Leica LTM Advice for a new Leica III owner?

[TheMapleLeafForever]

When using hoods, do you guys have anything to cover it when you aren't right in the moment of taking a picture? The glass on the Summar is quite delicate and I'd like to protect it as much as possible. I guess the filters might work.


I have looked into the "Lens Hoodies" but they don't fit the rectangle shape of the SOOMP and the small size of the FIKUS.

 

[Erik van Straten]

When using hoods, do you guys have anything to cover it when you aren't right in the moment of taking a picture? The glass on the Summar is quite delicate and I'd like to protect it as much as possible. I guess the filters might work.

Yes, this is a known issue. The easiest are the round shades. You literally have to try everything that fits on it. Soft plastic caps - I prefer black ones - are best. If you have one that fits, you can make a hole in it for a string to attach it to the hood so it won't get lost.


Erik.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

I used screw on yellow filter. I think hood is attachable to it as well.

But once I opened my Summar and cleaned decades worth of the gunk it was not flaring much anymore. Mine was also not scratched. Sold it to RFF member from Montreal because it was oddly handling on M4-2.

 

[TheMapleLeafForever]

Get SBOOI. Makes big difference in framing experience.

I think an SBOOI is clearly the best, but is there a close-second made in the 1930s? I might pick one up anyway but I also may want an alternative so it would match my period Leica equipment. I wear glasses so composing and seeing the framelines with the usual finder is a bit of a challenge.

 

[Erik van Straten]

No, there is no SBOOI equivalent from the 1930's. These mirrored finders seem to be a post war invention.

But there is the Zeiss Ikon 433/24. It is a bit dim, but it is the only prewar precursor of the Leitz bright line finders. There are different models. I have a black and nickel one with only one frame, 5cm. These were made for the Contax I and II. They fit the Leicas II and III, but setting the speed becomes very difficult then. You can focus without problems however.

Erik.

 

[TheMapleLeafForever]

No, there is no SBOOI equivalent from the 1930's. These mirrored finders seem to be a post war invention.

But there is the Zeiss Ikon 433/24. It is a bit dim, but it is the only prewar precursor of the Leitz bright line finders. There are different models. I have a black and nickel one with only one frame, 5cm. These were made for the Contax I and II. They fit the Leicas II and III, but setting the speed becomes very difficult then. You can focus without problems however.

Erik.

Thanks Erik. What do you mean by setting the speed though? Do you mean that the finder is a bit big and it makes changing the shutter difficult? (Sorry still a bit new at this)

 

[Mr_Flibble]

Yes The flip-up Albada finders for the Contax are wide and will partially cover the shutter speed dial on the Leica, making it hard to change speeds.

 

[Erik van Straten]

Exactly what Rick says.


Erik.

 

[TheMapleLeafForever]

I have heard the IMARECT/VIOOH is even better than the SBOOI for framing, any truth to this? That's just my main problem with the IIIa, with or without glasses. It takes a bit of time to see where the frame lines end. They are a bit fuzzy.

 

[Mr_Flibble]

They are period correct for the camera, but the SBOOI is king over the VIDOM, VIOOH and IMARECT variable focus finders. Those all use prisms and suffer for it in clarity (particularly when they get hazy with age) . They also aren't zoom-finder, i.e. they just mask off part of the image depending on the set focal length, making it harder to see the composition particularly on longer focal lengths.

 

[TheMapleLeafForever]

They are period correct for the camera, but the SBOOI is king over the VIDOM, VIOOH and IMARECT variable focus finders. Those all use prisms and suffer for it in clarity (particularly when they get hazy with age) . They also aren't zoom-finder, i.e. they just mask off part of the image depending on the set focal length, making it harder to see the composition particularly on longer focal lengths.

Thanks Rick. I'll save up for an SBOOI. I guess I am cheating already by using a modern day light meter anyway!

How revolutionary is the SBOOI? Is it true it is even better than the M3 finders?

 

[Glenn2]

The joy of the SBOOI is the fact that it’s a 1:1 finder. What this means is you can keep both eyes open and have the frame line float in your field of vision. 3D vision is also preserved unlike the Kontur finder.
This sort of thing is big with the military where they call it a HUD (head up display).

 

[Mr_Flibble]

No, there is no SBOOI equivalent from the 1930's. These mirrored finders seem to be a post war invention.

There are a few Albada type finders from 1935 onward made by Leitz, but never one in 50mm. The SEROO and SYEOO for example.

Voigtländer also had a copy of the SBOOI, but it has also been discontinued. Might be a bit cheaper than SBOOI if you can find one.

 

[Erik van Straten]

I have the Voigtländer SBOOI too! In black. I bought it on eBay where one was auctioned. There was only one contender. I wanted it soooo much. I've never seen another for sale.

There are chrome ones too, but they are a bit different. They were sold with a Voigtländer camera that has no viewfinder.

However, I prefer the Leitz SBOOI. The lines are thinner. The Voigtländer has thick markings.

The SBOOI in chrome used to be easy to find, but it is a long time since I saw one. I have a black paint one, never seen another. I also have one in chrome.

Erik.

 

[Mr_Flibble]

I only have two chrome ones.

 

[presspass]

Are any of the frame sportsfinders period correct?

 

[Erik van Straten]

Sure, the Rasuk (frame finder) is in the 1936 Leica catalogue.


Erik.

 

[presspass]

Perhaps that would solve the op’s finder issue.

 

[TheMapleLeafForever]

Thought I ask here again instead of just posting a new thread.


Which is the appropriate case for the Leica IIIa? Will the EFGOO fit fine?

 

[Mr_Flibble]

It should fit alright, but....
The EFGOO is designed for the wartime IIIc series and newer models.
The bodies of these cameras measure 5mm wider from strap lug to strap lug than the IIIa, due to the reinforced shutter crate design.