[Leica] An elusive Gray IIIc K

[pj at GoodPhotos.com (Michael Eric Berube)]

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