duncan_kirkwood2 Posted June 9, 2007 Share Posted June 9, 2007 Yesterday achieved an ambition of buying a WW2 Luftwaffen issue Leica IIIb with 50/3.5 Elmar ... both engraved Luftwaffen-Eigentum . Over the years I have seen a few Luftwaffen cameras offered for sale but was never sure if they were genuine or fake and my knowledge was limited as regarding establishing authenticity. Then a few weeks back a dealer was offering a copy of the book "30 Jahre Leica Historica 1975-2005 'Screwmount cameras with military engravings (WWII)' " which lists serial numbers and delivery dates of Leica cameras and lenses shipped to the German military during 1939/44 ... as extracted from official Leitz records by Dott. Luigi Cane. The book proved useful in establishing the probable authenticity of my intended purchase. Thus provided this is not a "reverse plating" job with the serial number faked , it is almost certainly a genuine 1940 issued Luftwaffen camera. But, I am intrigued by the shutter release because it is of a type not encountered previously. The shutter button is surrounded by a small conical shade ... like a miniature lampshade .. in fact the whole of it with the button in the centre of the shade resembles a miniature studio light ... the conical 'shade' surrounding the button is 14mm in diameter. Is this a common shutter release variant? I assume that the conical surround might make shutter operation with a gloved finger easier? Any information about this type of release would be appreciated. Thanks Dunk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dan flanders Posted June 9, 2007 Share Posted June 9, 2007 Show us a picture! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alex_lofquist Posted June 9, 2007 Share Posted June 9, 2007 The conical "shade" is called a soft release, often added to IIIa and IIIb bodies to enable a smoother shutter action. It is probably genuine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duncan_kirkwood2 Posted June 9, 2007 Author Share Posted June 9, 2007 Thanks Alex. Have now found illustrations of this type of release in some old auction catalogues so appears it is not as unusual as originally thought. Dunk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom_eitnier Posted June 9, 2007 Share Posted June 9, 2007 Duncan, Is the back of the top plate on the camera or the flat of the rear vulcanite stamped "Luftwaffen-Eigentum"? Let`s see some photos :) Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duncan_kirkwood2 Posted June 9, 2007 Author Share Posted June 9, 2007 I will post some photos when I've mastered using a digital camera ! ... For some reason every time I want to start using same something else crops up ... but s/b soon I hope ... maybe within next week or so. The engraving is in the vulcanite on the camera and on the depth of field ring on the lens. The engraving in the vulcanite is 'white filled' ... camera is in nice 'WABI' condition with no dents ... slow shutter speeds are all a bit too slow ... may have it serviced ... lens has not been coated and is free of blemishes ... rangefinder is clear and images coincide perfectly ... camera and lens all original apart from the flash contact. And it has a Leica lens cap. Dunk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troll Posted June 9, 2007 Share Posted June 9, 2007 "I will post some photos when I've mastered using a digital camera !"<P>B.S. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim nichols Posted June 9, 2007 Share Posted June 9, 2007 I have an early soft release purchased on a IIIa in 1952, and it measures 16mm outside diameter. I will try to add a photo that includes it.<div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
todd frederick Posted June 9, 2007 Share Posted June 9, 2007 "I will post some photos when I've mastered using a digital camera !" Before I used a digital I just took a photo with film. Most was for cameras to be sold on eBay or here. You can take a film photo and scan the print or have a CD made. I's like to see it also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom_eitnier Posted June 9, 2007 Share Posted June 9, 2007 Duncan, Sounds like the REAL DEAL to me, the way you describe it, very good find! Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
george_shihanian Posted June 10, 2007 Share Posted June 10, 2007 If someone were to fake one of these cameras, couldn't they also buy the "30 Jahre.." book and learn what the "real" serial number was then have that number stamped onto the fake? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duncan_kirkwood2 Posted June 11, 2007 Author Share Posted June 11, 2007 George, In theory they could ... in practice would probably not be a cost effective exercise to do it and not leave evidence of altering the serial numbers, It would entail getting hold of a IIIb camera ...erasing and filling in the existing serial number with silver solder and not leaving any marks showing evidence ... then replating the chrome and aging it to match the rest of the top plate ... then engraving the forged serial number and contract number .. plus engraving the vulcanite. The camera came from a reputable source and there is no reason to doubt its authenticity. There are fakes around ... especially Russian fakes made using Russian fake Leicas. Dunk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerry_kirkwood Posted June 11, 2007 Share Posted June 11, 2007 Hey Dunk, we've got a gathering of the Kirkwood clan on the Leica forum! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelly_flanigan1 Posted June 11, 2007 Share Posted June 11, 2007 Making a fake is cost efective for a retired chap in the Ukrainc; living on zilch. It radically adds to their income. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roger_michel Posted June 11, 2007 Share Posted June 11, 2007 your camera sounds fine. however, i would have it checked by an expert. don't fool yourself. there are ground up russian fakes that are absolutely superb. they know every detail. but there are a few experts about. if you paid good money, i would have it checked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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