Fake wartime Leica?

[Lucco]

I would like to know whether, in your opinion, this camera is a real Leica or a fake: Leica Camera Bildberichter su eBay.it Compatte 35mm, Fotocamere tradizionali, Fotografia e Video

I do realize the pictures are a bit small, but I wonder if there's any dead giveaway.

[earleygallery]

100% Russian copy/fake.

I can't read Italian so don't know what the seller is claiming, but I wouldn't even say its worth 102 Euros. Move on!

[Lucco]

I can't quite move on, because I'm the confirmed buyer - well, my father is, in an impulse buy.

So, while I instinctively agree it's a fake, I'd like to know what makes you say that with certainty? I'd rather be able to disclaim the purchase with some valid reasons.

The seller merely claims it comes with a bag, it's interesting for the wartime engravings, and it's in working condition.

[earleygallery]

Originally Posted by Lucco

I can't quite move on, because I'm the confirmed buyer - well, my father is, in an impulse buy.

So, while I instinctively agree it's a fake, I'd like to know what makes you say that with certainty? I'd rather be able to disclaim the purchase with some valid reasons.

The seller merely claims it comes with a bag, it's interesting for the wartime engravings, and it's in working condition.

Well, it would be 'interesting for the wartime engravings' if it/they were real, but as its fake they are merely cosmetic and of no 'value'. At best its a novelty item.

Why do I say its a fake? Everything is wrong - the finish of the chrome (too shiny), the 'vulcanite' covering, the engravings, the shape/position of the rangefinder/viewfinders..............everything!! You only need look at a photo of a genuine Leica to see the differences.

Just retract your bid on the grounds that the seller is misrepresenting the item. They are probably well aware of what it is.

[alw]

I have a similar one with "Luftwaffe" engraving. I bought it knowing it was a copy (the seller also sold it as one) and paid 100 USD. Works fine and takes good pictures.

[earleygallery]

Here's some info on genuine Leica's Leica German Luftwaffe* WWII

It may well take photos, but Russian lens quality is variable, you might get an OK lens, and assuming the camera works then yes its still a useable item. But, if you receive it and find the shutter is broken, the rangefinder isn't working or the lens is no good then you have a pretty much worthless paperweight - I will qualify that further by suggesting that if you want one of the Russian rangefinders then a Zorki or Kiev is a much better bet. I have a Zorki 4K and Jupiter lens which are - for the £13 paid - superb, although rarely used.

[jaapv]

Interesting other items for sale by this vendor. Cornflake card collections...
Well, if one pays 100$ for a Luftwaffe Leica, it is not even worth asking if it is a fake. What would a genuine one be worth today? 10.000 $ ? More?

[earleygallery]

Originally Posted by jaapv

Interesting other items for sale by this vendor. Cornflake card collections...
Well, if one pays 100$ for a Luftwaffe Leica, it is not even worth asking if it is a fake. What would a genuine one be worth today? 10.000 $ ? More?

If it sounds too good to be true............

[harryzet]

if it has bildberichter written on it, it must be a real bildberichter-wartime-leica

[luigi bertolotti]

Originally Posted by earleygallery

100% Russian copy/fake.

I can't read Italian so don't know what the seller is claiming, but I wouldn't even say its worth 102 Euros. Move on!

Undoubtly - guaranteed fake - but... the case COULD even be original... let's give 50 Euros for an original case.. ... so 50 Euros for a camera that maybe is even working, well can be worth for use or display...

[dkpeterborough]

Erroneous post

[dkpeterborough]

The camera is an obvious fake.

These two books list known Fl. numbers, delivery numbers and S/No.'s of Leica cameras and lenses issued to German Wehhrmacht in WW2 and also illustrate genuine engravings and embossings.


James Lager


Dott. Luigi Cane

And here is a typical Luftwaffe IIIb listed in the books




Cheers

dunk

[earleygallery]

oops!

[jc_braconi]

Originally Posted by harryzet

if it has bildberichter written on it, it must be a real bildberichter-wartime-leica

This is not a leica it is a REAL FAKE ! including the ever ready case.

[someonenameddavid]

Just look at the _nasty_screws_ on the bottom plate and you will see that the nasty party that made them was Soviet and not the other nasty party.

Incidentally E.Leitz & Co provided a way out of Germany for its Jewish employees before WWII and is to be commended.

David

[Nostromo]

A poor fake. No Leica ever left the Wetzlar factory with those top plate engravings; the chrome is all wrong (too shiny); the screws on the body are in the wrong places; the covering looks wrong...etc etc.

Regards,
N.

[Rona|d]

With this the camera becomes an original and a shining star in every photographica collection