ChiTownStig Posted July 19 Share #1  Posted July 19 (edited) Advertisement (gone after registration) Hello, long time photographer but new to Leica. I just acquired what was listed as a “IIIf Gold Replica Outfit”. The camera appears to be in relatively good condition, the build quality feels nice and the rangefinder seems to work okay, and the shutter fires, though I have not verified the shutter speeds. The only obvious issue is the aperture ring on the lens is extremely difficult to move. The reason I question it is because according to the serial number it’s a II from 1040. I have attached some images. Thank you in advance for any insight.  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! Edited July 19 by ChiTownStig New pictures 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/423173-new-owner-question-real-or-not/?do=findComment&comment=5835876'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted July 19 Posted July 19 Hi ChiTownStig, Take a look here New Owner Question, Real or Not?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
pedaes Posted July 19 Share #2 Â Posted July 19 (edited) Welcome to Forum Ooops, Edited July 19 by pedaes Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
roydonian Posted July 19 Share #3 Â Posted July 19 (edited) It's a Russian camera re-engraved to look like a Leica. The most obvious clues are the shutter button (Leicas don't have the cup-like surround or a hole threaded to accept a cable release), and the rewind lever engraved 'B'. A recent thread published in this section will confirm this. Edited July 19 by roydonian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomB_tx Posted July 19 Share #4  Posted July 19 It's not a Leica but a Russian copy. They (FED) made copies of the Leica II starting about 1933 and into the 1950s. There are many details that prove that, but in more modern times there is quite an industry in Russia/Ukraine in stripping and re-engraving old FED & ZORKI copies of the Leica II into "fakes" to sell to tourists and now Internet. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted July 19 Share #5  Posted July 19 Rather fake...But then, it is as listed as a “ replica” Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carlos cruz Posted July 19 Share #6 Â Posted July 19 Few more years and authentic zorki will cost more than original leica Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted July 19 Share #7  Posted July 19 Advertisement (gone after registration) There’s another thread about a similar camera. Yes it’s a Soviet model that has been modified to appear to be a Leica.  The thing is that they aren’t bad cameras and it’s a shame that some have been butchered like this rather than left as original. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChiTownStig Posted July 20 Author Share #8  Posted July 20 Thanks everyone. Fortunately it was super cheap, and looks cool and I’ll still run a roll through it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChiTownStig Posted August 25 Author Share #9  Posted August 25 Hello again, a bit of an update. Never did put any film through the Russian copy, once I got it loaded it wouldn’t advance at all. The good news is that I got my hands on a real 1939 IIIa with the flash pc port upgrade and a 1951 5cm f/3.5 Elmer lens, and currently have a roll of Ferrarina P33 loaded. Looks and works great so far. Amazing how close in appearance it was with the fake one. But this one has the proper shutter button and the round cam for the rangefinder. My only real issue is that, much like with the fake one, the aperture ring on the lens is hard to move. 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! 3 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/423173-new-owner-question-real-or-not/?do=findComment&comment=5853322'>More sharing options...
nitroplait Posted August 25 Share #10 Â Posted August 25 4 hours ago, ChiTownStig said: My only real issue is that, much like with the fake one, the aperture ring on the lens is hard to move. If you move it back and forth a number of times it may loosen up. You can use a piece of plastic if you feel your fingernails are in danger of chipping. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PG Black nickel Posted August 25 Share #11  Posted August 25 A drop of W40 oil should be enough to smooth the rotation of the focuser and diaphragm. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChiTownStig Posted August 26 Author Share #12  Posted August 26 19 hours ago, nitroplait said: If you move it back and forth a number of times it may loosen up. You can use a piece of plastic if you feel your fingernails are in danger of chipping. Thanks but that didn’t do it. Fortunately I doubt I’ll ever need to change into a hurry. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChiTownStig Posted August 26 Author Share #13  Posted August 26 17 hours ago, PG Black nickel said: A drop of W40 oil should be enough to smooth the rotation of the focuser and diaphragm. As in WD-40? The focusing is actually pretty smooth. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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