Another original MP on auction

[tommy_baker]

So the one by Sam Shoshan didnt reach its reserve. Now there is another one:

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?

ViewItem&category=30030&item=3856401107&rd=1

 

[ close the space between ? and Viewitem.. if the link doesnt work first time ]

 

I wonder if this one is genuine. Firstly the strap lugs are not the triangular type which is

what most of the original MPs I have seen have. Okay, it may have been replaced as these

wear out. However, I notice the lens release mount is chrome (not black, as it should be)

and it is missing the black lens release guard.

 

The Leicavit MP looks original, black paint has that characteristic paint bubbling effect,

which I would think is very hard to fake.

 

The lens is interesting, a 1st version 5cm/2.0 rigid type 1 with finer focusing ring. It has a

red "R" between the f4.0 and f8.0 on the DOF scale. Does anyone know what this satnds

for? -- Also, I can't really tell from the pictures, but is the focusing ring black chrome or

black paint on brass. The rest of the lens I think is black paint and brass. I would have

thought it is very easy to fake these type 1 lenses if they were all originally black paint and

brass. Just de-chrome a very common chrome type 1 and repaint it in black. I guess, the

only thing that would differentiate an original from a fake would be the

chrarcterstic bubbling effect in the black paint from sweat/salt reaction..

[john_woo3]

The original black paint 50mm Summicron does have a black chrome focuing ring. I also have one of these lenses myself. Mine is second version.

[john_r._fulton_jr.]

The "R"? Lenses use to have a mark on the focusing scale for infared film

(actually infared light). You'd focus the lens, say on 20 feet. Then manually

move the focus of 20feet to the "R". This would focus the lens correctly for

infared light rays. This would be for when using infared light in conjunction

with an ir filter on the lens. (all this from memory, so I stand to be corrected.) :-

>)

[al_kaplan1]

Yup, back in the 50's and 60's most lenses had the infra red focussing mark on them and infra red film was found in many camera shops.

[Bill Blackwell Images]

IMHO, it's a fake.

 

As has already been pointed out, the strap lugs are not the elephant ear type, the lens release mount is chrome (not black, as it should be), and it's missing the black lens release guard.

 

Additionally, the RW lever is the newer smaller type, the "L" seal doesn't look genuine to me, and the lens looks like a poorly painted chrome version.

 

Basically, I think it's an M2 with an M3 top plate painted over the new "MP - 85" engraving.

 

All of this on the heels of an auction that just closed (without a sale) on one that does look genuine. It appears to me the only thing genuine on this piece is the Leicavit.

[Bill Blackwell Images]

Here's a genuine...<div></div>

[Bill Blackwell Images]

Here's the one on the subject auction add...<div></div>

[stuart_richardson]

My M3 has a "K" where the L seal should be. I think the previous owner had it serviced by

Sherry Krauter...is that her seal?

[paul t]

Whether fake or not, I'm amazed anyone would expect a buyer to fork out that

amount of money on the basis of a few poor photos, and such crummy

documentation. The same applied to the earlier one - I'm surprised it was

being auctioned by a known dealer, because the listing was totally

amateurish. <p>

I've seen pigs in pokes that were better illustrated & described...

[Bill Blackwell Images]

This is a test...