alan mcfall Posted June 13, 2016 Share #1 Posted June 13, 2016 Advertisement (gone after registration) 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! With the current price of an original Luxus camera flying off the charts, it seems the copiers/forgers are getting more skilled and aggressive. Factory records suggest that some 94 camera were made, some authors cite 95 or 96, but in any event, rarity if original is assured. I have recorded some 25 cameras that are believed to be original, at least they match the factory records(but still could be fakes with altered serial numbers, I suppose). That leave 70 more that are in collections, or lost, or destroyed by war or other ways. The two photos show cameras that are probably far to nice to even look like a real 85 year old camera, and the serials although interesting and period correct, are decidedly not correct for Luxus. The model A camera is serial 36247, and although there were original cameras at 34xxx and 37xxx there were none at 36xxx. The other photo of the model C, has a serial of 60025 which is not one of the very few model C Luxus cameras made. So, they are of course both copies and should be easily recognized as so by most Leica enthusiasts. Just thought I would post them as they still look pretty to me. The forum owners of original Luxus cameras should pull them out of the bank vault and share their beauty will all. Or perhaps they wish to remain secret, which is quite understandable. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! With the current price of an original Luxus camera flying off the charts, it seems the copiers/forgers are getting more skilled and aggressive. Factory records suggest that some 94 camera were made, some authors cite 95 or 96, but in any event, rarity if original is assured. I have recorded some 25 cameras that are believed to be original, at least they match the factory records(but still could be fakes with altered serial numbers, I suppose). That leave 70 more that are in collections, or lost, or destroyed by war or other ways. The two photos show cameras that are probably far to nice to even look like a real 85 year old camera, and the serials although interesting and period correct, are decidedly not correct for Luxus. The model A camera is serial 36247, and although there were original cameras at 34xxx and 37xxx there were none at 36xxx. The other photo of the model C, has a serial of 60025 which is not one of the very few model C Luxus cameras made. So, they are of course both copies and should be easily recognized as so by most Leica enthusiasts. Just thought I would post them as they still look pretty to me. The forum owners of original Luxus cameras should pull them out of the bank vault and share their beauty will all. Or perhaps they wish to remain secret, which is quite understandable. ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/261531-dreaming-of-the-luxus/?do=findComment&comment=3060977'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted June 13, 2016 Posted June 13, 2016 Hi alan mcfall, Take a look here Dreaming of the Luxus. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
luigi bertolotti Posted June 13, 2016 Share #2 Posted June 13, 2016 Ehm... sorry Alan, but the Luxus is one of the few Leica items that has never fascinated me... of course, not only I clearly don't have one, but, speaking in abstract, I have always thought that with the money for an original Luxus I could by many other items (72, 250, MP, MP2... just not to mention lenses... ) that find much more intriguing. Anyway, if by chance a forum member has one... as always "pics are appreciated" Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wayne Posted June 14, 2016 Share #3 Posted June 14, 2016 Alan, I, like you, have always been fascinated by this model. The reason for my fascination is that the whole concept seems so bazaar. I have to think that all the folks at Leica had a good chuckle every time one was assembled and sent out the door. It would be very nice to have one in a collection. Priced right, I would even consider one of the good copies. Best Wayne Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicaiste Posted June 14, 2016 Share #4 Posted June 14, 2016 (edited) I remember that old guy from more than thirty years ago, who had a second hand camera shop and was bragging that he was the 'creator' of many Luxus over the years. He used a chemical solution to remove the chrome from pre-war Leica, gold plated them and had another guy covering them with colored lizard skin. A third guy was taking care of dismantling the lens first. He sold them the price of mint chrome cameras as fakes Luxus. It was mostly for the fun of making them. Later on he had fun again seeing his 'babies' in auction houses catalogues. After that I could never see a Luxus without remembering it. Edited June 14, 2016 by Leicaiste 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 14, 2016 Share #5 Posted June 14, 2016 ... When will the Russian guys finally build into their Goldrush Leica fakes modern displays? But maybe this will never be necessary, since one never would get to see the backs of Leica cameras in display cases. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wayne Posted June 14, 2016 Share #6 Posted June 14, 2016 (edited) Thanks for relating that story Lecaist I had never thought about the fact that these copies were, basically, molested originals. If a Luxux copy is constructed from actual pre-war Barnack, it makes it that much more interesting as a collectible. The cameras I have seen for sale on Ebay are always advertised as originals, it might be wiser to just go ahead and state what it is and try to get a premium for it. My problem would not be in paying a reasonable premium for a well done fake of an unusual camera, but I would/do have a problem with being taken for a fool. So far I have been pretty lucky in buying my Barnacks ( now five.....I recently had to purchase another II in order to get a much desired Hektor 50mm 2.5 that was attached to it) as they all function pretty well and are a joy to use. Having, and being able to use, a shiney Luxus copy- made from a genuine Barnack- would be a great laugh every time I loaded it. Edited June 14, 2016 by Wayne Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pecole Posted June 18, 2016 Share #7 Posted June 18, 2016 Advertisement (gone after registration) Thanks for relating that story Lecaist I had never thought about the fact that these copies were, basically, molested originals. If a Luxux copy is constructed from actual pre-war Barnack, it makes it that much more interesting as a collectible. The cameras I have seen for sale on Ebay are always advertised as originals, it might be wiser to just go ahead and state what it is and try to get a premium for it. My problem would not be in paying a reasonable premium for a well done fake of an unusual camera, but I would/do have a problem with being taken for a fool. So far I have been pretty lucky in buying my Barnacks ( now five.....I recently had to purchase another II in order to get a much desired Hektor 50mm 2.5 that was attached to it) as they all function pretty well and are a joy to use. Having, and being able to use, a shiney Luxus copy- made from a genuine Barnack- would be a great laugh every time I loaded it. As every Leica collector, I dreamed of the LUXUS as well...but unfortunately never had a genuine one. Before getting an excellent replica made by Netolitsky, based on a 1928 Leica I serialled 8844* and covered with green lizard (did not find back te photos I know I have, sorry), I asked a specialist to gold plate a Leica II nº 15476 (an updated Leica IA) I had as a surplus, and to cover the body with brown lizard. Here is the result . I found it quite satisfactory, despite its glossy finish. 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! 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/261531-dreaming-of-the-luxus/?do=findComment&comment=3063765'>More sharing options...
Pecole Posted June 18, 2016 Share #8 Posted June 18, 2016 As every Leica collector, I dreamed of the LUXUS as well...but unfortunately never had a genuine one. Before getting an excellent replica made by Netolitsky, based on a 1928 Leica I serialled 8844* and covered with green lizard (did not find back te photos I know I have, sorry), I asked a specialist to gold plate a Leica II nº 15476 (an updated Leica IA) I had as a surplus, and to cover the body with brown lizard. Here is the result . I found it quite satisfactory, despite its glossy finish. I had also forgotten a doubtful LUXUS nª40410, covered with black lizard I had in my collection. The serial dates 1930, and is listed by Hahne as being "Kalbleder". The dealer who sold it to me said it had been later gold finished by Leitz at the owner's request. How to know? 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! 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/261531-dreaming-of-the-luxus/?do=findComment&comment=3063774'>More sharing options...
Antonio Madureira Posted June 18, 2016 Share #9 Posted June 18, 2016 Some years ago I got in the e--y, from London if I remember, a lot of parts and pieces of Leica, including gold plated parts of Leica I, both covers, accessory foot, viewfinder tube and some other parts, but no body, nor mechanical or optical parts, nor screws, no serial number (maybe lost on the platting process), clearly an interrupted project. As I have bags of parts of Leica that I collect for forty years, I decided to resume the project and here is the partial result. I got almost all the missing screws,that were very well gold plated here by a nice jeweller, I made myself the lizard “coat”, and now I miss four screws to fix the body. Shutter works fine, but I must take some photos to adjust shutter and focus. Of course it is not a Luxus camera and I´ll never sell, or announce to sell it, because I do not want to confuse a Luxus dream with a nightmare. Best regards. Antonio 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! 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/261531-dreaming-of-the-luxus/?do=findComment&comment=3063977'>More sharing options...
Antonio Madureira Posted June 18, 2016 Share #10 Posted June 18, 2016 And some more photos of it. Regards 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! 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/261531-dreaming-of-the-luxus/?do=findComment&comment=3063980'>More sharing options...
Pecole Posted June 19, 2016 Share #11 Posted June 19, 2016 I had also forgotten a doubtful LUXUS nª40410, covered with black lizard I had in my collection. The serial dates 1930, and is listed by Hahne as being "Kalbleder". The dealer who sold it to me said it had been later gold finished by Leitz at the owner's request. How to know? And here is the photo of the Netolitsky Luxus replica I finally found. 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! 2 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/261531-dreaming-of-the-luxus/?do=findComment&comment=3064357'>More sharing options...
Wayne Posted June 19, 2016 Share #12 Posted June 19, 2016 Thanks for the great pictures and stories. I would love to have one......Fake, or otherwise. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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