Best ever Barnack?

[Erik van Straten]

The first 1a I owned - and still have - 58734. The holes in the front ring of the lens are maybe made by a repairman at some time.

Erik.

 

[Coldkennels]

My vote is the Leica IIIg, and not to start anything but isn't a Barnack a Leica?

Yes... and also no.

Most people's definition of a Barnack is a solid-bodied bottom loading rangefinder camera patterned around the original Oskar Barnack design for the Leica. So a Leica II is a Barnack, but an M3 is not. Similarly, a Canon IVSB is a Barnack, but a VT is not.

Then there's the purists who say only the cameras made while Barnack was alive or to the original tooling/specs are Barnacks - so the only "real" Barnacks are the I, Standard, II, III and IIIa. Some in this group might include the IIIb, but definitely turn their nose up at the IIIc onwards (with the change of construction) and anything without the Leitz branding.

 

[Sonnar2]

In my oppinion a "Barnack" is a lightweight, sturdy, fast to operate camera, which was Barnack's goal in design. A camera for outdoor folks capable of quality imagery. So today it needs at least a TTL meter, and bottom loading is outdated, as much as I like the simplicity of my Leica III.
The best "Barnack to use" I have is the Bessa R (film) and Leica CL (digital), both lower than 400 grams as the original Leica I/II.

 

[Erik van Straten]

Neither the Leica CL or the Bessa R were worthy successors of the Leica lll. The Leica lll is indestructible. That's the camera's strong point. It always works. The same you can't say of the Bessa or the CL.

Erik.

 

[Rayt]

I used to shoot with two IIIf each with 35 and 50 Elmars as daily users. I was so used to them my best time for loading film while walking with the bottom plate between my teeth was 45 seconds. Years later I could not get the damn thing properly loaded even sitting down. With the M3 so expensive maybe I’ll look into a IIIf RDST or IIIg. Hmmm. I am using a Bessa L now with the 28mm 5.6 and it’s ok.

 

[pgk]

My Leica Standard Model E (~1932/3) with 3.5cm Elmar (~1938) and FISON (works well). Simplicity and standardisation; what more could a photographer want? Image shot on a Sony A7RII with a Grubb Stereo Lens from 1865!

 

[Erik van Straten]

My late Leica III, bought for EUR 90 on eBay about five or six years ago, maybe longer. My favorite Barnack. I use it with a SBOOI and a Summar or a Color Skopar. There was a very small problem with the camera, the closing curtain did not close completely. After an intensive study I've found the course: a very small piece of grit between the central disk on the bottom and the small clip/spring beside it. Removal of the grit turned the camera into a perfect piece of gear. Smooth as silk. Surely a professionally used camera.

Erik.

 

[raydm6]

Late IIIf RDST w/Leicavit and mounted SBOOI. Not saying it’s the best, but I like it.

 

[Erik van Straten]

My black paint lllc.

Erik.

 

[hap]

Is there much of a difference between a IIIc v III?

 

[Miles.]

Is there much of a difference between a IIIc v III?

New and larger body, VF/RF are closer, 1/1000th, more "robust" shutter.

 

[CameraQuest]

While the Canon L1 and VL don't look like Barnack Leicas, they have the same LTM mount
and offer many more features than the more traditional Barnacks already discussed here.

 

[Erik van Straten]

Is there much of a difference between a IIIc v III?

The top plate of the IIIc includes the cover of the rangefinder and viewfinder, the top plate and the cover of the finder/rangefinder of the III are separate units. Lots of differences inside.

IIIc black paint/Color-Skopar 50mm f2.5

Erik.

 

[Sonnar2]

While the Canon L1 and VL don't look like Barnack Leicas, they have the same LTM mount
and offer many more features than the more traditional Barnacks already discussed here.

Please add the Canon P for me because it's finder is much more friendly to my eyeglasses! 🙂
But in terms of weight/size/functionality for a daily user I still prefer my Bessa-R...!

 

[Dralowid]

This one turned out to be OK despite a lifetime of abuse. Someone said it looked like it had been kept in the bottom of a plumber's tool bag.

IMG_1193 by dralowid, on Flickr

 

[splitimageview]

here is my best ever

 

[Coldkennels]

here is my best ever

...I'm really going to have to buy one of those LTM Amedeo adapters now he's making them again. I just can't decide if it's worth the extra for the external bayonet or not. Do I like the Jupiter 9 that much? Hmm...

 

[splitimageview]

...I'm really going to have to buy one of those LTM Amedeo adapters now he's making them again. I just can't decide if it's worth the extra for the external bayonet or not. Do I like the Jupiter 9 that much? Hmm...

I haven't ever seen the dedicated 50mm adapter available in screw mount. When I had the opportunity to get the external bayonet version a while back I had to jump on it, as I had stupidly sold my previous one. This adapter is a Nikon S; @Sonnar Brian adjusted my CZ lenses to focus properly with it.

 

[Coldkennels]

I haven't ever seen the dedicated 50mm adapter available in screw mount. When I had the opportunity to get the external bayonet version a while back I had to jump on it, as I had stupidly sold my previous one. This adapter is a Nikon S; @Sonnar Brian adjusted my CZ lenses to focus properly with it.

Stephen's got them in stock now: Amedeo Lens Adapters : shop.CameraQuest.com

$249 for the 50mm only ones, $349 for the mixed internal/external one. An extra $100 just to use portrait and tele lenses is a bit tough to justify, but still...

 

[splitimageview]

yes I actually alerted Stephen that Amedeo would have some soon, he may have committed to buy all of Amedeo's new production.

I use a 35/2.5 Nikkor and three different 50s with mine (CZ f/2, CZ f/1.5, and Nikkor f/2.)