Is this a real Leica, and if so, what model?

[haysm7]

<p>I have a chance to make a local buy on this kit. It looks like a Leica II and the serial number would support that, but I've never seen a II with that port (for flash?) on the front of the camera. Also, something about the engraving on the top plate looks a little off to me, though I can't put my finger on it. Anyway, I would appreciate some opinions on 1) if this is a legit Leica, 2) what model it is, and 3) a rough range of value. Thanks!</p>

<p><img src="http://i.imgur.com/Oa96wr7.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="478" /><img src="http://i.imgur.com/WjIDcAP.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="478" /></p>

[steve_levine]

<p>Looks like a Leica II. Check the link below. The factory and others would sometimes add flash sync to these.</p>

<p>http://www.cameraquest.com/leica2.htm</p>

[Richard Williams]

<p>Looks real. That's a common position for a third party flash sync socket, which will reduce the value. The top plate finish, especially the wear on the engravings, looks a bit odd, so maybe not in original condition, but that might just be the photo. How to spot a fake: http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-213.html (check the rangefinder cam when you see it). Incidentally, if you've ever held a real Leica and worked the mechanism, you'll know a fake (re-engraved FED/Zorki) straight away - they don't feel or look the same close up.</p>

[Troll]

<p>The "thing" that looks/feels strange to you is probably the large shutter speed dial. Not to worry -- it's part of the flash conversion.</p>

[christopher_junker1]

<p>For what may be 80 year old Leica II it doesn't look damaged, just old and used. The aftermarket addition of flash capability were done both by Leica itself and outside vendors. Flash, with the slow speed films of the past opened up many new opportunities for candid photography to the 1930's Leica owners. Investing in a full CLA (cleaning, lubricating and adjusting) for both the camera and lens and using today's films will set you up with a nice compact carry anywhere camera that will still take good images. As the Leica II shutter precedes the later, more durable ball bearing equipped Leicas, a CLA really is needed to give you good results. A Leica owner's manual is available online for early Leicas.</p>

[mukul_dube]

<p>The view-finder front window and the shutter release button say that it is a Leica. On the top plate the black paint seems to be be coming off around the white paint markings.</p>

[winfried_buechsenschuetz1]

<p>Yes, obviously there were several different third party flash modifications. I have a Leica IIIa with the flash socket on top of the viewfinder housing, and I have seen another Leica IIIa (with very similar s/n) on ebay with the same flash mod as mine. I have never seen a flash socket on the front - with a Leica III this would not be possible since the slow speed escapement resides in that location. <br>

These non-Leitz flash mods reduce the collectors' value significantly but not the user's value. I got my battered IIIa with the flash-mod for a price even a college student could afford several decades before. Even before the Leica hype started, a III or IIIa with original flash mod would have been far beyond the budget of a student. </p>

[Rick_van_Nooij]

<p>Looks like a regular early Leica II (1932-33-ish) with a non-factory flash connector added. <br />The big shutter speed dial is not part of the flash conversion, It's the normal size for a Leica from this era.</p>

 

[Richard Williams]

<blockquote>

<p>I have never seen a flash socket on the front - with a Leica III this would not be possible since the slow speed escapement resides in that location.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>They are out there - my IIIa has one on the front, so there must be a bit of room beneath the slow speed mech.</p>

 

[haysm7]

<p>Thanks for the responses, everyone! Was very helpful to know exactly what I was looking before meeting the seller.</p>