Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2009/01/28

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Subject: [Leica] Re: Fake Leicas - again
From: lrzeitlin at optonline.net (Lawrence Zeitlin)
Date: Wed Jan 28 08:56:26 2009
References: <200901281207.n0SC6f2J051027@server1.waverley.reid.org>

Back to the topic of fake Leicas.

Apart from the serial number on the top plate, are there any internal  
marks or numbers which will identify one Leica in the same series  
from another? My favorite pocket Leica is a FrankenLeica IIIc which  
was assembled from the components of three defunct cameras. The top  
plate and range finder are from one camera, the body extrusion from  
another, and the internal mechanism from a third. The camera works  
fine. If the top plate of a battered KreigsMarine or Luftwaffe camera  
were attached to a pristine same era IIIc chassis, could it be told  
as a fraud?

No evil plans, just curious.

Larry Z


On Jan 13, 2009, at 1:01 PM, Leonard wrote:
This is where it becomes very difficult to spot a fake. The camera
has all the details it's a real Leica II. It most likely is. If
original, the engraving and insignia can transform a common $400
Leica II into a collectible worth thousands of dollars.

The k version Leica IIIc is more common but valuable and is a target
for counterfeiters. Here a $300 IIIc can become a $5000 collectible
if done right.

Thanks for the link, Peter.
Len


On Jan 13, 2009, at 7:20 AM, Peter Dzwig wrote:

For an interesting discussion on Nazi engravings and a mystery
Leica see:

http://www.cameraquest.com/kriegsma.htm

I wonder if Steve ever found anything more. Steve?

...and for a low temperature IIIc that may have been a Luftwaffe
camera see:

http://www.cameraquest.com/leica_iiic_k_gray.htm


Replies: Reply from leica at web-options.com (Bob W) ([Leica] Re: Fake Leicas - again)
Reply from len-001 at verizon.net (Leonard Taupier) ([Leica] Re: Fake Leicas - again)