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Estate Auction Find: LTM Leica II 1932 camera- which model? Worth repairing?


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I just made the mistake of making a last minute bid at an auction of an item I hadn't had the chance to view in person... Turns out the camera is truly shot: the shutter curtains are kaput, the RF inoperable, shutter advance stuck, lens aperture blades rusty- and a few small parts are missing to boot.:rolleyes: The camera shows its 82 years.

 

Even if possible I seriously doubt this camera is worth repairing? Is it a rare model? The serial number is 88007- according to Cameraquest it is a Leica II made in 1932.

 

The 1932 #137014 Elmar lens is nickel I think?- it has been modified with the infinity lock removed and the locking 'lug' filed off the edge. The aperture blades have surface rust- and the lens looks maybe like it has been coated at some point?

 

The camera has also been modified with a flash synch socket on the top. The paint is well worn and I can't be sure if it is original?

 

Can anyone tell me more about what I just bought? I didn't pay too much for it so won't be exactly shattered if the news is pretty hum-drum.

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Edited by jaques
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It is what you refer.... a Leica II (LYKAN or LYKUP - with Elmar) whose main interest is that it belongs to the first production batch ... worn, modified with flash sync... not a significant value, and imho doesn't worth a repair... but IS a Leica II , so.... keep it as a decent home/office decoration.

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I think you have a potential classic user there. I have a Leica II (#83494) that had nearly the same problems as yours; torn shutter curtain, very stiff shutter advance, dirty rangefinder. I sent it to Youxin Ye (yyecamera.com) and a month later I had it back working like new, for a very reasonable fee. He is also quite responsive in communication; do as Mukul says above (I did) and he'll write right back with his assessment. I think a five-digit II deserves a chance to live on! Cheers, Allan

Edited by cobbu2
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  • 2 months later...

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I agree that this can be repaired for not too much and put back into service. I have purchased cameras on eBay for a song because of condition like this and brought them to the repair person I trust and he had it working within the week and even replaced the missing parts from his parts bin. Cost around $100. So I agree that it deserves a new lease in life.

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The positive on these old cameras is that you can still repair (almost) everything. And it is as well personal satisfaction if you have then fully working camera.

Lens, rewind knob and speed dial looks like chrome, while wind knob and shutter release look like nickel. For someone who wants to have homogeny and perfect camera all can be either nickeled or chromed depending what is desired.

Shutter curtains may be replaced, similarly half mirror in RF. Missing lock button may be replaced, for example using spares from Zorki Industar. Rusty blades may be cleaned and newly blacken. The only thing which is hard to accomplish is repainting - special thermal lacquer used at that time, refilling the engravings with woods metal, I would leave it as it is.

But not for 100$, unless you take a risk to send it somewhere to Ukraine

Jerzy

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  • 1 month later...

Could be a good user. I do colour with my MP but still use my dad's II with a 50mm, f2.5 Hektor with black and white. My dad bought it second hand in 1937 if I remember correctly. He was an Army photographer during the war and used the Leica in preference to what the US Army provided.

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I'd get it refurbished if you have a mind to use it. I have a Model II which I occasionally use. These old cameras a very nice - tiny, and capable of excellent quality. The old Elmar stopped down a little continues to produce excellent negatives. And they sound wonderful when you press the button.

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