At the end of last year, I came across an ad on Facebook Marketplace for a Leica camera. The ad read, “For parts and repair. Shutter curtain failed and needs to be repaired by reputable service tech. Otherwise it’s in great condition, you’ll just have to make the repair. No damage, just stuck curtain.”

I turned to ChatGPT for advice on whether or not I should risk it. I uploaded photos of the camera from the ad as well as the ad verbiage. I explained I’d need to have it serviced before it could be used. I didn’t mention the seller was asking just $200. After some back and forth, I was presented with this “straight answer.”

ChaGPT identified the camera as a Leica IIIf Red Dial, likely manufactured in 1950. 1950, you guys! It accepts Leica Thread Mount M39 lenses. I already have a number of lenses that would fit it. These lenses also fit Soviet cameras of the era; Fed 5, Zorki, etc.

I researched how to get it serviced if I bought it. The Internet agreed that Youxin Ye of YYeCamera just outside of Boston was top notch and the way to go for any Leica service that would be required. He’s highly respected for this kind of work. I estimated I could get the camera fully serviced for under $400. I reached out to him before buying the camera to confirm he could work on it. He said he could.

Then I posted to the Leica III User Group on Facebook for some additional feedback:

My post got almost 50 responses and the group was split. Half said it was overpriced and too much to undertake, the other half told me I should go for it and wouldn’t regret buying it. Some who commented were turned off by the “CHEATHAM” stamp on the back. This was the name of a previous owner, no doubt. Since I was wanting a user camera as opposed to a collector camera, it didn’t bother me so much.

I decided to go for it. I got the seller to come down to $130.00. I offered him $125 but he countered with, “I’ll take $130, just to be weird.” Done. I met up with him at a coffee shop to complete the transaction.

…likely manufactured in 1950. 1950, you guys!

I sent the camera off to YYeCamera post haste. He’d warned me in advance that he was running about two months out. True to his word, I got an email from him right at two months later saying he’d completed the service. “Ken, I have your camera done. Leica IIIf RD – CLA’d,  Cleaned, and lubricated mechanical parts, replaced both curtains with new ones, and adjusted shutter speeds and brake.  The shutter now works well at all speeds.  Cleaned both finders, replaced the beam splitter with a new one, and adjusted the focus.  Both finders are now clean and clear.  I have replaced the eyepiece frame with a new one.”

Here’s the breakdown of my bill.

Leica IIIf RD CLA/replace curtains	$325.00
Replace beam splitter with a new one	$40.00
Replace the rear eyepiece frame with a new one	$20.00
Shipping	$20.00
3% PayPal fee	$12.15
Total	$417.15

My investment: $130 for the camera, $29.88 shipping to YYeCamera, $417.15 for full CLA and service, taxes and return shipping. Total: $577.03.

I was thrilled to get it back. It was clean, mechanically sound and just…perfect. With this service, this camera should continue to work and be useful long after I’m not. Maybe my kids will fight over it one day.

For my first outing with it, I mounted my Canon 50mm / f1.4. My first full test roll was Kentmere 200 Pan. I shot it at box speed. I developed it in Kodak HC-110 dilution B for five minutes.

Now, should I start eyeing a Leica M series camera?