jaques Posted October 6, 2014 Share #1 Posted October 6, 2014 (edited) Advertisement (gone after registration) 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. 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. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Edited October 6, 2014 by jaques 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/235071-estate-auction-find-ltm-leica-ii-1932-camera-which-model-worth-repairing/?do=findComment&comment=2684127'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted October 6, 2014 Posted October 6, 2014 Hi jaques, Take a look here Estate Auction Find: LTM Leica II 1932 camera- which model? Worth repairing?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
MarkP Posted October 6, 2014 Share #2 Posted October 6, 2014 Can anyone tell me more about what I just bought? A paperweight 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaques Posted October 6, 2014 Author Share #3 Posted October 6, 2014 (edited) you know- I was actually going to write, "can anyone tell me more about what I just bought- beyond just telling me I have a fancy new paperweight...":p Well I am now hoping it is at least as fancy as this paperweight Edited October 6, 2014 by jaques 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted October 6, 2014 Share #4 Posted October 6, 2014 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. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
payasam Posted October 7, 2014 Share #5 Posted October 7, 2014 I'll suggest that you send photos and your observations to a repair person. You may end up, for relatively little expense, with a camera that has use value. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cobbu2 Posted October 8, 2014 Share #6 Posted October 8, 2014 (edited) 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 October 8, 2014 by cobbu2 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Furst Posted December 10, 2014 Share #7 Posted December 10, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) 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 $100. So I agree that it deserves a new lease in life. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerzy Posted December 10, 2014 Share #8 Posted December 10, 2014 The positive on these old cameras is that you can still repair (almost) everything. And it is as well personal satisfaction if you have then fully working camera. Lens, rewind knob and speed dial looks like chrome, while wind knob and shutter release look like nickel. For someone who wants to have homogeny and perfect camera all can be either nickeled or chromed depending what is desired. Shutter curtains may be replaced, similarly half mirror in RF. Missing lock button may be replaced, for example using spares from Zorki Industar. Rusty blades may be cleaned and newly blacken. The only thing which is hard to accomplish is repainting - special thermal lacquer used at that time, refilling the engravings with woods metal, I would leave it as it is. But not for 100$, unless you take a risk to send it somewhere to Ukraine Jerzy Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
john neal Posted December 11, 2014 Share #9 Posted December 11, 2014 jacques, I suggest you send it to me - it looks better than my "user" II (which started life as a Model 1) Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
david strachan Posted December 16, 2014 Share #10 Posted December 16, 2014 I think it's nice. Sure shows its age, also its gorgeous elegance. Keep it as it is a lovely object d'art. cheers Dave S Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dáithí Posted January 30, 2015 Share #11 Posted January 30, 2015 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. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Hiles Posted January 30, 2015 Share #12 Posted January 30, 2015 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. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted January 30, 2015 Share #13 Posted January 30, 2015 An interesting challenge. I like the positive notes posted here. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.