Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2013/02/14
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Once again, I'm selling my Nikon SP rangefinder and CV 21mm Skopar lens. The camera body is an early production titanium shutter model. Second shutter curtain has a very small wrinkle in it that is noticeable by sight but still perfectly smooth and doesn't affect function. Camera body is in excellent cosmetic condition save for two small superficial dents on the upper top left corner (top right looking at the front of the camera) which were suffered before I got the camera only last summer. It looks like it was thrown into a bag a little too heavy-handed and the old strap hook put the dents in the body. All the fast speeds are perfect. 1/15 and 1/8 second both are usually fine but can be erratic so the camera could use a CLA. I have only used these speeds in testing the camera so the issue never messed up any exposures for me. The camera sounds excellent in operation and is a bit more metallic sounding than a rangefinder with a cloth shutter like a Nikon S2 or a Leica Film advance is smooth but it's no Leica. No grinding or nasty sounds or feeling. Shutter speed dial has very positive detentes and the frameline selector also has good positive notches and doesn't wander but isn't tight at all. Focus wheel is smooth and easy to use with a 21mm, 2.8cm or 5cm lens. Helicoid is clean and doesn't squeak or rattle but not too tight either. Pressure plate has more wear on it from taking the back off and replacing it than from film running through it. Interior is clean and the film chamber is good to go. No dirt, burrs, or film chips hanging around. The rangefinder is good but it's not a Leica. It is VERY accurate and spot-on in vertical alignment as well as horizontal near focus to infinity. It has pretty good contrast for an SP viewfinder. All the framelines are bright and visible. The colors have not faded either, so the 105mm is actually yellow and the 135mm frame is actually red, not pale pink. Wide angle viewfinder is bright and clear but there is some dust visible inside that never bothered me. The bottom plate/back fits well and doesn't stick nor rattle. It's light-tight and the locking key is very positive but not too tight. Bottom plate itself has a small cosmetic dent, wear marks and light scratches in the chrome from the last 50 years of service this camera has seen. ISO reminder on the bottom is tight but it can move. The strap is a Domke Gripper. I'm asking $1100 or best offer. May consider some trades for some very specific Nikon SLR gear or a 722.118 Mercedes-Benz transmission in excellent working condition. The lens I bought new last summer and barely used it at all. There is some bag wear on the front cap but otherwise the lens is new. Aperture clicks nicely and the blades are quite clean. This lens focuses smoother than anything I've ever used I think. Comes with original packaging and the never-mounted quick focusing collar. Included in asking price is a 21mm Leica finder. The plastic one. This one had the foot cracked a few years ago so it doesn't lock like a brand new one does but it fits quite snugly in a camera shoe and has never dropped. Asking $475 but may consider lower offers or trade for a fast wide angle manual focus Nikon SLR lens. (looking for a 24mm f/2 Ai or AiS) Shipping via USPS Priority is included for sales in CONUS. Thanks all. Phil Forrest -- http://philipforrestphoto.wordpress.com/ http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/philforrest