Free Web NovelChapter 63: Chapter 63: Leica, Zeiss, Kodak
Werner smiled nonchalantly, picking up the Leica IIIf to examine it closely.
In his past life, he’d had a bit of an interest in photography, so he knew these classic models like the back of his hand.
The Leica IIIf, launched in 1950, the pinnacle of the Leica screw-mount system; the Zeiss Contax III, another legendary model with unparalleled optical quality...
"Mr. Leonard, with cameras, newer isn’t always better. What matters is classic value." Werner gently stroked the Leica’s body. "Take this IIIf. It’s the pinnacle of German optical craftsmanship. In fifty years, it’ll be a collector’s item."
As he spoke, he noticed the Leica’s shutter was sticking a little. He expertly opened the back cover and tapped a few key spots with his finger. With a CLICK, the shutter returned to normal.
Hans was surprised. "You know how to fix cameras? I’ve had this one sitting here for months. I couldn’t sell it because of that shutter problem."
"Just a minor issue," Werner said breezily. As a photography enthusiast in his past life, he had at least picked up some basic repair skills.
He continued browsing, pointing to a common film camera. "Forget about machines like this. They’re too low-tech. In a few years, they’ll just be a pile of scrap." Then he picked up a Zeiss Contax IIa. "It’s the classic models like this one that will become more valuable over time. The craftsmanship is exquisite, and they’ll appreciate even after they’re out of production."
The more Reynard listened, the more astonished he became.
This young East German didn’t just know the camera models inside and out; his analysis of market trends was sharp and logical. He didn’t sound like a layman at all.
"Werner, your insights... I’m truly impressed," Reynard said sincerely. "So, in your opinion, which models are the most worthy investments?"
Werner feigned a thoughtful expression, though he already knew the answer. "The Leica screw-mount series, the Zeiss Contax series, and some special limited-edition models. These cameras all have a few things in common—mature technology, exquisite craftsmanship, and limited production runs."
He picked up a Zeiss Contax IIIa and expertly checked its functions. "Take this one. The viewfinder is bright, the rangefinder is precise, and the shutter is accurate. Fifty years from now, cameras like this will only become scarcer."
"And the ordinary film cameras?" Reynard asked, pointing to a pile of relatively cheaper models.
"Garbage," Werner said bluntly. "These cameras seem cheap now, but they’re low-tech and will soon be replaced by newer technology. When that happens, even the scrapyards won’t take them."
"So... by your standards, which ones here are worth taking?" Hans asked.
Werner quickly scanned the inventory and finally picked out a dozen or so cameras. "Just these. Three Leica IIIfs, five Zeiss Contax IIIs, and these few limited-edition models..."
"You want all of them?" Reynard could hardly believe it. "That’s not a small sum of money."
"How much?" Werner asked, straight to the point.
Hans did a quick calculation. "At the wholesale price, the total is... 8,500 West German Marks."
Werner nodded. "Deal. But I have one condition—in the future, if you get any more classic models like these, you give me first priority."
"No problem!" Hans exclaimed, excitedly shaking Werner’s hand. "It’s a real pleasure doing business with you!"
After completing the deal, Werner returned to East Berlin with the batch of cameras. fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com
Back in East Berlin, Werner wasn’t in a hurry to find buyers.
He knew that high-priced goods like cameras couldn’t be peddled on the Black Market as easily as cigarettes or coffee.
Most customers on the Black Market were ordinary workers earning a little over 100 Marks a month. How could they possibly afford a 2,000-Mark Leica?
He needed to find a clientele with real purchasing power and a genuine need for the product.
The next morning, Werner went to East Berlin’s largest public library.
His target was clear: the reading section on photography.
In front of the shelves of photography books, Werner pretended to browse casually while actually observing the other readers.
Soon, he noticed a tall, thin young man, engrossed in a book titled *Modern Photography Techniques*. He held a small notebook, occasionally jotting things down.
Werner quietly drew near and glanced at the notebook. It was densely packed with notes on various camera models and technical specs: "Leica IIIf, 50mm f/1.5 lens... Zeiss Contax III, rangefinder precision 0.7 meters..."
’This is my target customer!’ Werner rejoiced inwardly.
In resource-scarce East Germany, anyone who studied equipment specifications this meticulously had to be a true photography aficionado. And very likely, they were frustrated by their inability to buy the right gear.
Werner gave a deliberate cough and pulled a book from the shelf.
The young man glanced up at him, and Werner seized the opportunity to strike up a conversation. "Hello. Are you a photography enthusiast, too?"
"Yes." The young man nodded, then gave a wry smile. "But it’s all just theory for me. You can’t even find good equipment like this around here."
"That’s true," Werner said sympathetically. "I’m Werner. And you?"
"Conrad. I work at a printing factory." The young man closed his notebook. "Are you studying photography, too?"
"I know a thing or two," Werner said nonchalantly. "I see the models you’re writing down are all top-of-the-line. Leica, Zeiss... you have excellent taste."
Conrad’s eyes lit up. "You know about them, too? That’s incredible! There are so few people in East Berlin who are in the know. Most people haven’t even heard of these brands, let alone the specific models."
"Of course," Werner said, adopting the tone of an expert. "The Leica IIIf’s rangefinder is certainly precise, and it handles beautifully, but when it comes to the optical quality of the lenses, I’m personally more partial to the Zeiss Contax III series. In terms of image sharpness and color rendition, its lenses are among the best in their class."
Conrad listened, captivated, but then his expression turned skeptical. "You’re so specific... you can’t learn technical details like that just from a magazine." He paused, his tone probing. "Have you seen one in the flesh? Or even used one?"
Werner just gave a mysterious smile. Instead of answering directly, he said, "Why don’t we find somewhere we can talk properly?"
******************
Half an hour later, the two were seated in a relatively quiet café.
Werner ordered two coffees and then began to skillfully draw out information.
"Mr. Conrad, what equipment are you using for your photography right now?"
"An old Praktica," Conrad sighed. "Bought it in 1955. The focus ring is loose now, so my photos always come out blurry. I’ve wanted to replace it for ages, but..." He shook his head, trailing off.
"Why not get it repaired?" Werner asked, already knowing the answer.
"I’ve had it repaired twice. It’s no use." Conrad gave a bitter smile. "The repairman said the camera’s at the end of its life. The parts are too worn out. He suggested I just get a new one. But as you know, trying to buy a truly good camera these days..."
"It’s certainly not easy," Werner agreed. "I’ve heard some of the new domestic models are pretty good, though?"
"I’ve been looking at the domestic ones. The newest Praktica models are definitely better than my old one," Conrad paused. "But honestly, what I really want are the truly great brands—Leica, and a Contax from the West German Zeiss. I’ve been saving up for three years for one."
"Three years? That should be enough, right?" Werner asked, feigning curiosity.
Conrad shook his head bitterly. "I’ve saved enough money, but the problem is you simply can’t buy them. Leica is from West Germany; they don’t import them here at all. As for the Contax from West German Zeiss... it’s the same story."
"What about the products from the East German Zeiss? Those should be easier to get, right?"
"You mean products from our own Zeiss in Jena?" Conrad sighed. "Theoretically, yes, they’re available. The new Praktica models, for example, are actually quite good quality. But the problem is... you need connections, or you have to be willing to wait in a very long line. The good cameras are given to professional photographers and research institutes first. Whatever’s left over is what ordinary people like us get a shot at."
"How long is the wait?"
"Who knows? Maybe six months, maybe a year." Conrad spread his hands helplessly. "And you have to ask around to even find out when they’re in stock. I know a guy who handles equipment procurement for a university, and he says even a research institute like his has to put in a request more than half a year in advance for a professional camera."
Werner nodded thoughtfully. "So it seems even the good domestic cameras aren’t something you can just go out and buy."
"Exactly." A flicker of frustration crossed Conrad’s eyes. "Sometimes I just wish I could buy one of those truly top-tier cameras directly... I’d even be willing to pay more for it."
