I just bought this camera at an open air market in Italy and would like to have more information about it. The body is gold toned ( material I suppose brass ) and wood; the lens is 1:3,5 F=50mm Leitz Elmar. Range Time 25 - 1000. The body number is 122000 - Leica D.R.P. . Thank you in advance for any information.

-- Marco La Fauci (marcolf@tin.it), August 23, 2001

Answers

It is a Russian copy. See here for more info:

http://www.cameraquest.com/fakerusk.htm

http://www.cameraquest.com/rusky2.htm

They frequently show up on eBay so you can check the completed auctions for an idea of fair market value.

Cheers,

-- John Collier (jbcollier@powersurfr.com), August 23, 2001.

Even though its says "Leitz" on it and "Elmar" on the lens, it isn't a Leica. I am surprised in this day and age of heavy duty copyright protection, Leica doesn't feel the need to do anything about all the fakes being sold. We are not allowed to even use the logo of Fiat, Alfa Romeo, MG, etc., on any boutique items in the car clubs I'm involved with these days. Got nasty letters from big time corporate lawyers. I guess if M6 copies started showing up, then Leica might do something about the fact that someone is stealing their name and trademarks.

-- Andrew Schank (aschank@flash.net), August 23, 2001.