Want to Buy Wanted $10 Leica rangefinder for personal use. CL Found.

Huss · Jul 9, 2020

eli griggs said:
I am looking for a Leica for several reasons, which I have explained, as a daily carry camera, with changeable lenses, so I can no carry my heavier SLRs...

My Pentax ME w/ 50mm f2 weigh much less than my Leica M3 w/ 50mm f2.
I take it out when I don't want to be weighed down with the Leica. Or when I feel like it because it is so nice to use.

However the Pentax costs more than $10, so the Leica has that advantage.

dourbalistar · Jul 9, 2020

This is like a case study for the irresistible force paradox.

ColdEye · Jul 9, 2020

Can we get to 10 pages?

removedacct1 · Jul 9, 2020

dourbalistar said:
This is like a case study for the irresistible force paradox.

Absolutely. Fascinating.
I wonder how many years it will take for this to play out??

Kodachromeguy · Jul 9, 2020

I have an alternative: maybe a $10 Hasselblad would be better than a lowly Leica (and especially one of those totally unsuitable Canon, Nicca, or Fed cameras that weigh almost exactly the same as the Leica,). Sirius has several Hasselblads and will gladly send one to the gent. Of course, a Mamiya or Bronica won't work; it must be a 'blad. The careful analysis of the OP's photographic needs prove that any non-'blad will be unsuitable.

Patrick Robert James · Jul 9, 2020

dourbalistar said:
This is like a case study for the irresistible force paradox.

I read that wrong. i thought you wrote irresistible farce paradox.

By the way, i'd give $15 for one. And if it is mint I'd be willing to go to $20. Just sayin'....

dourbalistar · Jul 10, 2020

Patrick Robert James said:
I read that wrong. i thought you wrote irresistible farce paradox.

By the way, i'd give $15 for one. And if it is mint I'd be willing to go to $20. Just sayin'....

Sorry, I wrote it wrong. It should be the irresistible fart paradox. You have G.A.S. but only wanna spend $10.

Donald Qualls · Jul 10, 2020

In fairness, a Barnack camera would weigh a little less than an M3. Put a retractable lens on it, and it's very pocketable (not that I would, pocket lint is terrible stuff).

And my Kiev 4 with 50mm f/2 Jupiter-8 (equivalent of a Contax IIIa with an older lens) is in that weight range as well -- but was under $50. Still not ten, nor is it LTM. But no, doesn't want a Fed or a Zorki.

AndyH · Jul 10, 2020

eli griggs said:
I am looking for a Leica for several reasons, which I have explained, as a daily carry camera, with changeable lenses, so I can no carry my heavier SLRs, which are be used at home and when on car shoots, where I have access to an area where I am at my car, (i have a handicap tag, so that helps, or within range of a garden cart, with kit.

Carrying a loaded bag more than a few blocks, kills my back, and my ability to breath properly, especially in warm/hot weather, and a lightweight camera, with lightweight lenses in a pocket or smaller bag, will, I hope, allow me a measure of freedom when it comes to street shooting or just day to day, no ore-planned day trips, shooting when I venture out.

I appreciate the tips on alternative kit but I have camera kit, and specific reasons why the Leica Rangefinder best meets my need.

Cheers and Godspeed to all.

You can't blame a guy for asking, so I'm not going to pile on.

I'm sorry I'm not in a position to help you, but I do have some advice. If you don't need flash synch, there are some great bargains on IIIC models on eBay. I purchased mine, without a lens, for under $160, from a seller who would take a return. Fortunately, it was working perfectly after a little cleanup and a couple of drops of Moly on the slow gear train. That was just for the body. I knew I couldn't afford any of the 35mm Leica lenses, but I found a Russian Jupiter for $59.95, a beautiful piece of glass in its own right. The glass itself was clean and in perfect condition, (from a Russian seller, of course), but the helical was very sticky with hardened grease. When I told the seller this, he offered the option of returning it or giving me a $20 cash rebate. I took the latter, as I'm reasonably competent at repairs. About an hour with screwdrivers, Q-tips, naphtha, and my friend "Moly" and it's focusing properly now. Since that original purchase, I've also acquired a Russian Industar 50mm and Elmar and Hektor telephotos in 135mm and 90mm focal lengths (these are quite cheap on the market), a variable viewfinder, and some other gear. The entire kit fits in a custom Omnica case (which required some repair on my part), and I now have a full outfit for well under $1,000 USD.

This brings up a good point, I think - you should be reasonably handy if you're going to own a Barnack Leica. Cleaning, basic lubrication, repairing pinholes in the cloth focal plane shutter, and other such maintenance is in the Barnack ownership job description.

Save ten bucks a month and you'll have your Leica before this awful year comes to a close.

Andy

eli griggs · Jul 10, 2020

Cheers, Andy.

No offense taken.

I have a set of FSU lenses (plus one Japanese Sun 90mm) in LTM and used these on the IIIc I had, so I feel I am OK there, if I ever find three Jupiters including the Biogon 35mm, I've misplaced or possibly threw away by misadventure.

As far as handy, I am beginning to do my own maintenance on my analog kit, (no digital to speak of, beyond a Canon G10) and find that most repairs are minor in nature., and just need time, space and good basic instructions or repair manuals.

Thanks again, and Godspeed to all here and their Loved Ones.

choiliefan · Jul 10, 2020

I'm quite happy with my IIIC, 35mm Jupiter 12, 50mm Summar, coated 90mm Elmar and 135mm Hektor, VIOOH finder and Voigtlander VC1 meter. Talk about a lightweight kit.

NB23 · Jul 13, 2020

Huss said:
I never cared to be tall, as I am the perfect height for Ducatis...

Deep pockets give an impression of tall. When you can’t reach the pocket’s bottom with your middle finger, the longest, you ARE tall.

NB23 · Jul 13, 2020

If I wanted I really could undercut you and ask for a 5$ Leica.

But I won’t. I’m still an ethical, decent human being.

choiliefan · Jul 13, 2020

This still a thing?
Must be very slow day around here.

Huss · Jul 14, 2020

choiliefan said:
This still a thing?
Must be very slow day around here.

Yes, yes it is.

This one is $49, which unfortunately is 5x too much.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/472541068/leica-m3-vintage-replica-camera-tin-box

Prest_400 · Jul 15, 2020

Didn't read the topic but have a relevant story.

A photo club friend was given a Black M2 (rewind button) with a 5cm summicron, together with a super isolette.
Held it and talked her about that, didn't know these M2 can fetch 5K!

She was told by a friend that her grandma had cameras, and as she does film photography, they would be better given to her.

So, yes!

NB23 · Jul 15, 2020

Prest_400 said:
Didn't read the topic but have a relevant story.

A photo club friend was given a Black M2 (rewind button) with a 5cm summicron, together with a super isolette.
Held it and talked her about that, didn't know these M2 can fetch 5K!

She was told by a friend that her grandma had cameras, and as she does film photography, they would be better given to her.

So, yes!

Duderino.

black paint M2 button rewind are closer to 20K

Huss · Jul 16, 2020

NB23 said:
Duderino.

black paint M2 button rewind are closer to 20K

Forget that nonsense, she got a free Super Isolette !

eli griggs · Jul 18, 2020

NB23 said:
If I wanted I really could undercut you and ask for a 5$ Leica.

But I won’t. I’m still an ethical, decent human being.

Cheers, every little bit helps.

After I find mine, I'll be happy to return the favor;-)

eli griggs · Jul 18, 2020

choiliefan said:
I'm quite happy with my IIIC, 35mm Jupiter 12, 50mm Summar, coated 90mm Elmar and 135mm Hektor, VIOOH finder and Voigtlander VC1 meter. Talk about a lightweight kit.

Yes, it is and that's why I'm looking for a Leica, either type, though the IIIc really is all that's needed in a daylong carry kit, and is so much better at being carried on long walks or days, away from a car kit.

I love my SLRs, etc, but these all metal cameras from the 80's, and back, are much weightier and I, in addition to several chronic conditions to my back have developed Scoliosis, which can be a real problem for me, especial in the heat, and impacts my breathing as well as my ability to carry over moderate to long periods.

As for the Leicas I have owned, and had to part with over the years, the single stroke M3 I had, way, way back, came with a duel Summicron 50mm F2 and goggles, I really loved that camera and hated to let it go. I paid $300 for the kit and it was nearly perfect and I was able to make some great captures on it.

The IIIC I had just a few years ago, came with a 28mm Color Skopar, the silver metal one, and I had 35mm to the Jupiter 135mm lenses for it, including the two 50s, which both gave great images, and the FSU turret finder, plus the 90mm Sun, and other Fed and Industar lenses, including the collapsible Industar-22 5cm(?)

The Sun 9cm, a Japanese lens, is rated by some as the equal of better than the similar Leica in the same F-stop, which escapes me now and I do no want to go check it out in the dark room at the moment, and with the exception of the lenses of four Feds, with 5cm lenses, Three Twos and a three 'A', which I traded for a Canon F1 with speed finder and a nice FTb ql, ( I like these cameras quite a bit), with basic f1.8 lenses, I have all these other lenses, but can no for the life of me, find the 3.5cm and the two Jupiter 50mm lenses, so I feel I have the basic glass to shoot with, though a long term goal would be landing a good 28mm or so, as the Color Skopar was freaking excellent and usually was what that Leica wore as a day to day carry camera.

I also held on to the dozen or so, Leica cartridges and their metal and Bakelite cases, so I would have them on hand if ever I do have another Leica.

Im sure you know already, but the Barnacks were designed to take these cartridges, no the standard 135 version, and, as I did no generally want to see the sprockets of the 'modern' cassettes, I kept a small cone like flashlight spring with the camera, when I was no using the Leica film holders. I may just still have that as well.

Pioneer · Jul 18, 2020

If you were saving $5 per week you would be running around $50 in your Leica camera account by now. That would probably be quicker than your current progress.

But what do I know?

StepheKoontz · Jul 18, 2020

eli griggs said:
I love my SLRs, etc, but these all metal cameras from the 80's, and back, are much weightier and I, in addition to several chronic conditions to my back have developed Scoliosis, which can be a real problem for me, especial in the heat, and impacts my breathing as well as my ability to carry over moderate to long periods.

Easy solution, pick up a Nikon N/F75. The body weighs the same as a Barnack and the lenses are lighter than the all metal LTM glass.

NB23 · Jul 18, 2020

Pioneer said:
If you were saving $5 per week you would be running around $50 in your Leica camera account by now. That would probably be quicker than your current progress.

But what do I know?

But then the McDonald’s budget would be down by 50$.

It’s all about priorities.

Huss · Jul 18, 2020

eli griggs said:
I love my SLRs, etc, but these all metal cameras from the 80's, and back, are much weightier and I, in addition to several chronic conditions to my back have developed Scoliosis, which can be a real problem for me, especial in the heat, and impacts my breathing as well as my ability to carry over moderate to long periods..

I already mentioned that my Pentax ME weighs much less than my Leica M3.
Pentax MX too.

So let's not kid that it's because you want a light weight kit. It's because you want a free Leica.
Either way, this thread is very entertaining!

Huss · Jul 18, 2020

NB23 said:
But then the McDonald’s budget would be down by 50$.

It’s all about priorities.

Just saving $5/day gets to $1200 in 240 days. Or $1000 in 200 days. A fast food meal or Starbux run etc etc.

So you could have an M3 in much less than a year.

Want to Buy Wanted $10 Leica rangefinder for personal use. CL Found.

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