Fake Leica

[BenScreenchannel]

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Hi -

 

I'm working on the BBC TV programme "Fake Britain". I hope you don't mind me posting here - but I'm wondering if any of you can help with a current project.

 

I am producing a story for the programme about counterfeit cameras and photographic equipment being sold - particularly in the vintage camera market.

 

I am aware that there are Russian cameras re-branded as Leicas which appear from time to time. Also I gather there are fakes of the Russian cameras. And also there are Jupiter lenses re-branded as Zeiss.

 

In short I am looking to find anyone who has bought - or owns - any item of "fake" or counterfeit photographic gear. (Must be UK based). Pls E-mail me at benlaidlow <at> screenchanneltv.co.uk

 

Thank you.

Edited February 19, 2015 by jaapv
email made botproof

[luigi bertolotti]

I hope you'll find the right guy from UK... this forum, let me say, is the RIGHT place to go for such a project...

 

Basically, the Russian Leica fakes belong to three main groupings, with different timings :

 

- Fakes made in the '50s, to be sold as real Leicas for users who wanted to have a Leica but lived in countries where it was not commercially available (typical case, East Germany and other East Bloc countries).

- Fakes made many years later (80-90s) , to be sold to collectors who looked after rare models of Leicas (for instance, Leica 250 or "military engraved" Leicas)

- Fakes made "for fun"... even today... so indecently faked (but often well made) with the most fantasy engravings, that no one can think of authenticy... just funny objects which have a little market of their own.

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[earleygallery]

You should speak to the BBC Antiques Roadshow people - they featured someone a while back who bought a 'rare Leica' - I think it was gold plated and featured a Nazi engraving.

 

Of course it was a fake. The guy bought it from an antique dealer and paid several hundred pounds for it (actual worth about £50).

[Pecole]

Hi -

 

I'm working on the BBC TV programme "Fake Britain". I hope you don't mind me posting here - but I'm wondering if any of you can help with a current project.

 

I am producing a story for the programme about counterfeit cameras and photographic equipment being sold - particularly in the vintage camera market.

 

I am aware that there are Russian cameras re-branded as Leicas which appear from time to time. Also I gather there are fakes of the Russian cameras. And also there are Jupiter lenses re-branded as Zeiss.

 

In short I am looking to find anyone who has bought - or owns - any item of "fake" or counterfeit photographic gear. (Must be UK based). Pls E-mail me at benlaidlow <at> screenchanneltv.co.uk

 

Thank you.

 

Hi, Ben.

I am not based in the UK (but retired in sunnier South Portugal , and I used to have a special "Fakes" section in my former Fontenelle Leica Collection. I still have many photos and will send copies of same to your Email address, hoping it can be of help - or at least interest - to you.

Best regards, and success in your interesting project.

[Pecole]

Hi -

 

I'm working on the BBC TV programme "Fake Britain". I hope you don't mind me posting here - but I'm wondering if any of you can help with a current project.

 

I am producing a story for the programme about counterfeit cameras and photographic equipment being sold - particularly in the vintage camera market.

 

I am aware that there are Russian cameras re-branded as Leicas which appear from time to time. Also I gather there are fakes of the Russian cameras. And also there are Jupiter lenses re-branded as Zeiss.

 

In short I am looking to find anyone who has bought - or owns - any item of "fake" or counterfeit photographic gear. (Must be UK based). Pls E-mail me at benlaidlow <at> screenchanneltv.co.uk

 

Thank you.

 

There is a problem, Ben : I tried to send you a detailed mail about fakes, including 18 photos, but the mail address is not working. can you confirm it ? or contact me at c.p.jeandrain@sapo.pt.

[jpattison]

He could have used a fake email address...

 

John

[Pecole]

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He could have used a fake email address...

 

John

 

Exactly what happened, John : I typed "com." instead of "co." : an unfortunate "reflex". Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ! But after "threading" to Ben, I discovered my error and finally succeeded in sending the information. Congratulations for your perspicuity;).