Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/02/13
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Mitch, I am no expert on the older Leicas (there are plenty on this list who are, and I am sure that they will respond), but that sounds like a pretty good little outfit. I would guess that unless there is any serious mechanical damage, or really bad scratches on the lenses, most of what you list could be brought into good useable condition. There are many on the list who swear by the M3 (and will probably try and persuade you to part with it - don't let them temp you!). You might want to check out the list info site at: http://teachnet.edb.utexas.edu/~leica/ (although it wasn't responding when I tried it just now - you might want to try it later?) It gives details of a number of well recommended Leica repair people, who could probably give you more details about getting things cleaned up (why not just get the M3 and one lens done first?). Sherry seems to get good reports here. And I believe Leica Canada still does factory servicing of the older screw mount Leicas (I will be corrected if I am wrong, I am sure). So, go ahead and enjoy your Leicas - you will be hooked! Tim Atherton Tim Atherton, Tim Atherton Photography, PO Box 515, Yellowknife, NT, X1A N4, Canada. Ph/Fx 867.669.9874 DOCUMENTARY * REPORTAGE * EDITORIAL * ARCHITECTURAL > -----Original Message----- > From: owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us > [mailto:owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us]On Behalf Of Mitch > Zeissler > Sent: February 13, 1999 3:59 PM > To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us > Subject: [Leica] Leica M questions > > > I've been a photographer since the mid-60’s (pro for awhile about ten > years ago), but I was not prepared for this. I was just given two older > Leica bodies and four lenses by my father in-law, who purchased them in > Germany many years ago. They are as follows: > > ++++++++ > > - Leica M3 #751120 body in good mechanical condition (black vulcanite is > peeling in several places and the range finder is very dim). > - Leitz 35 mm f/3.5 Summaron #1181059 (needs professional cleaning). > - Leitz 50 mm f/2.0 Summicron #1232756 (needs professional cleaning). > - Leitz 135 mm f/4.5 Hektor #1383024 (filthy; needs professional > cleaning). > > ++++++++ > > - Leica IIIf RD ST (Red Dial, Self Timer) #699131 body in fair condition > (shutter needs work and black vulcanite is peeling in one tiny area). > - Leitz 50 mm f1.5 Xenon #375943 (beyond filthy; lens may have light > scratches in the rear element). > > ++++++++ > > I am very reluctant to touch these gorgeous cameras until they have been > professionally serviced. However, my wife and I are not in a position > to put a lot of money into these wonderful gifts at the moment, but we > will be better able to do so a little later down the line. > > My questions are these: > > - With the issues I described above, what would be a rough guesstimate > for getting all the hardware in good working order? > > - Can the vulcanite be replaced? > > - Can the M3 range finder be brought back up to factory specs? I have > seen the RF on the M6 and am astounded by the clarity of the image; can > the M3 get back to that? > > - Does it make sense to put the money into getting them photo worthy? > > - Would it be better to just leave them as is and purchase a new M6? > > - Also, any dates on manufacture of the above equipment? > > Any information would be much appreciated! > > Mitch Zeissler > >