Leica IIIf Black Dial (Black Syncro)

[jay_mcclure]

I have what appears to be a Leica IIIf Black syncro. I am recieving conflicting

reports about it's authentisity.

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Franckly I don't care wether it is legitimate or not, I just want to know one

way or another for certain. Either way I am still planning on making some use of

it and will keep it.

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Is this camera a true Leica or a forgery?

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(Also Note - The winding lever is an after market component made for Leica

models by Tech Photo Products in Brooklyn)

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More images can be provided upon request

[canfred]

Hi Jay, this is a true BD IIIf strange looking quick wind lever I must say that one is new to me.

Concratulation its a nice looking one too enjoy and post a few shots.

I own a RD a few numbers later its in my photo collection if you like to see it.

Manfred

[len_smith]

It is a true Leica. Congratulations on a fine acquisition in superb condition.

 

If it hasn't had a recent CLA (within the last 5 years, say) that would probably be a good investment.

[jay_mcclure]

Manfred, I have taken a look at it, It looks to be in exelent shape.

 

The quick wind lever was something I had given no though to. Truthfully this would be my first Leica, I simply didn't know better. I brought the camera up for discussion on another forum I frequent heavily and that was where I learned it was an aftermarket component that is apparently somewhat rare from a company that no longer exists. other than that I have seen nor heard anyother reference or photo of it. I like it personally, I can ger 2 almost 3 FPS with it it I wanted to.

 

I am admittedly more of a 35mm SLR kind of guy but I do intend to make some use of this camera. As an admin on another site I do feel obligated to maintain loyalty to where I hold photo collections, that site can be found in the link in my profile. I would be happy to let yall know when I post some pics from it, but that could be a little wile as I have to meter with my EF right now. I am not sure if my seconic handheld is still accurate.

 

Here are both threads if you are interested.

 

 

Pre purchase

 

http://thephotoforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=117661

 

Post purchase

 

http://thephotoforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=120048

 

Tony, The dealer I bought it from is real good about maintaining his merchendise, but I'll ask just to make sure.

 

Thanks.

 

I am no slouch when it comes to researching commonly immitated and forged cameras....in fact I have a bit of a fondness for fakes and stopgaps. But never the less It's good to know the truth. Now to find that elusive plastic 1D :)

[winfried_buechsenschuetz1]

ALL Leicas with a slow-speed dials are genuine Leicas. Only a few prototypes of soviet copies have been equipped with a slow-speed dial. Also, the IIIf has a viewfinder housing different from earlier models, it goes down around the lens mount. These models were never copied by the Soviets.

 

There have been some IIIf copies by japanese manufacturers but there is no reason to sell them as real Leicas since they have their value as they are.

[vincenzo_maielli]

Is a true Leica IIIf, from 1952 - 1953 (according with Ghester Sartorius, italian Leica expert). Is a very nice camera, in excellent conditions: congratulation.

 

Ciao.

[alex_lofquist]

It's real! And in gorgeous condition.

[summitar]

It looks great but LOSE that butt-ugly advance lever.

[david_stanton1]

What a beauty!!! Dave

[steve salmons]

I too have never seen a winding lever quite like this. How useful is it in practice? I am trying to imagine how this would fit in the hand and confer any advantage over the standard knob wind. Can it be fitted in any other position so that the trigger lies in a stand off position prior to wind on rather than as pictured?

[alex_lofquist]

Unfortunately, winding on one frame requires 360 degrees rotation of the winding knob. You cannot "double crank" 180 degrees like the M3 to advance the film. Using it is a bit easier than it looks, but the Leicavit is more practical (and expensive).

[jay_mcclure]

Thanks guys, it's good to know one way or another.

 

Steve, It's quite useful, I like is a bunch. Oddly enough it is actually positioned in a standoff position, but that is actually pointless as it winds in the reverse direction of the more reasent SLRs . I had to position it for the shot. I intend to reposition into the pictured position it once I can find an allen key small enough to unlock it, but it's retainer pin is smaller than anything I have ever seen before.