She asked if I could identify it for her and give her an approximate idea of its value, though because its a family heirloom she will keep it. She bet me lunch that I couldn't, and of course I accepted the challenge. Now that she's gone I'll poll the real experts! The Leica is serial number 167965 and is fitted with an Elmar 50mm f/3.5 collapsible lens, number 213665. It has a case with some stitching replaced, the straps are long gone. It does not have a slow speed dial. The shutter speeds are: Z, 1-20, to 500. It has separate viewfinder and rangefinder windows. It has some very minor brassing around the top and the wind and rewind knobs and there is some minor brassing and marks on the base plate. It appears that the top housing has been polished at some point in time. Other than that it is in Mint- condition. The leather is perfect. The glass is clear and although the lubricant in the lens barrel has dried out it focuses freely. There is a filter for the lens marked "Ceneiplan 19. Germany". The rangefinder and viewfinder windows are crystal clear. The shutter sounds accurate but it is noticeably louder than my M3. The shutter curtains and the interior of the camera are nearly perfect. Her father obviously took very good care of this camera and if it was serviced it was an expert job. All of the screws are unmarked. Your help is appreciated. Let me know if there are other identifying marks that I need to check as I am unfamiliar with Leicas of this vintage. Kent Smith unipac@teleport.com You know, it a beautiful day here, I think I'll put a roll of film in and try it out!