Is this Leica 3c authentic?

[enthdegree]

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Hi everyone, my grandpa has what is purportedly a Leica 3C. It seems functional (possibly even authentic) to me, but I am no expert. Can any of you see something I can't?

Here is a link to some images of the camera:

https://imgur.com/a/5qHyA0f

Thanks!

[jaapv]

Looks OK to me.

[Anbaric]

Yes, I'd agree it's a real IIIc with a 1949 serial number, all the correct features for the post-war variant of this camera, and what looks like the 'sharkskin' pattern vulcanite covering that was often used at that time. The lens also looks fine.

[TomB_tx]

I agree - a IIIc Leica. By 1949 they had worked out some of the issues they had with chrome plating right after the war. I inherited a IIIc from 1948 which has a bit of peeling chrome common to that era. I had mine serviced (Clean Lubricate Adjust) by Leica back before they stopped working on these models, and the service cost more than the camera was worth - except for the family connection. Once serviced they are still fine working cameras.

Although the sharkskin covering is unique to that era, this model is pretty common, and probably not worth what the Leica name causes people to hope.

[willeica]

Genuine. I collect sharkskin Leicas from 1949, the year of my birth and I have several of them. The closest I have is a IIIc which was delivered just 3 days before I was.

William

[jaapv]

I would suggest having DAG do a CLA (clean lubricate adjust) on the camera and try your hand at shooting a roll of film with it. I'm sure your grandfather would appreciate being able to instruct you on the use of the camera.

[luigi bertolotti]

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It's almost sure that the finely made engraving "Lauro Pedraza" wasn't made at Leitz factory… … but this doesn't involve the authenticy of this fine classic Leica.

 

[enthdegree]

Hello everyone, thank you for the replies and information.

All the shutter speeds work on it, but the viewfinder and rangefinder are a total mess. They are very dim and I cannot make out anything through either of them. 

I would really like to start using this camera. Is there a service I can send it to or parts I can buy to replace the bad glass?

I am considering buying a more broken one for parts. I see some teardown tutorials on the internet and it doesn't seem too bad to replace it.

Thanks

Edited December 29, 2019 by enthdegree

[jerzy]

reason for dim rangefinder is in most cases damaged halfmirror, you can buy replacement from a seller from Japan (I may provide you detailed contact if you wish). In very rare cases the silvered prism may be damaged, then it is more complicated. Halfmirror from Japan are multicoated, produce patch image which is more yellowish than original one. Contrast is good. Glass is thinner than original Leitz but it may be compensated by calibration of rangefinder. In order to have results as close as possible to original I got damaged mirrors resilvered, single coated, patch is gray as with Leitz.
Halfmirror does not affect however what you see through the viewer, if this is dim as well than the whole rangefinder might be foggy.
You will need special tools to remove top cover to get to the halfmirror. In contrary to previous models where halfmirror was fixed between 2 element holder in IIIc holder is just one element and halfmirror is cemented. You will need to remove old cement very careuflly and completly, otherwise your will not be able to adjust vertically. Coated surface of halfmirror must be at the eye side, if you mount it opposite you might not be able to adjust horizontally.
Every repair person shall be able to replace halfmirror, check the thread Repair Specialist to find one close to you.

[TomB_tx]

I'd recommend checking with Youxin Ye (yyecamera.com) to have it serviced. He has serviced several of my III series (and older) cameras and has done excellent work. One IIIf had a very dim rangefinder image, and he replaced the beam splitter. It is now the brightest image of all my old Leicas. He has a considerable backlog of work now, so even his "rush" service may take a month.

[Stacey]

1 hour ago, TomB_tx said:

I'd recommend checking with Youxin Ye (yyecamera.com) to have it serviced. He has serviced several of my III series (and older) cameras and has done excellent work. One IIIf had a very dim rangefinder image, and he replaced the beam splitter. It is now the brightest image of all my old Leicas. He has a considerable backlog of work now, so even his "rush" service may take a month.

Ditto this. He has serviced a dozen different cameras for me. All came back working like new and he won't charge you for stuff the camera doesn't need. Very reasonable prices too. Just make sure you mention all the problems you find it has.

[Anbaric]

15 hours ago, enthdegree said:

I am considering buying a more broken one for parts. I see some teardown tutorials on the internet and it doesn't seem too bad to replace it.

Although servicing by an experienced Leica technician isn't cheap, it will still probably cost less than the price of an intact IIIc even if it's not fully functional. Also, dim finders are a common problem, and anything you buy in this condition is unlikely to be a great improvement. Better to have yours properly cleaned and, if necessary, have the RF mirror replaced or resilvered.