For sale are two very different, yet classy cameras. One works perfectly, one, unfortunately, does not.
Let's talk about the Leica IIf. This is an updated 1953 version with a slow speed dial on the front like the IIIf. The serial number on Cameraquest's list indicates this was a rare run, with only 5000 being made in this particular serial number range versus the 35,000 and 18,000 IIIfs being made in the runs directly before and after it.
The shutter works and the film advances (take up spool is, of course, included).
Unfortunately, the one second speed, and, as far as my extensive testing has shown, *only* the one second speed, tends not to work.
I have used a digital stopwatch to test the slow speeds between 1/2 and 1/25, and all of them have times well within the range of simple human reaction time delay - hundredths of a second. All other camera functions (ASA selector, rangefinder, etc.) work as they should.
Also, the collapsible Leitz-Elmar 50mm f/3.5 looks fine at first glance, but under the "flashlight test" it has some serious fungus / hazing issues going on. I can't determine whether etching has occurred or not, so I'm selling this under the assumption that it is unusable - but it may be able to be cleaned.
The IIf is in great cosmetic condition with only the usual minor, thin scratching on the bottom plate. Let's call it "in collectible condition unless CLA'd" with the one-second issue and dubious lens. If you put a known good lens on and didn't need precisely the one-second time (Bulb and Time work along with the other speeds), it's certainly usable.
Includes front lens cap, original instruction manual, and original case.
Photo album of the Leica on Photobucket
Next is a much less lengthy description.
It's a Voightlander Bessa 66 folder, the classic "Baby Bessa", that makes 6x6cm images. It's my understanding that, based on the viewfinder, this is a pre-war model. All speeds and apertures work and the glass is in great shape. The only cosmetic defect, and it's a real shame, is some sort of sticker that is now nearly impossible to remove from the side of the camera where you push in to open the back, and about literally 1-2mm of missing leatherette next to the same area. This is pictured. Lens is a Voightlander Vaskar 75mm/4.5. This thing oozes class, and if you can find a way to remove the sticker on the side, more power to you. I'm selling it how it is because I can't get it off.
The Baby Bessa on Photobucket
I'm taking offers and inquiries via PM for either camera or both.
Let's talk about the Leica IIf. This is an updated 1953 version with a slow speed dial on the front like the IIIf. The serial number on Cameraquest's list indicates this was a rare run, with only 5000 being made in this particular serial number range versus the 35,000 and 18,000 IIIfs being made in the runs directly before and after it.
The shutter works and the film advances (take up spool is, of course, included).
Unfortunately, the one second speed, and, as far as my extensive testing has shown, *only* the one second speed, tends not to work.
I have used a digital stopwatch to test the slow speeds between 1/2 and 1/25, and all of them have times well within the range of simple human reaction time delay - hundredths of a second. All other camera functions (ASA selector, rangefinder, etc.) work as they should.
Also, the collapsible Leitz-Elmar 50mm f/3.5 looks fine at first glance, but under the "flashlight test" it has some serious fungus / hazing issues going on. I can't determine whether etching has occurred or not, so I'm selling this under the assumption that it is unusable - but it may be able to be cleaned.
The IIf is in great cosmetic condition with only the usual minor, thin scratching on the bottom plate. Let's call it "in collectible condition unless CLA'd" with the one-second issue and dubious lens. If you put a known good lens on and didn't need precisely the one-second time (Bulb and Time work along with the other speeds), it's certainly usable.
Includes front lens cap, original instruction manual, and original case.
Photo album of the Leica on Photobucket
Next is a much less lengthy description.
It's a Voightlander Bessa 66 folder, the classic "Baby Bessa", that makes 6x6cm images. It's my understanding that, based on the viewfinder, this is a pre-war model. All speeds and apertures work and the glass is in great shape. The only cosmetic defect, and it's a real shame, is some sort of sticker that is now nearly impossible to remove from the side of the camera where you push in to open the back, and about literally 1-2mm of missing leatherette next to the same area. This is pictured. Lens is a Voightlander Vaskar 75mm/4.5. This thing oozes class, and if you can find a way to remove the sticker on the side, more power to you. I'm selling it how it is because I can't get it off.
The Baby Bessa on Photobucket
I'm taking offers and inquiries via PM for either camera or both.
