_Alex_ Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 <p>A guy I know gave me this camera. I've had an M6TTL before, but I'm not sure what this is. Any info?</P> <p>Do the initials D.R.P. on the top plate mean anything?</p><div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Alex_ Posted September 19, 2006 Author Share Posted September 19, 2006 another pic<div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Alex_ Posted September 19, 2006 Author Share Posted September 19, 2006 yet another without lens cap Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_chang_sang Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 A really really really beat up IIIc or IIIf (but I think it's a IIIc) <br> Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james_lai Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 D.R.P. is a German patent marking (Deutsches Reichs Patent). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dan flanders Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 According to its serial number it was once a Leica II. It appears that it hashad an aftermarket flash sync installed on the front. If it is operative inside it may be restorable, but it looks like it deserves a Viking's Funeral. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juergenf Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 It cloud be a fake Russian Leica but it looks like an original one, I am not an expert on this subject though. 'DRP' stands for 'Deutsches Reich Patent' (Patent of the German Empire). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheridan Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 Dear Alex, A check up on the listings showed this old work horse up as a 1938 Leica model number II. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim nichols Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 It appears to be a Leica II, from 1938, with an Elmar 50mm f/3.5 lens. The shutter release appears to be fitted with an aftermarket soft release similar to one I have on my Leica IIIa. It would take a close examination by someone familiar with Barnack Leicas to determine if it is worth restoring. If the lens has been treated as carelessly as the body, it could get quite expensive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gene_e._mccluney Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 It appears to be a Leica IIIc with flash-sync added. This is a common upgrade that was done in the 1950's, by independent repair shops. The vulcanite cover (leatherette) for the camera is missing, but that is easily replaceable by ordering from a vendor such as Aki- Ashi. While this is not a particularly valuable camera, it is capable of very good photographic results with good lenses, if you have it cleaned and adusted. There are a wide variety of new and used lenses available that mount on this camera. Gene McCluney Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Alex_ Posted September 19, 2006 Author Share Posted September 19, 2006 Thanks everyone! The shutter curtain seems to be intact and it does fire when the shutter release is pressed. It is pretty gummed up. When you move knobs or adjust the lens, the lubricant feels 'thick'. There is a pretty huge dent on the "Ernst Leitz" inscription on the top plate. I'm not sure if that will affect focus. I'm not planning on restoring it--it would be cost prohibitive for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vinay_patel Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 "it looks like it deserves a Viking's Funeral." LOL! Actually it looks like it had one at some point. What's up with the release collar?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
christopher_a._junker1 Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 Looks like a Leica II. But check out the replacement screw holding on the viewfinder window mount. This camera looks like it spent several years on the Eastern Front. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leica ron Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 Ok, why are people saying that this looks like a IIIc ? It doesn't have a slow-speed dial and the middle viewfinder illuminator window is flush on a IIIc. A IIIf ? No, no, no ... The fast shutter speed dial is too small. Check this link: look for Screw Mount Leica (Barnack) http://www.cameraquest.com/classics.htm A Leica II: http://www.cameraquest.com/leica2.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vinay_patel Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 The serial number dates it as a 1938 model D (Leica II). It has no slow-speed dial, no strap lugs and no rangefinder diopter adjustment (that I can see in the photo). The viewfinder front window is as on a Leica III. The 2 models overlapped, so it's possible there was some interchange of parts at the factory, or it could have been a replacement. Clearly the camera has been beaten hard, so it shouldn't be surprising if it's been bastardized too. I suppose it could be a "fake", or a Frankenstein. It's in such lousy condition it hardly matters in terms of sale potential. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
travis l. Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 The flared collar around the shutter release screams ZORKI to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dan flanders Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 The 'toilet seat' surround of the shutter release is insignificant -- I've encountered quite a few early Leicas so equipped. It is definitely a Leica II or D and the serial number is correct for that model. The salient issue is the line of the top of the RF/VF housing which is a continuous line all the way across -- not interrupted around the VF window as on a Fed or Zorkii. Who knows, if its guts are still functional it just might be worth restoring?! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troll Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 Probably not worth restoring, but worth having serviced. Let the technition tell you if it's a user or a paperweight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vincenzo_maielli Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 Hi, Alex. I agree with Dan and Vinay. It's a Leica II. Ciao. Vincenzo Maielli Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mharris Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 I think they are all worth restoring but that's just me. If it's for sale I would interested in restoring it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alex_lofquist Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 A Leica II. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeff h. Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 That camera is a perfect candidate for some elbow grease and a toothbrush, a CLA by DAG or Sherry, a new covering from CameraLeather.com, and a great Voigtlander LTM lens! Enjoy your new project! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skeeter Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 now *THAT* is a user..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul hart Posted September 20, 2006 Share Posted September 20, 2006 I think that's what dealers call <<patina>> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eliot_rosen1 Posted September 20, 2006 Share Posted September 20, 2006 "I think that's what dealers call <<patina>>" On eBay, it would be called mint/mint-. :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now