Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2004/06/22
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]I was bopping around some antique stores in the old part of Shanghai today, trying to avoid buying the Mao Tse Tung alarm clocks (the ones where Mao's hand waves to you, quite kitchy), when I came across a Shanghai Leica clone. According to what I can find out (mainly Ian Norris' site), it's a Shanghai 58-II model 2. It has 4 screws on the accessory shoe and a diopter adjustment, but no strap lugs (they're a bourgeoise convenience anyway). It's a pretty good clone of a III series Leica, although it has a combined viewfinder/rangefinder (thus is closer to a FED than a Leica). The body was in pretty good shape although it has signs that someone attempted a repair (scratched screw heads and a missing screw). The second curtain is a different shade/texture than the first curtain. The slow shutter speeds are irregular, they only "catch" about 1/10th the time.*** The horizontal alignment is way off and the vertical alignment too, just for good measure. BUT, the rangefinder was clear and the focusing spot (despite being off in Panama horizontally and vertically) was relatively clear (compared to my FEDkin and Zorkins). The collapsible 50mm f/3.5 Elmariclone was clean and clear. According to the seller, it belonged to his father and was bought in 1958. The serial number begins with 58xxxxxso that is either likely or not. It also came with the battered version of the original neveready leather case, with bakelite screw adjust. After bargaining with the seller for about half an hour (this *is* Shanghai), I got a good price on it so I'm happy. I took off the rangefinder prism cover and tried adjusting the vertical alignment, but couldn't get it close enough. The horizontal is also way off. It may take some more serious adjustment than I can do in my hotel room without tools. Any suggestions? Karen *** Update. After playing with it in my hotel room, it appears that if the fast shutter dial is set to 20-1, then you must *ALWAYS* reset the slow shutter speed dial to 1/20 before dialing in another slow speed. So to set it to 1 second, I have to go back to 1/20 and then dial in 1 second. Is this usual for cameras with split fast/slow shutter speeds? I don't recall having to do this with my Minolta 35 for example. -- Karen Nakamura http://www.photoethnography.com/ClassicCameras/