Leica LTM 15mm Heliar on a IIIa

[cosmonaut]

I would really like to start using my 15mm Heliar on my IIIa. Any tips on keeping the finder from getting in the way of the shutter dail. I thought about mounting a flash adaptor in the shoe. Would the finder still be accurate if I do this? It would set a good 3/8 inch higher on top of the camera. Or should I just set exposure with the aperature dial?

 

[colyn]

How is the finder getting in the way of the shutter dial?

I've used this lens/finder on my Leica screw mount cameras with no issues.

If you raise the finder parallax will be off..

 

[David Murphy]

It will work great right out of the box. I use that setup on a IIIc frequently and it's great.

 

[cosmonaut]

When the finder is mounted up I can't lift the dial to turn it. It hits the edge of the finder.

 

[cosmonaut]

You can see here how close it sets. I am almost tempted to shim the hot shoe. It only likes a fraction clearing.

 

[Glenn2]

When the finder is mounted up I can't lift the dial to turn it. It hits the edge of the finder.

What a bummer, on my 3f it's very close, but just clears. Would much material have to come off the edge of the finder for it to clear? On the 3f there's a 0.060" gap between the top of the dial and the edge of the finder.

How do you feel about removing some plastic from the finder with a fine file, or abrasive?

My problem is seeing the shutter speed index line because of the finder overhang. Think I'll make a groove on the finder and fill it with white paint.

Glenn

 

[cosmonaut]

Well I shimed the hot shoe raiseing it probably a 64th of an inch and all seems fine. I will give it a go and see how the finder works.

 

[Bill58]

From what I've read, you might have more problems w/ finger (yours) clearance (keeping them out of the way) and making sure the camera 100% level. Also, I'd secure the VF w/ some kind of cord to keep from losing it.

 

[Glenn2]

Looking at your picture I wonder if the knob is all the way down on the shaft? If it was up a even a little before the set screws were tightened that might be the problem. A shim would certainly do the job as well.

Glenn

 

[David Murphy]

Hmm. I never had that happen on my IIIc - perhaps it has a slightly higher clearance.

 

[cosmonaut]

Here is a picture. I think it will work fine now.

 

[cosmonaut]

Looking at your picture I wonder if the knob is all the way down on the shaft? If it was up a even a little before the set screws were tightened that might be the problem. A shim would certainly do the job as well.

Glenn

I tried to loosen the set screw and lower it but is seems to be all the way down.

 

[colyn]

You can see here how close it sets. I am almost tempted to shim the hot shoe. It only likes a fraction clearing.

Have you had the shutter speed dial off or the camera repaired??

The reason I ask is there is a rather large gap between the bottom of the dial and the top plate.

If you cock the shutter and set the dial to 40 you can access the small grub screw. Loosen it and turn the dial clockwise one turn being sure to align 40 with the mark and lock the screw. You may even have to give it a second turn.

If you shim the accy shoe even a couple of thousandths you will change parallax and what you see in the finder will not be what the lens will see..

 

[colyn]

I tried to loosen the set screw and lower it but is seems to be all the way down.

See my post above. This dial screws on and off after loosening the grub screw..

 

[cosmonaut]

See my post above. This dial screws on and off after loosening the grub screw..

Ahh. I will try that.

 

[cosmonaut]

See my post above. This dial screws on and off after loosening the grub screw..

No, it is all the way down. But I did strighten it some. I was slightly off. So now the actual shutter speed is dead on the arrow. It was off slightly. Thanks for the tip.

 

[cosmonaut]

What a bummer, on my 3f it's very close, but just clears. Would much material have to come off the edge of the finder for it to clear? On the 3f there's a 0.060" gap between the top of the dial and the edge of the finder.

How do you feel about removing some plastic from the finder with a fine file, or abrasive?

My problem is seeing the shutter speed index line because of the finder overhang. Think I'll make a groove on the finder and fill it with white paint.

Glenn

The line running up the side of the finder where it is put together looks as though it is dead on with the arrow. Try that.

 

[David Murphy]

I can't imagine a parallax error as ever being a major consideration with a 15mm lens. Some people use this lens without even a finder.

 

[rogerchristian]

My experience with the 15 on my Bessa R is:

1) You will photograph your fingers if you hold the camera normally. You must hold the body from behind, or use the VC ball grip.

2) The finder, I understand, (I may be wrong on this, but this is the info I have) is simply a 25mm finder relabeled as a "15mm". The field of view of the lens is greater than the finder, it seems.

Having said that, I have seen only one 12mm, I think it has a 'real' 12mm finder, it is a serious piece of glass.

3) The 15 is a whole lotta fun, but I use it less than I thought I may, originally.

 

[cosmonaut]

My experience with the 15 on my Bessa R is:

1) You will photograph your fingers if you hold the camera normally. You must hold the body from behind, or use the VC ball grip.

2) The finder, I understand, (I may be wrong on this, but this is the info I have) is simply a 25mm finder relabeled as a "15mm". The field of view of the lens is greater than the finder, it seems.

Having said that, I have seen only one 12mm, I think it has a 'real' 12mm finder, it is a serious piece of glass.

3) The 15 is a whole lotta fun, but I use it less than I thought I may, originally.

I agree the finder isn't the most accurate one I have used and I have taken pictures of my fingers, camera strap ect. But it still is a fun lens. You really have to be careful using it. Keep your fingers, toes and shadow far away and the strap around your neck where it belongs. LOL