RARE Leica Rangefinder Copy Kardon Civilian Camera 1947 Start Price USD 650.00 Current Price USD 650.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Monday, September 08, 2008 End Time Monday, September 15, 2008 Location Miami, Oklahoma See more about 'RARE Leica Rangefinder Copy Kardon Civilian Camera 1947' Description For the collector of the ultra rare classic cameras, here is a low serial number Kardon Civilian 35mm rangefinder camera with 5cm collapsible Ernst Leitz Summar screwmount lens. This Kardon Civilian was produced in 1947, sold a very limited number to the public for more than $300 at the time, and was a copy of the Leica IIIa made by Premier Instrument Co. in New York on a military contract awarded during World War II, when German Leicas could not be obtained. There are two types of Kardons, this and a Signal Corps version. The Civilian is rarer. Adding to the rarity is the interesting provenance of this particular camera, which came from New Mexico. Was it there in 1947? No way to tell for sure, but interesting to speculate. The Leica Summar lens on the camera has a previous California owner's name and town engraved on the mount and lens cap, but the camera body itself has no such engraving, only the factory serial number (627) and "Kardon U.S.A.." Kardon cameras are rarely offered oon the collectible camera market, so don't miss your chance to own a classic!Condition: the camera body is in good plus condition, has a ding on one corner of the baseplate and some light wear marks (see photo); black leather appears to be original, complete and tight; the front ring of the range viewfinder on the left front is missing, but the glass inside is OK and the rangefinder works. Appears to have the original lugs and leather carrying strap. Top plate has some wear marks and dustiness which may or may not be able to be removed. Scratch on middle of shoe on top plate. Cloth shutter appears to be fine; shutter speeds 1 to 1000. Slow speeds worked, but do not know how accurate they are, may need calibration.PLEASE NOTE: The Summar lens on this camera is not original; all Kardons came with a 47mm Ektar lens in factory mount. This lens (serial 248437) is a contemporary substitution. The Summar 5cm F2 lens is a collapsible type, glass appears OK, but has cleaning marks on front and back elements (see photos). Collapsible lens needs lubrication as somewhat difficult to bring out and then flatten back; will leave this to new owner. As noted, previous owner's name is engraved on the edge of the lens mount and also on the Leica lens cap rear. Lens diaphragm works OK.Please examine the accompanying photos carefully.Payment via PayPal must be made within seven days of listing close, no exceptions. First class priority shipping and handling will be $10. Place a Bid!