Re: [Leica] Should I buy a Barnack camera?

[Jeff S <4season@boulder.net>]

Dan S wrote:
> 
> I think these little cameras are great, so I would say get one, but be
> careful!
> 
> Your best bet is to get a camera that works great, and looks a little used
> rather than the other way round.  A complete overhaul of one of these can
> cost big bucks, particularly if there is rangefinder trouble.
> 
> You mention that it seems as though it is not lubbed.  Is this based on the
> sound?  If so be aware that IIIF's are naturally louder than an M,
> particularly at the higher speeds.  They tend to sound a bit squeaky even
> when working perfectly.

Prior commitments kept me out of the eBay auction of LUGite Kpeters'
IIIf which sounded like a winner though the bidding seemed to be running
high when I checked earlier in the morning. Another non-CLA'd IIIf came
up for auction during the same weekend, but again, I couldn't stick
around for the ending.

The IIIf ST that I've seen locally sounds okay, but feels pretty bad;
not gritty, rather, unlubed, like squeaky-clean metal surfaces are
rubbing against each other. In fact, the lens was tough to unscrew and
actually did squeak. Only the lens still seems lubed, except for the
telescoping section of the Summicron.

"Lee, Jonathan" wrote:
> 
> Jeff,
> 
> I just bought a 111a with Summar a few weeks ago and I am thoroughly
> delighted with the camera. [snip]
> 
> Price wise, I think you can do better.  I bought my IIIa, Summar and case
> for $305 on ebay.  Add $175 cdn for a CLA.  For some reason, the IIIf RD
> seems to command a premium over the IIIf BD version.  A IIIa and IIIf BD
> body should be priced anywhere up to about $400 usd. Make sure the shutter

Black dial, red dial, I'm not picky so long as the price is right. I
just haven't been finding tempting Leica deals on eBay, but this should
change on April 15th when my competition dwindles ;-)

How LUGites have voted:

IIIf RD(?) with self timer and 50 Summicron at $650: 
(2) Were lukewarm on the price and suggested caution and shopping around
(1) Was enthuastic about the price if a careful examination didn't
reveal anything ugly
(1) Suggested buying a camera that's already working or at least getting
an MBG

I will try to get a ~$525 price on that outfit (no MBG here) else I'll
probably pass on it. The self timer is a bonus and the extra lever looks
nice, but it won't be an important part of my "Heliar Camera"
- --
Jeff S
Somewhere in Boulder, Colorado