Leica Screw

Of course you can get a good usable vintage Leica for $ 500 or less. However, it is necessary to understand some things before choosing one. Leitz made two different systems 35mm rangefinder cameras.

The old system has a mount that accepts lenses that screw into the camera body (what we call 39mm screw mount, or LTM for Leica thread mount). This system was introduced in 1930 with the Leica I (C) model, and continued well into the 1950s until IIIg Classic Leica. At the same time, during the 1950s, Leitz introduced a new system that accepts lenses with a special bayonet mount (rather than screw on the lens is placed against the flush-mount with a red dot and a quarter-turn quick locks in place).

This is known as the M bayonet system, which began with the superb Leica M3 and continues until the last M8. Well, for $ 500 you want to find a classic Leica her boyfriend, who probably knows and appreciates the mystique of the Leica, can enjoy to in their spare time.

I'm talking about the camera hobby, not the camera for his work, because a photojournalist who now is doing his job Latest digital arts. No problem. You are on the right track looking at the Leica IIIf. It is a common model, with over 180,000 sold between 1950 and 1957, accepts all the millions and millions of screw mount lenses Leitz done so far (and also in early screw mount 39mm Canon, Nikon, and even many Russian-made lenses), and there are always plenty available on eBay.

I do not recommend the Leica IIIg, although a better camera, collectors keep its price hovering in the range of $ 1000. I do not recommend some common earlier models such as the Leica III, IIIa or IIIc, although they are equally common and readily available for less money, has also just old enough to cause many problems and frustrations. Among the mounting screw models, the Leica IIIf is a great option. Find a it works! Do not take a risk on an example that the needs of all repairs.

Find one that has a little external personality (as long as no apparent damage, a few or gently wipe mark dents are no problem), the seller guarantees that everything works as it should be. And Summitry Leitz is a fast lens very well, but get the Elmer 5cm f3.5 instead if you can.

Forget the original box (collectors drive the price of the original boxes, but there is no advantage to you), do not worry about a case (that collapse, and that sometimes causes more damage to the camera, because keeping the humidity), but not seek a cap Proper Leitz lens. This is your best bet for a vintage Leica usable in the range of $ 400 – $ 500.

Now if you want to bend a little, and would like cameras explore the M-series later, you can probably get a 1960-ish Leica M2 with a micron excellent 50mm f2 lens somewhere in the range of $ 500 – $ 600. All apply the same thoughts in regard to the condition, etc. The biggest advantage of the M-series age on the screw mount series is that if your boyfriend "time Leica wants to get a modern (for work and pleasure), it already has lenses with the M2 would be interchangeable with the rear chamber.

The M3 is very convenient classic among collectors, the M1 has limited functions, and can expect an increase in the M4 (actually would have to be specifically the M4-2 because the M4 has become quite original collectible as well), but that model is the first of the "modern" designs. So there you have it, or the Leica IIIf Leica M2, those are your best options in your price range. Regarding your question about the values of Leica in general, yes, all that increase in value.

The vast majority increases slightly above inflation (in time, not immediately), not that terribly high, but certainly enough money to equal the bank (and assuming that you deal only in optimum conditions). The models of historical importance, and an option some rare models, increased levels much higher in some cases, to the point of being ridiculous. Common patterns as the IIIf just seem to float along with the economy. So, in general, Leica seems to be good to excellent "investment.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for http://www.UsedCameraSell.com/ . Used Camera Sell is a community of used camera sellers from around the world. If you have used cameras to sell, click here to create a Camera Account: http://www.UsedCameraSell.com/merchant/signup.html

Leica Screw

Leica Screw