New Russian Fake Leicas

[Stephen Gandy <cameras@jetlink.net>]

Marc James Small wrote:
> 
> I believe most Soviet Leica fakes are from decades ago -- I don't believe
> there are many folks making them today, if any.  Almost all of these are
> based on the early FED bodies, bodies which have been out of production
> since 1958 or so.
> 
Marc is stating the commonly accepted view, the view which can be
substantiated by the reference books.

I absolutely guarantee you, however, that there is a thriving cottage
Russian industry producing inventive Leica "Replicas" even while you are
reading this.  If anything one wants a few, with the warning that
workmanship is suspect and that there will be no returns,  I can supply
them.

Imagine an inventive engineer working in a small shop, free to make new
"Lika" designs to fit his imagination.   He makes small quantities,
sends them to the US for dollars, and goes on to invent more.   At
anyone time some of the versions may be unavailable, but in there place
are more variations no one has ever seen.  

The Likas seems to be based upon the Fed IIIA copy.   Versions which I
have seen are:
The top plates are engraved "Leica" etc, the lenses engraved "Elmar"
etc.

1) "gold" IIIA
2) "gold" IIIA with Nazi Eagle emblem--whatever it was called
3) IIIA engraved for Press Photographers
4) black IIIA engraved with gold lettering and with a very nicely
finished varnished dark WOOD veneer instead of vulcanite.  these are
very attractive cameras
5) Leica A copy with Elmax lens and vertical rangefinder, even complete
with slight wear on baseplate!
6) Leica Reporter
7) Leica stereo camera
8) IIIA in military camaflouge (forgive my spelling)
9) Contax II copy in either black or military green
10) other versions which are combinations of the above
11) the lenses being turned out are 50mm Elmars and a few Summar copies

The important thing to understand is that the Russian inventor turning
this  out has come to realize that he does not have to make a Leica copy
for it to sell--all he has to do is make an interesting camera out of
thin air, and his salesmen will return home with  the almighty US
dollar.

By the way, there is another hotbed of Leica fakes.  Strangely enough,
of all places it is Poland.  These are much better done, so well done
that the only way they can be recognized is that their workmanship is
BETTER than the original.  I know its hard to believe, but think of all
the $10,000 plus Leicas in the world and how far that money would go in
Poland.  These forgeries are only done on the highest levels, and they
are fooling the experts.  I know a lot of you will not believe it, but
be that as it may.

Stephen Gandy