[Leica] An elusive Gray IIIc K

[leicachris at worldnet.att.net (Christopher Williams)]

Not sure about Leica but I'm sure Jim Lager from LHSA would love to see some 
images of the IIIc. He was working on documenting the 
military IIIc's.

Can't locate his email but try lhsa@bellsouth.net , Madge Brown at LHSA may 
have his info.

Chris

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Michael Eric Berube" <pj@GoodPhotos.com>
To: <lug@leica-users.org>
Sent: Thursday, May 17, 2007 9:57 AM
Subject: [Leica] An elusive Gray IIIc K


> So the other day a fellow comes into the camera shop that I work at PT a 
> few days a week and he is carrying an old Leica. As I'm 
> 'the Leica guy' in the shop, everyone points him to me.
>
> When he pulled the camera out of the leather never ready case, my 
> immediate thought was that he had a Ukrainian knockoff. As it 
> turns out he has what appears to be an original gray paint IIIc K (even 
> has the K on the shutter) and he has the option to buy it 
> from an elderly family friend who reportedly bought it with the entire 
> military issue kit from someone in Germany where he was 
> stationed as an American GI just after WWII.
>
> The camera hasn't been used much at all in all that time and while the 
> shutter needs cleaning and lubricating. Compared to the 
> copy that Mr. Gandy has photos of on his site here: 
> http://cameraquest.com/leica_iiic_k_gray.htm (which he says is in better 
> than 
> average condition) the K that this guys brought in looks like it was made 
> yesterday!
> The gray leatherette/vulcanite is mostly intact with just one small piece 
> broken off (but smartly saved for putting back on), but 
> the leather is separating from the body on the left hand side. I let the 
> guy know that if it IS a legit K, that it is likely worth 
> a good chunk of money, more especially with all of the rest of the 'kit' 
> that it was purchased with though I have no idea of what 
> the rest of the military 'kit' contains as he hadn't brought it with him. 
> The lens is a fairly unremarkable 5cm Elmar with quite a 
> bit of haze, but all of the chromium surface is intact and the blades are 
> fine and workable. The never ready leather case is a bit 
> worn, but in the usual condition for its age.
>
> Basically, it was just a joy to handle such a piece of history that is so 
> well preserved. The gentleman has assured me that he has 
> the best of intentions of not taking advantage of the owner and will be 
> paying his elderly friend a fair price and wishes to 
> preserve the camera for collectible purposes, not to just turn it over for 
> a quick profit. I've suggested that he contact someone 
> at Leica to see if they would be interested in photographing it for their 
> historical collection (if they keep such a thing) and 
> maybe having a complete CLA done and the leather reattached without 
> harming its value. Anyone know who it would be best to contact 
> at Leica for something like that?
>
>
> Carpe lumen,
> Michael Eric Berube
> GoodPhotos.com
>
> _______________________________________________
> Leica Users Group.
> See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information