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Hello, First to clarify and broaden the breadth of this inquiry, I am generally wondering what, if any significance smaller production batches have or reasoning behind such occurrences? I.e. lack of resources or market demand, gifts for individuals/entities revered by Leica management, contracts at the request of certain 'connected' individuals, etc.? Second to narrow the scope, my particular question is in regards to a production run of 50 spanning 193451-193500 for the Model IIIa, one of which I inherited from my grandfather several years ago in addition to 10/30/1957 IIIg GOOEL, 1/3700, and the most puzzling quagmire of them all and obviously not applicable, a 'model defying' Canon M39 screwmount from 1949-52(?) that I haven't been able to identify. To provide some more context, I have recently found myself in a place where I am 'reconnecting' with my grandfather, roots, knowledge of self, et al. which leads me to this forum where I am hoping to learn more about where he might've purchased them, where they originated from, etc. I have just heard back from a Leica Technical Advisor from the New Jersey branch who advised me to submit an inquiry to Leica headquarters, in addition to try this forum(!), which I did and am now awaiting response, but if any of you happen to know more specifics I'd be very grateful! Or if you have any insights into the question generally please feel free to post! Regardless, if you've read this I thank you for your time! Also I've attached a more complete album below as oppose to upload only a few: https://photos.app.goo.gl/N5dSY7NC62MCYvJ37
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I have a 1936 IIIa (s.n. 184223) that is in need of a lens, and I am now in a position to purchase one. I am leaning towards an f3.5 Elmar, as I think it complements the design of the camera beautifully both in compactness and in general appearance. The other lenses that are possibilities look a bit heavier and some even a bit too modern (even though some of them are not) for an 85 year old camera. I do have some points that I would appreciate comments on from those who know more about things Leica than I do, before I part with my cash. Firstly, condition. Quite a few lenses of this age have either dust or haze in the optics, and others have light marks. Would I be correct in assuming that dust or haze (provided the haze is not excessive) could be fixed with a CLA, as could a stiff aperture ring or focusing ring, but marks would generally not go away? Secondly, coatings. I see that, as a rule, Pre-War lenses are clear, and Post-War lenses are coated, and I understand the basic reasoning behind coating lenses is to cut down internal reflections but, in lenses of this quality, is there really much of a difference between the two? As for the lenses that I’m looking at: Elmar f3.5: My preferred option, as it is so light and compact and just looks so right on a Barnack Leica; Elmar f2.8: Aside from the extra f-stop, is there any reason for preferring this over the f3.5 Elmar? I find it does not have quite the same visual appeal as the f3.5 Elmar, but it could be useful in low light situations. Summar f2: Maybe another lens to consider. Again, not quite the same visual appeal as the f3.5 Elmar, but it could also be useful in low light situations. Summitar: From what I can see, it appears to be an updated and improved version of the Summar. Compared with the Elmar, and even the Summar, it looks a trifle bulky (yes, I know it isn’t really). Summicron: I’m not so keen on this one, as I find the appearance of the earlier lenses more appealing. I would also prefer to fit my camera with a lens that’s a bit closer to what it originally had. I have heard that the front element is made of an unusually soft glass, which means that these lenses are often badly scratched. Is this so? Thank you in advance for helping a newcomer to the world of Leicas.
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hey, last week when I was dropping off some film to be developed, I saw an old leica that the lab was selling (the lab is also a camera store), from my little knowledge of leicas and after researching a bit when got home, I deducted that it was either a III or a IIIa, and it was being sold fitted with a collapsable 5cm f/2.0 Hektor for the equivalent of around US$390. if I remember correctly, the serial number of the camera started with 17, so I think it's one of the first produced. So, my question is: do you think that is a fair price for the III(a) with the 50mm f/2, considering that the body looked mint and the lens looked nice, though I didn't analyze it much. Also, do you think that is a usable setup? I would definitely need a meter, since I can't figure out an exposure just by looking at the scene, so how much is one of those leicameters and are they hard to find? I would also like ask if you think I should wait until the end of the year and then get a used M6 or MP (if I'm lucky) then?