Topic: Gear talk 3: Is your Leica a REAL Leica ??

[sapata]

I had discovered this site by chance ages ago when I was in search of a Russian rangefinder, never bought one though but kept the adress in my favourites just in case. http://jay.fedka.com/index_files/Page367.htm
Now that I want a Leica and after paying more attention,  I'm a bit scared of buying since I've never handled a Leica in my hands.
Has anyone got a Leica here and would be willing to give some tips ? The fake camera shown on the website could easily fool a 1st time Leica buyer...
Cheers !

[hookstrapped]

Mine says MADE IN GEЯMANY so I know it's a real Leica.

[gregor]

I find all the broken images on that site quite helpful. 

If you're looking for a leica, anything prior to an m3 has the most potential to be a fake - and the seller is likely to be unaware of it. Buy from a shop that has a leica expert on staff instead of auction sites so you know you're paying for what you get. 

Are the optics of models prior to an m3 really that superior to a fed, zorki or opema?  I'm not convinced that the swirly Leica name etched into a II or III is anything more than a psychological factor.

[db]

*warning- personal opinions only- facts can fall where they may*

I think you buy a Leica for the quality machining and the build quality, as much as for the optics. (oh yeah- and did someone mention snob value?)

It's well documented that Leitz lenses were pretty well the best of their generation, but whether a 50 y.o Leitz would come close to a cheaper but  modern computer designed multi-coated lens, is doubtful.

[Stu]

On the screw mount (pre m3) leicas, you need to see inside. With the lens off, you can see the small focusing cam. This should be circular. In most fakes, the cam is triangular or a rounded off triangle.

Other things like the thickness of the lettering on the frony of the lens, obviously sometimes the lens serial no. can be a clue but these were often coppied too.

Never seen a fake post m3.

[cmdrray]

Real Leicas have:
-quiet shutters (the fakes sound like a tank coming down the road)
-base plates that have little play when on the body (the fakes usually have a lot of slop)
-quality fit and finish (the fakes won't feel smooth on any of the controls, the chrome is either
rough or extremely bright)
-matte leather/vulcanite (the fakes are usually have a bit of gloss to them)
-little odor (the fakes smell like a mix of machine oil and sour milk)
-smooth screw mounts (the fakes usually hesitate or bind when the lens is being put on)
-if it's a real Luftwaffe, Heer, or Kriegsmarine model, it will usually show signs of use (often heavy use) and the chances of actually seeing one of these outside a major city (Tokyo, for instance) is very remote.  Fake military Leicas always look new.

Also...do not buy a Leica from Ebay...buy it from a dealer that you know and trust. A good camera store will have at least a 10-day return policy, and will know something about the camera you are interested in (if they can't  do either, don't buy from them).

Hope this helps

[choppert]

I bought an M6 TTL from RangeFinderForum.com and it was a real bargain.  Have a look on that website.

Also, have a look on Ffordes.  For a retailer they are reasonably priced and the service is great.  They've a nice M2 on there at the mo.

eBay prices aren't that much cheaper than Ffordes, and you've got more chance of getting tripped up.

Any help?


Chops

[sapata]

Thanks all for the advices!
I'm with most of you... I don't think I can rely on ebay for buying a Leica, specially because I want the models II or III.

Stu, it makes totally sense as the site ilustrate what you said.

Chops, the FFordes site has really good prices and they're quite tempting (?300.00 including lens...) I'll check that out after come back from my holidays.

Cheers guys !