[Leica] Re: Fake Leica as a user

[lrzeitlin at optonline.net (Lawrence Zeitlin)]

On Jan 11, 2009, at 2:08 PM, Ric wrote:

> What's the story on these Russian copies so far as shooting in the
> real world?
>
> a suitable second ltm body?
>
> or first body for that matter?
>
> I have a light leaking IIIf that seems impossible to cure.
>
> ric

Ric,

The quality of the basic Fed camera that is used to make the fake  
Leicas varies widely. Some are decent cameras, others not worth a  
damn. For a while the British camera buying pubic bought dozens of  
these cameras as cheap versions of the Leica and while some swore by  
them, other swore at them. If you want a replacement for your IIIf,  
you have several approaches open.
1. Buy a used older Leica IIIc or IIIf. A good user model will sell  
for less than $250.
2. Pick up a Canon LTM camera. The later models, especially the Canon  
VT, Canon 6, and Canon P matched the quality of the same era Leica  
models and offered more features. All LTM Leica lenses will fit the  
Canons.
3. If you can, try to find a Nicca or Sears Tower version of the  
Leica III at a flea market. It should sell for $50 or less. Many  
claim that this was the best of the Leica knockoffs.

Larry Z