Is it an authentic Leica? What's it worth

<p>Is this an authentic Leica camera? I browsed the web for it, but I find the camera you see here in the pictures. I've come across some images that look very similar to it, but I couldn't definitively find a match. <br /><br />"SS-Verfugungstruppe" is engraved on the camera, suggesting that the camera (and others like it) were used by the German military (i.e., the Nazis). <br /><br />On the other hand, someone could have engraved "SS-Verfugungstruppe" on it to make it appear authentic. <br /><br />I have absolutely no idea if it's real or not. I'd appreciate some input from all you savy camera people out there =D<br /><br />If it IS a real Leica, what's the model? <br /><br>

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<a href="http://s26.photobucket.com/user/elefthed/media/IMAG0908_zps4b716988.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c138/elefthed/IMAG0908_zps4b716988.jpg" alt=" photo IMAG0908_zps4b716988.jpg" border="0" /></a><br>

<a href="http://s26.photobucket.com/user/elefthed/media/IMAG0904_zpsc9f10fc4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c138/elefthed/IMAG0904_zpsc9f10fc4.jpg" alt=" photo IMAG0904_zpsc9f10fc4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br>

<a href="http://s26.photobucket.com/user/elefthed/media/IMAG0906_zps28353bb8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c138/elefthed/IMAG0906_zps28353bb8.jpg" alt=" photo IMAG0906_zps28353bb8.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>

<p><a href="http://s26.photobucket.com/user/elefthed/media/IMAG0911_zps5dc53f37.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c138/elefthed/IMAG0911_zps5dc53f37.jpg" alt=" photo IMAG0911_zps5dc53f37.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>

<p><a href="http://s26.photobucket.com/user/elefthed/media/IMAG0910_zps25212d94.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c138/elefthed/IMAG0910_zps25212d94.jpg" alt=" photo IMAG0910_zps25212d94.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>

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It is an authentic Russian forgery ! Probably a Fed.

<p> Daniel, welcome to photo.net. If you're a photographer, stick around and hang up some pictures.</p>

<p>Out of curiosity, can anyone cite a case where someone asked 'is this an authentic Leica?' and it turned out to be an authentic Leica?</p>

 

Not even close. Lol

<p>These sell for about US$125 'fresh' from the hands of Ukrainian elves. Actual value is only for fun, but if you are lucky it may be a good shooter.</p>

<p>It will also drive any real Leica user/collector up the walls. That's surely worth something. ;)</p>

<p>They are also offering the rare VW-Fahrvergnugen variation</p>

<p>Looks like a very nice repaint job. These forgers are getting better and better with their painting skills. (Not so much with their forging skills, though, because they are not modifying the key characteristics of the camera/lens to make them look like a real Leica). Aren't there plenty of real Leica users who would love to have a nice repaint job done on their cameras? Wouldn't the forgers make more money as bona fide camera painters than selling fakes?</p>

<p>Daniel, you need a history lesson. The WW2 German military cannot be equated with the Nazis. There were countless military who were not Nazis. A camera with the inscription on your fake Leica would have belonged to the SS, originally Hitler's elite "bodyguard". Most SS-members were probably Nazis, but certainly not all. </p>

<p>Top engraving is better than most, although the "Leica" is not quite right. The shutter release collar is a dead give away.</p>

That and the shutter release button has threaded hole

for cable release, while Leica would be solid button and

one would use Leica nipple.

<p>Those Nazis sure were careful in handling their cameras to avoid brassing....</p>

<p>The Nazis loved their cameras: other people...not so much.</p>

<p>Authentic Leica? Nein, I mean njet!<br>

Authentic Zorki? Da!<br>

What is it worth? Not so much.<br>

Entertainment value? Priceless.</p>

<p>Like a feature wall in fake brick</p>