IIIc conversion to IIIf

[moonwrack]

I'd be interested to know the views of collectors on what status IIIc models converted to IIIf have in the Leica screw mount collectors' canon.

[luigi bertolotti]

The "convertd" IIICs are not rare. but not even common... it was a standard listed "upgrade"... was carried on at the factory... I'd say they are treated, in the collectors market, like other originals item of that timeframe, with value most depending on conditions; I think some original Leitz paper which states the date of the upgrade of that camera, identified by s/n, would be a significative add-on value.

[Philippe D.]

Originally Posted by moonwrack

I'd be interested to know the views of collectors on what status IIIc models converted to IIIf have in the Leica screw mount collectors' canon.

As i try to tell you in the 'Film Forum', not a very interesting status.
Because it is not an original IIIc and not an original IIIf.
They are many such cameras who have been upgraded by Leitz in Wetzlar, starting in 1932.
A Leica IA model could be changed as a Leica II, III, or even as a Leica IIIa synchron in 1954, and so on.
Customers had the choice of which changes had to be made. It was "à la carte" so to say.
This is the result of the legendary compatibility between Leica cameras.
(Real) collectors seeks mostly after original, untouched, items.

However, you may use this camera to take pictures.

[moonwrack]

Merci, Philippe. Got you the first time but thought it appropriate to repeat the question in the Collectors' section. I note your final words of wisdom which suggest your are a user rather than a collector but, of course, one wonders why you are also in the Collectors & Historia section. However, as Hegel said "The owl of Athene closes its wings only with the falling of the dusk".