[Leica] beater cameras

[doubs43 at cox.net (Walker Smith)]

Don, that's a great summation of the durability of Leicas. My IIIb was 
built only a couple of years later than your F and while it shows a lot 
of use, it's in perfect operating condition and as slick as the day it 
left the factory. I've heard - don't know how true it is - that the 
Contax RF cameras last longer if they're used on a regular basis. 
Something to do with the shutter tapes staying flexible.

I've been working out my "new" IIIc that I won on ebay a few weeks ago. 
Built in 1949, it's in overall great condition and I was very lucky that 
everything functions like a new camera. The shutter speeds seem to be 
spot-on as my negatives are excellent. Other than a little chrome 
flaking from the baseplate, I see nothing else to criticize. It's my 
understanding that for a few years following the war that the chrome 
Leitz was forced to use wasn't the best quality.

My problem -if it truly is one - is that I tend to baby my equipment and 
hate to abuse it in any way. I buy an old camera with every intention of 
treating it like a comfortable pair of old shoes. Then, when it performs 
beyond my expectations, I want to protect the darn thing! I like quality 
and precision in anything. I sometimes envy those for whom the camera is 
only a piece of equipment to be used hard and replaced when it goes bad. 
Sigh..................

Walker

>Walker,
>Well, my F doesn't get out much but it is a black/nickel version in
>excellent condition and I continue to be amazed that a camera from 1936
>is still as good as the year it was made (I have a 1936 Contax III that
>also amazes me as it has been used harder than I can imagine). My other
>LTM's go with me on a fairly regular basis.  I think the trick is that I
>use a collapsible lens and the whole thing fits in a pocket.  Therefore
>the camera doesn't stay in the car, it goes with me.
>
>Another wholesome result of having a camera with me is that the film
>only lasts a few days so it never get out of date.
>
>Truly, the old LTM's are very tough cameras and everyday use just does
>not hurt them.  Like an old hound, they will stay with you longer if you
>take them with you.
>
>As to wanting a M2 or M3, users are getting to be under $600 and
>dropping.  I think that a beater M2 will convince me to take it home and
>do what Rei did to his M3 and the motor lug.
>
>Don
>