Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1996/09/04
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]last week I bought and then returned a 85/2 Jupiter, 35/2.8 Russian biogon copy, and a rather amazing Leica IIIA Russian counterfeit with a nickel finish and a large German Eagle symbol on its front where the self timer would be on a IIIg. Keep in mind Leica never produced a camera like this one----the new found Russian capitalist "Lika" engineers are starting to let their imaginations run wild. Would you believe a camaflouge finish IIIA or a black or green finish Contax II? The problem with all of them was unbelievably poor workmanship. Neither the 85 or the 35 would focus properly on a real Leica body. The fake Leica body would not focus a real Leica lens either. Keep in mind that there are different factories turning this stuff out. Interesting, I learned that the first two digits of the serial number are usually the year of manufacturer on the lenses. In contrast, I picked up some 20/5.6 Russars with late square finders which are beautifully made and work great--late 1995 lenses at that. different factory. the Russians are also starting to turn out nice fake Leica A Elmax, the reporter, and the stereo (the camera, not the lens). While the workmanship is easily spotted as fake by someone experienced, they are still relatively nice copies at a small price compared to the originals. Stephen Gandy Stephen Gandy