Leica IIIG for $500?

[Bill58]

I saw a VERY nice one today for this price. Is it a good buy?

Thanks,
Bill

[Al Kaplan]

It depends on condition, but if you want the last of the screw mount Leica bodies, the one that includes a 90mm frame line, this is the one. The professionals by this time were shooting Nikon F's and SP's and Leica M's so odds are good that it only saw light amateur use.

[ray*j*gun]

Yes, in good shape it is worth it or more.

Ray

[elshaneo]

That would be cheap if it's in excellent condition !!! The cheapest I saw in the Camera shops was around 1000 US Dollars instead.

[Roger Hicks]

No, it's not good, it's superb.

If you want a IIIg, of course. But there's probably a profit in it if you don't.

Cheers,

R.

[raid]

I would even pay you $505 for it!
Just go for it unless it is damaged and does not function.

[Bill58]

It's been CLA'd, but recovered in black cowhide (so it may have value only to a user). I didn't buy it on the spot due to my recent difficulties w/ a bottom loader Topcon and the fact that I already own two LTM cameras--Model P and L1 Canons. I need another like I need another hole in my head. 'Just can't justify it (amazing restraint on my part).

The owner is a Korean guy who has the most amazing collection of valuable Leicas I've ever seen outside of a museum. He also has a huge (intact) photo album of pre and early-war German Army images he bought in Germany. The images must have been taken by an army staff photographer (w/ a Leica?) because the were mostly of Generals and other officers. While their actions were despicable (to say the least), you gotta be impressed by the history displayed.

[Steve Bellayr]

IIIg lists for $900 in excellent condition plus $125 for CLA. Not long ago I saw one listed for $500 excellent plus condition which is what it went for but I did not bid. It is a great camera but do I want to spend that much money on an instrument that I might never use? You would need to add screw mount lenses which is another added item. It is a call that could go either way IMHO.

[Solinar]

Purchasing the IIIg depends on your shooting style. Otherwise it becomes a vanity piece.

The IIIg does offer two sets of frame lines and a modern shutter speed progression - but other than that, the ergonomics are pure 1930's.

I purchased my current IIIg - after selling one and then missing it. The IIIg is lighter and more compact than the Leica M3 that I use for road trips. Personally, I like the way a Barnack fits my hand and I don't mind being limited to screw mount lenses, of which I have plenty. YMMV

I did try out a Leica/Minolta CL - which is a more practical camera, but it didn't feel as robust as the IIIg and its RF wasn't as precise.

If I were in your shoes, I'd bite the bullet, give the IIIg a try and if doesn't fit your shooting style, sell it here.

[Solinar]

PS - $500 is a very fair price for a user IIIg. Keep in mind that is within the price range of a dual stroke, user Leica M3.