[Leica] IIIf and Summitar f:2.... what should I do with this thing?

["Jack McLain" <jmclainaz@comcast.net>]

I have owned for years a IIIf (SN546044) with Summitar f2 lens (SN819666).
I used to shoot it when I was a kid.  Despite this fact this camera is in
outstanding condition. Almost no marks at all and the glass is clear with no
visible marks. The lens is smooth in operation, the barrel is ultra clean
and I even have the original lens cap and never-ready case with strap (as
well as a collapsable lens hood, and a external view finder (SN26898)
calibrated for 35, 50, 85, 90, and 135) The shutter curtain has a "scaled"
appearance and might need replacing.  I am not sure of the shutter accuracy.
A couple of weeks ago I developed a roll of TriX that I shot with this
camera back in the early 70's (it was hanging around in a desk drawer and I
no longer remembered what it was until I developed it and found a self
portrait with my then infant daughter... she is currently almost 29 years
old!) and several of the images were over exposed uniformly so I suspect the
shutter might have been slow at some speed(s).

This camera has never had a CLA to my recollection, so I am sure this is a
must if I decide to keep it.

I searched for a review of this lens but did'nt find anything relative to
it's percieved performance or value.

Any opinions on what a good sane course of action is with this camera.  It
is a bit out-dated to use regularly and I have just bought a newish M6.  I
would like to get my hands on a M4 or M3 to play with and maybe I should
apply this camera to that end.  Is there much value for an early IIIf (I
found a serial number table that listed this camera from 1951)?  What would
be the best way to unload it so I dont get screwed?

thanks all
cheers
Jack McLain
Tucson, AZ
http://jackmclain-photography.dotcommunity.net
- ----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mark Rabiner" <mark@rabinergroup.com>
To: <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us>
Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2003 9:07 AM
Subject: Re: [Leica] M6 Titanium or Titanized?


> Seth Rosner wrote:
> >
> > Actually it depends on which black finish M6 you are discussing. The
> > anodized black topplates are cast alloy and the black paint are brass.
The
> > latter should weigh essentially what the titanium cameras do; the former
> > should be slightly lighter.
> >
> > Seth            LaK 9
> >
> Seth I thought the Titanium on the top plate had to be done on a top
> plate made of brass. The Zinc alloy top plate didn't work with the
> Titanium process.
> I think they also need the brass for a simple chrome or silver finish.
> Only the normal black finish is zinc alloy.
> But something tells me the black paint finish might be on brass just
> cause Bill Rosauer likes brass.
> I think I remember that.
>
>
> Mark Rabiner
> Portland, Oregon USA
> http://www.rabinergroup.com
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