Found a Box of Old Cameras
- Thread starter Every Miles A Memory
- Start date
Lost Canadian
Expedition Leader
It's a gelatin dry plate camera. Different process from film.
bajasurf
Explorer
Lost, I have a McKeowns Camera guide with Leica serial numbers. The guide states Leica 111C was post 1945 with the serial number above 400,000. The serial number on this Leica reads 463397 and in the guide states that serial numbers from 460001-465000 are from the years 1948-1949. I can not vouch for this information and will not be surprised if I am completely wrong.
Michael Slade
Untitled
Here's my advice:
Buy some Tri-x, use the Leicas.
Find a nice shelf, display the folding camera.
Very cool find. VERY cool.
Buy some Tri-x, use the Leicas.
Find a nice shelf, display the folding camera.
Very cool find. VERY cool.
Wander
Expedition Leader
Pat, there is a good rangefinder site, www.cameraquest.com I remember the write up on how to load that Leica-pretty tough but worth it.
The Leica uses screw mount lenses-many are still available as is cleaning and service. The focus screens can get hazy over time but can be cleaned. The shutter of the Leica is a thing of beauty-whisper quiet and very precise.
The IIIf RD ST is the most sought after of the series. None of the III's have as much resale value as the M series. That is the camera that popularized 35mm and those knurled nobs and engraved top are amazing. If you've never heard the story before look up The Leica Freedom Train about Leitz role in helping German Jews in WWII. It looks like you have the 50 and 35? The 50mm view finder slides into the shoe. If you haven't been able to ope it yet-the bottom plate comes off and the spool comes out to load it-not easy.
Did you notice how Leitz uses the cm scale instead of mm? I'm not sure when it changed to mm.
The Leica uses screw mount lenses-many are still available as is cleaning and service. The focus screens can get hazy over time but can be cleaned. The shutter of the Leica is a thing of beauty-whisper quiet and very precise.
The IIIf RD ST is the most sought after of the series. None of the III's have as much resale value as the M series. That is the camera that popularized 35mm and those knurled nobs and engraved top are amazing. If you've never heard the story before look up The Leica Freedom Train about Leitz role in helping German Jews in WWII. It looks like you have the 50 and 35? The 50mm view finder slides into the shoe. If you haven't been able to ope it yet-the bottom plate comes off and the spool comes out to load it-not easy.
Did you notice how Leitz uses the cm scale instead of mm? I'm not sure when it changed to mm.
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Lost Canadian
Expedition Leader
I think you're right, upon closer inspection I think my internet reference is clearly wrong.
if that Leica needs a cleaning, I highly recommend Don at DAG http://www.dagcamera.com/
He serviced my Leica M6 and I was very pleased with the service.
He serviced my Leica M6 and I was very pleased with the service.