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View Full Version : Back from the grave

colyn
08-24-2008, 15:31
I picked up this 1936 vintage Leica IIIa on eBay in non-working condition. After a complete tear down and CLA it in now ready to do what it's supposed to do......take photos....:D

The Summar has the usual front element cleaning scratches.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3148/2793712343_822afbb59a_o.jpg
xayraa33
08-24-2008, 15:37
very nice.
this combo is Leica pared down to its vital essence.
eli griggs
08-24-2008, 15:37
It looks good Colyn, did you do the work yourself or have it sent out? Was anything replaced or was it all there to be reworked?

Cheers
colyn
08-24-2008, 15:41
very nice.
this combo is Leica pared down to its vital essence.

I've got it loaded and ready to go.

I'm curious to see how the Summar performs with its scratched front element. I have a Summar that is unscratched and is soft wide open but sharpens up around f/8..

The only thing left to do is replace the beamsplitter which is on order from a seller in Japan. The old one still works but is a bit hazy..
colyn
08-24-2008, 15:43
It looks good Colyn, did you do the work yourself or have it sent out? Was anything replaced or was it all there to be reworked?

Cheers

I did the work myself.

Curtains were surprisingly in good condition so I kept them. I'll be replacing the beamsplitter once it arrives..
Solinar
08-24-2008, 17:23
It's nice to see a 70 year old classic like this resurrected and better yet with film running through it.
colyn
08-24-2008, 17:41
It's nice to see a 70 year old classic like this resurrected and better yet with film running through it.

I wouldn't have it any other way.

These cameras are more fun to use than my D200...
lmd91343
08-24-2008, 17:45
Congratulations!

It looks very nice. Use it a long time in good health.
colyn
08-24-2008, 17:50
Congratulations!

It looks very nice. Use it a long time in good health.

Will do....
LeicaTom
08-24-2008, 20:12
A 1939 Leica IIIa was my FIRST Leica ever, with a "uncoated" original Summitar, used it for over 3 years straight, wish I`d never sold it, you will like shooting with this camera, they are great fun :D

Tom

PS: did you get my email about that shutter button collar for my 1945 IIIC?
SolaresLarrave
08-24-2008, 20:25
When I got my M4-2 I was afraid I'd miss the meter...

I didn't.

I now understand how shooting a Leica like this can be so much fun... :)

Congratulations in rescuing this icon from the dead! ;)