I have too many cameras. This is especially true when it comes to film cameras. My excuse, should I need to give one, is that they are cheap and generally a joy to hold and behold. Indeed, my little cameral museum features technical loveliness dating back to 1896 and would no doubt delight my friends if I had any.
I do try to use them as well, the Yashica being my weapon of choice until it did something inside which means I only get seven shots out of a roll of film that is meant to produce twelve. I am hoping there is a man in Bangkok that can fix that for me, meantime it sits on the shelf looking gorgeous.
For 35mm film I have a selection of Russian cameras, none of which really satisfy in terms of handling. They probably take adequate photos, but without the required pleasure in the process. Then I was loaned a Leica.
I must admit I have always fancied a Leica. There is a precision, a sense of craftsmanship and engineering, that is very seductive. Indeed, when I sold my condo I announced to she who must be obeyed that I was going to buy a Leica and an accompanying lens for the price of a new car. Instead, I bought a new car, but the yearning for a Leica remained.
The arrival of the ex-German airforce Leica IIIC into my life, albeit on a temporary basis, resurrected the urge. Inevitably, I headed for eBay.
A wartime Leica was not an option. There are many more German military Leica’s for sale than were ever made; it’s too easy for a skilled engraver to add some extras to a Leica body. So, unless you are sure of provenance, and that is no easy thing on eBay, and you are prepared to pay a very high price for the history; don’t go there.
But the Leica III continued to be made after the war into the 1950s, and there are plenty on offer on-line. Price expectations seem to vary widely, as does condition, and I couldn’t find one that was in good condition at a reasonable price. I was about to give up and go to bed when I spotted a IIIC in exceptional condition at a bid starting price under $400, which was less than most of them go for. There were no bids as yet, and bids closed four hours later; so I stuck in a minimum bid and went to bed, sure that I would be outbid before closing.
But I wasn’t, and here it is:
It’s a 1950 IIIC with a collapsible Summitar F2 lens and it is a gorgeous little thing. Some corrosion on the base plate due to sitting in a camera case, but otherwise close to perfect. Everything seems to work, but will need a film through it to check. The lens is certainly a good copy, witness the shot I took by sticking it on my E-M1 yesterday. Not bad for a 64 year old.
There will a selection of Russian cameras on eBay shortly, please bid generously.
Comments 🔗
2014-12-19| Parry saysWhy are you doing this? Buying bits of attic waste is not going to magically substitute what you really want. Which is of course a Leica M or Sony A7II and some fine Leica primes like the 50/2 APO and 90/2 APO.
Step away from the ebay.
2014-12-19| Spike saysA Barnack Leica is not attic waste; unlike a Sony A7 anything which will be junk in 5 years (although I could be tempted by an RX whatever should they introduce one with a viewfinder). An M240, well that would be nice; maybe when I am older; having too much fun with the E-M1 for now.
2014-12-19| rjmorgans saysYou did well. Like it!
2014-12-22| Grant saysYes, very well done and quickly too. Thought you may have held out until at least the early new year. The fulfillment of life’s little ambitions at our age is very important and of course he who dies with the best toys wins. That’s got to be a T shirt. The so-called ‘attic waste’ (lovely term) is the price the beneficiaries pay for their prize and it is incumbent upon them to be very astute in their marketing thereof in order to maximize their return. Keeps them busy and of the streets…
2014-12-22| ChristianPFC sayscameral museum?
2014-12-23| Spike says
2014-12-23| **** saysI had a Leica once … I think she came from St. Petersburg ;-)