Inherited a Leica I (s/n 39678)

[Erik van Straten]

Bill, I do agree with you. But this is a classical Leitz dilemma that already exists for many years. Personally, I do not mind when you use the ORAKO on the left rangefinder-window -- I would do it myself too -- but it's not the way Leitz intended to use the ORAKO. However, sometimes users understand accessories better than their makers.

[bill]

Originally Posted by Erik van Straten

... However, sometimes users understand accessories better than their makers.

Erik, that is so true

Regards,

Bill

[lucien55]

Originally Posted by Erik van Straten

Lucien, can you repeat in other words in your post about the chrome ring what you are trying to say? To me, it's not very clear.

Probably it's best to post a photo or two (which I will). The chrome ring is really a ring within a ring. One side screws into the camera lens and other side unscrews from the ring's base. Once the top ring is off, one can remove the clear filter.

Is that any better ?

[Erik van Straten]

Maybe it's just an uv-filter. Please do post the pictures.

Regards,

Erik.

[luigi bertolotti]

Originally Posted by lucien55

Erik,

Thanks again. Interesting about the tax and it makes perfect sense of course. Your conclusion about make lack of understanding on how this camera works is spot on.

The camera does operate. I can't attest to how well, but it seems mechanically sound. As I'm sure is apparent, I'm not very knowledgeable about cameras and the quality of my photos equally demonstrates my lack of photography skills - I wish I was better skilled.

Anyway, the batch of photography equipment I've inherited from my father which he bought in an estate auction is a bit overwhelming for me. Hasselblads, Nikon F2's, Zeiss Hologon Ultrawide (yes, really), Paillard movie camera, and more. I need to find homes for much of this equipment. Hopefully for people that will really appreciate it. In that light, can anyone give me a estimate range for the value my converted Leica.

Thanks again.

Hey hey hey... ants up on the Hologon Ultrawide !!! Can you post some pic of it ? Is it well complete with graduated filter and body grip arm ? True this is the Leica forum, but as you know the Hologon lens is much related to Leica. The Zeiss Camera with Hologon (based on Contarex body) is a valuable collectible by itself, but there even have been people that has deprived it of lens + viewfinder with spirit level to adapt them on Leica M, throwing away the body...

[lucien55]

Originally Posted by luigi bertolotti

Hey hey hey... ants up on the Hologon Ultrawide !!! Can you post some pic of it ? Is it well complete with graduated filter and body grip arm ? True this is the Leica forum, but as you know the Hologon lens is much related to Leica. The Zeiss Camera with Hologon (based on Contarex body) is a valuable collectible by itself, but there even have been people that has deprived it of lens + viewfinder with spirit level to adapt them on Leica M, throwing away the body...

Sorry for the delay, time is not my friend these days. I want to setup and take some nice photos of my Zeiss but I've just not had the time. Feeling bad about the delay, I took a few, rather poor (!), shots today.

Regarding the lens filter for the Leica. I left it out to photograph for you and I'm still searching for it! It will turn up and I'll send some photos as requested.

[Erik van Straten]

These are no poor shots, but beautiful pictures of a wonderful camera. Thank you very much.

Regards,

Erik.

[lucien55]

It's in beautiful condition but there is some fogging on the viewfinder - I assume a repair shop could get it clean again. Fortunately the lens looks great.

[luigi bertolotti]

Thanks for the pics ! Very nice item, and very complete too (the hand grip is often missing in the few items that appear sometime on the market): I think this is a camera still fun to use as it is, provided that it works properly... but I suppose the lens is clean (probably, the filter has seldom been removed) the finder isn't a great problem to clean, and the shutter is the same of my old Zeiss Contarex... hard to be damaged by time, is a rock solid assembly.

[lucien55]

Originally Posted by luigi bertolotti

T...the hand grip is often missing in the few items that appear sometime on the market. ... the finder isn't a great problem to clean...

Actually, I have the case and original box too. I assume the camera will have to be disassembled to properly clean the viewfinder. Also, any suggestions on the best venue to sell it. I'm interested in selling my Leica too. These are wonderful items to possess but I feel there are others that will derive much more pleasure from them than I.

[lucien55]

Given the member sign up process, how is it my post comes up in a google search ? I had no idea.

[Shac]

Bill - FYI - I have a IIIc and the ORAKO - I tried it on both "windows" and found I prefer it on the right-hand side. Yes - most of the rangefinder window is orange but contrast is increased b/c it doesn't turn the rangefinder image (the one that "moves") orange.

[bill]

Hi Shac,

Yes, it seems I am in the minority to prefer my ORAKO on the "wrong" window, but it just seems more natural to me. I like the orange rangefinder image and do find it makes it easier. I'd love to see a contemporary book or description on this!

Regards,

Bill