klitton Posted July 18, 2008 Share #1 Posted July 18, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi, I’m new to the forum. I’m a retired professional photographer who used mostly large format cameras. I have never owned a Leica but I have always wanted one. I’ve read good things about the Leica III’s made in the 30's and 40's. I would like to purchase a good Leica III with an original 50mm f3.5 Elmar lens. Could someone point me to a couple of reputable dealers in the US (or overseas) that may sell this model? Also, what price range could I expect to pay for one in good working condition? I see a lot of Leica’s on ebay but I’m very leery of cameras being sold there. Thank you. Ken Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted July 18, 2008 Posted July 18, 2008 Hi klitton, Take a look here Leica Purchase. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
peter55 Posted July 18, 2008 Share #2 Posted July 18, 2008 Hello Ken, Welcome to the forum. I use KEH.com ( KEH Camera: Used Cameras, Digital Cameras, Film Cameras, Laptop Computers and More. ) for all of my used gear including my Leica M5 and M mount lenses and also my Leica screw mount lenses. They are an on-line company with a very good reputation, with better quality and pricing than most. They are located in the state of Georga in the United States. Their BGN (bargan) equipment is very often in almost new condition with very few marks on it. KEH has an entire Leica Screw Mount section for camera and lenses. I have seen many lll's at good prices and soon I will purchase a lllF. I have already purchased a vey inexpensive Leica lll Russian copy just to see if I liked the body-and I do. The Leica screw mount lenses that I have purchased at KEH are in as new condition, and I saved by purchasing BGN grade. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill Posted July 18, 2008 Share #3 Posted July 18, 2008 Welcome Ken, You'll find a good selection, keen prices and excellent customer service at MW http://www.mwclassic.com/ I have a 1934 IID, not a III, but the basics are very similar. It is a delight to use. Budget for a service and you can't go far wrong. Regards, Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted July 18, 2008 Share #4 Posted July 18, 2008 Welcome to the forum !!! And compliments for your intention: a good Leica SM with Elmar is a wonderful set to use: in my opnion, if USE is your main goal, maybe you could give a look also to the postwar Leica III (IIIc and IIIf) which, generally speaking, are more often in a good shape for use. Abou WHERE to look for... well, I'm European and I'd say to give a look at www.leicashop.com,, ffordes photographic : Main Index, Schouten Select Cameras & Accessories! all trustable dealers with classic Leicas well in focus. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
klitton Posted July 19, 2008 Author Share #5 Posted July 19, 2008 Thank you all very much for the welcome and for your suggestions. I do plan to use the camera. I’m just so tired of the average results I get with my 35mm equipment. I want to get creative again with a good quality manual camera. More than anything I’m really looking forward to making photography fun again. So far I have gotten only one referral for a US company. I have no problem with European dealers but I was hoping for something closer to home. Any other trusted US sellers? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted July 19, 2008 Share #6 Posted July 19, 2008 For US dealers... another name : Pacific Rim Camera : Home Page ; no direct experience with them, for myself; maybe Oregon is farther from Carolina than Europe... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bkyoung Posted July 19, 2008 Share #7 Posted July 19, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) The Leica Historical Society of America has a catalog it sends to members, and also a listing of "repair" resources, who also often sell equipment: : :LHSA : : Independent Camera Repair Facilities Have fun... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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