P3D When a Custom is NOT a Custom

[Jon Golden / 3D Concepts <3dman@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Klass wrote:
>>I must confess: my heart frequency raised when I saw a Realist Custom
offered on Ebay. What a pity the offered one has not the smooth
objective rings it should have (?). I think also the leather is the
ordinary type. If I remember well some time ago there was a rather long
thread on the subject "When is a Realist  a Realist Custom?" and I don't
like to open the thread again, but only wish to warn interested P3D
members. Hope they appreciate that.
Klaas

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Klaas,
 I got a call from a camera store, perhaps 5 years ago, the owner was closing his shop and had a Realist Custom in the Box for sale.  I went to see the camera which he wanted between 1500-2000 dollars for, which was too much for my pocket, and too much period.  He held his price insisting that he had a west coast buyer who would take it for 1500 if he did not sell it here in Boston. 
The box read "Realist Custom" sure enough.  But it was certainly no custom.  

Signs it was not a custom
1) There was no number 50 stamped in white, behind the pressure plate.
2) It had the regular metal finish you find on any Realist...and not the smooth shiny steely finish
3) It had a Realits Custom lens cover, but the f/stop ringsdid not have the marking on the treads (so it could be used with the Steinheils), but on the sidewall.
4) The case had a ordinary leather, rather than the ostrich skin (I am wrong here...someone please correct me on the proper material used)
5) The exposure counter was indented like all other Realists...and not raised, with a ridged tread
6) The rangefinder dial did not make the detented clicking noise.
7) I called Ron Zak with the serial number, he confirmed it was not a Custom, but most likely a hybrid from Olden cameras leftover parts venture.

Despite all...the ego of the camera shop owner was too large do admit he did not know what he had...and he sold the camera on the premis that is was a Custom.
I warned him that he might have recourse and he said there was no recourse, buyer beware.  I would suggest that someone notify the auctioneer  on ebay of what could happen if it is not a Realist...unles he is selling it "as is"...in which case...he could be off the hook.  In the end...its buyer beware.

Jon Golden


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