[Leica] Finding cheap Leicas

[lrzeitlin at gmail.com (Lawrence Zeitlin)]

Here is a partial list of NYC camera stores. There are hundreds more. Every
neighborhood has a few old time stores. Disregard the new equipment on
display. Walk to the back of store and look at the used equipment moldering
away on the shelves and drawers. It helps to ask the oldest employee in the
store or perhaps the owner. Most will be happy to get rid of that old stuff.


The best hunting ground is in NYC's photo district, the region between 14th
and 23rd street, east of Park Avenue. Check out the pawn shops too. Many
photographers simply hock their old film equipment in order to buy the
latest digital technology. I picked up a nice M3 and a decent IIIc that way.
Lenses too.


The secret to getting cheap Leica equipment is to disregard the appearance
of the camera. Despite the prejudice of the LUG, most tatty looking Leica
gear is not cherished by casual buyers. Especially when new digital stuff is
so cheap. Cracked or missing vulcanite, scratches, dents, and obvious wear
marks markedly lower the value for collectors. If you find a good camera
candidate, make sure all the shutter speeds work, especially the low speeds.
Check to see that the viewfinder is clear and that the rangefinder image
should is easily visible. Fit a trial lens and make sure that the
rangefinder focuses. There should be no stiffness in the winding lever or
knob. Lenses should not be fogged nor should the diaphragm bind. Focusing
should be easy. You can ignore a few cleaning scratch marks and even a chip
if you can get a reduced price. It helps to bargain. There are so few buyers
for old film cameras.


When I said that a Summicron could be bought for a couple of hundred
dollars, I mean a first or second edition collapsible model, not a DR rigid
model. These are a bit more expensive. If you cannot find a good Summicron,
opt for a Summitar.  Erwin Puts claims that it is just about as sharp as the
Summicron and a lot cheaper. Both the 35 mm Summaron and the 90 mm Elmar are
outdated but still will take excellent pictures.


Of course the real way to get into Leica photography on a budget is to opt
for the older screw mount cameras. The IIIC and the IIIF cameras take
pictures every bit as good as the M cameras and the bodies and lenses are
MUCH less expensive. Besides you will have the pleasure of using a classical
Leica. Sure there is a demand for the IIIG and pristine late model IIIFs .
But remember that Leica made over 270,000 IIIC and IIIF cameras, most of
which are sitting unused on closet shelves. And plenty of optical firms made
screw mount lenses that would work just fine on the cameras. Among the best
are the Canon screw mounts, often much cheaper and often better performing
than Leica lenses. The Canon 100 mm f3.5 is regarded as one of the sharpest
short telephotos ever made. Where else can you find a 50 mm f1.2 lens for
less than the sales tax on a Noctilux?


Good hunting.


Larry Z



   - <http://www.17photo.com/>
   - 17th Street Photo <http://www.17photo.com/> New York
(photo<http://donwiss.com/pictures/ManhattanStores/h0028.htm>
   )
   - 42nd Street Photo <http://www.42photo.com/> New York
*<http://www.photosecrets.com/photography-links-camera-stores.html#suspicious>
   - 47th Street Photo <http://www.47stphoto.com/> New York
   - Adorama <http://www.adorama.com/?kbid=62581> New York
(photo<http://donwiss.com/pictures/ManhattanStores/h0001.htm>
   )
   - Alkit <http://www.alkit.com/> New York
   - B&H Photo-Video <http://www.bhphotovideo.com/?kbid=1643>
   - Broadway Photo <http://www.bwayphoto.com/> New York
*<http://www.photosecrets.com/photography-links-camera-stores.html#suspicious>
   - Camera Addict <http://www.cameraaddict.com/> New York
*<http://www.photosecrets.com/photography-links-camera-stores.html#suspicious>
   - Cameratopia <http://www.cameratopia.com/> (A&M Photo World) New
York 
*<http://www.photosecrets.com/photography-links-camera-stores.html#suspicious>
   - J&R <http://www.jr.com/> New York
(photo<http://donwiss.com/pictures/ManhattanStores/h0012.htm>
   )
   - Kurland Photo <http://www.kurlandphoto.com/> New York
   - Lens & Repro <http://www.lensandrepro.com/> New York
   - Penn Camera <http://www.penncamera.com/>
   - Photo Habitat <http://www.photohabitat.com/> New York
   - Tamarkin <http://www.tamarkin.com/> New York. Leica specialist
(photo<http://donwiss.com/pictures/ManhattanStores/h0053.htm>
   )
   - TriState Camera <http://www.tristatecamera.com/> New York
*<http://www.photosecrets.com/photography-links-camera-stores.html#suspicious>(
   photo <http://donwiss.com/pictures/ManhattanStores/h0051.htm>)
   - Willoughbys <http://www.willoughbys.com/> The oldest camera dealer in
   Manhattan.