Did I miss out on a bargain?

[iMacfan]

Hello,

I've just been pipped to the post on an eBay auction, and I'm really annoyed. There was a collection of an OK condition working IIIc (war-time, red shutter), with four lenses, multifinder, weston master and filters, and it sold for £425 (about $800) - Is there any way I could get a similar setup for the same amount elsewhere?

Link: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3860078081

I think this was a rare opportunity...

David

[bmattock]

David,

Nah, there will be another. Good deals on eBoy only require patience, luck, timing, and available funds. Set a search and wait for it to come to you.

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

[Brian Sweeney]

If you are a Leica Collector, and HAVE to have the red shutter curtain version and cannot rest in peace until you do, yes that was a bargain.

If you want the best Screw Mount Leica for the money, the IIIf is better. I believe (have read) that it incorporates the ball-bearing shutter pioneered with the "K" model during WWII. The IIIg is the best of the Leica Screw mount cameras, but goes for ~$1,000 for a user. The Canon screw mount cameras have better viewfinders than any of the Leica screw mount cameras. If you want the best "shooter" for the money, and want a classic camera, the Canon 7, Canon P, Canon VI-L, and other of the Canon's are the best bet.

I try hard not to give into the "But it is the rare version with tick-marks engraved into the aperture ring therefore costing OODLES more than the one with just "Pat Pending", but is identical in every other way" mentality, but it is hard. I will pay "a little premium" if I recognize a camera or lens with a "deviation" that is more cosmetic than functional. A red curtain does not do it for me. For 10% more than a comparable IIIf, fine. More than that, its not for its picture taking quality!

[photovdz]

a red curtain + a true sonnar 1,5 ltm... for 275 $ is my best bargain... second was a IIIc post war + summarit new in box + zuiko 40/2,8 complete with finder for 600€...
so wait and i will come again...

by the way... red curtain is not the best as user... fragile clothes...