Leica LTM Best user Barnack

Leica M39 screw mount bodies/lenses
Hmmm, did they stop being Barnacks once he'd stopped designing them and the factory had modified things away from the concept of full compatibility? Although the latter is a bit dubious as there's little compatibility within the first few years...

Anyway, I'm sticking to what I said in post 47 in this thread.

Regards, David
 
Barnacks is a term many of us less advanced hobbyists have used to describe leica bottom-loaders and their clones. Thanks for the enlightenment all. I should have asked: Which botton film-loading Leica LTM type cameras (not counting the Russian copies) do you enjoy using best and why. Sorry it was unclear as written. Red
 
I'm happy with my several screw-mount Leicas....

I would like to get some of the screw-mount Canons some day, but "Leica Copies" such as the Nicca / Tower, and Leotax seem to be going for more than their Leica inspirations...

I finally managed to grab a decent Nicca III with an f:1.4 / 50 mm Nikkor, but that one needs new curtains...

Enjoy your III-f ! :)
 
I actually enjoy using my Tower Type 3, which is a Nicca built copy of the Leica III Model F which was sold by Sear and Roebuck in the good old USA.

Go figure. :)
 
Back to this old thread.
I started with Zorki, which is copy of II, if I understand it correct. Jumped to IIf and it was totally different camera. Went to Ms, but small size of Leica LTM was so impressive.
Got IIIf with failed plastic holder of RF, VF lenses on he back. Those lenses are not available as parts anymore. This was end of story with f line to me. The best f is If, IMO. :).
Got four different made in Japan. Just for curiosity. They are not Leica. Different cameras. Not better, nor worse, just different.
Decided to try IIIc after War, just after CLA one. It is all metal and glass. No old, crunchy plastic.
 
Ko.Fe. said:
B
Got four different made in Japan.
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The Nikon S2 has no Leica mount, but is a very good camera and a really nice shooter. Small, light weight, an excellent viewfinder/rangefinder combined and smooth tensioning. A bit noisy, yes, but no crunchy plastic. My favorite Japanese rangefinder.


Erik.
 
Erik van Straten said:
The Nikon S2 has no Leica mount, but is a very good camera and a really nice shooter. Small, light weight, an excellent viewfinder/rangefinder combined and smooth tensioning. A bit noisy, yes, but no crunchy plastic. My favorite Japanese rangefinder.


Erik.
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Nice to see your presence here. I was just thinking about how are you doing this morning.

S2 is better than Kiev, but I'd rather get Contax IIa, instead of another refined copy.
 
No, a Contax IIa is a problem camera. A Nikon S2 is a never problem camera. I've been using them for about 25 years.

Nikon S2/All black Nikkor 50mm f/1.4/TMY400-2/AdoxMCC110.

Erik.

49804053882_7ab2c39275_b.jpg
 
Erik van Straten said:
No, a Contax IIa is a problem camera. A Nikon S2 is a never problem camera. I've been using them for about 25 years.

Nikon S2/All black Nikkor 50mm f/1.4/TMY400-2/AdoxMCC110.

Erik.
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Eh, both my S2 and Contax IIa have had issues. Both capped at higher shutter speeds, and the S2 was wonky on the slow speeds for a while. My S2 is back off to my repairman to rectify it.
 
Interesting thread and comments about why different models of the Barnack Leica appeal to some, but not others.

I wish this thread had included a poll so that we could see which models people are actually using.

Although I've had a IIIf RD ST for a few years, I've used my III from 1934 the most.
 
The only example I’ve ever handled is my Leotax F . It needed new curtains when I bought it five years ago. Its shutter sounds very satisfying much like my M2. RF contrast is excellent. Build quality is excellent, it feels very solid.
 
Last year my favourite was a II this year a III, both black. Maybe something to do with eyes, diopters and rangefinder magnification.

I wonder, amongst my conversions I haven't got a II with a III rangefinder...
 
Dralowid said:
Last year my favourite was a II this year a III, both black. Maybe something to do with eyes, diopters and rangefinder magnification.

I wonder, amongst my conversions I haven't got a II with a III rangefinder...
Click to expand...


I have a postwar converted II with a III-type rangefinder/diopter correction. A very handy camera because there is no slow-speed dial. I never use the slow speeds anyhow, also not on the M-Leicas.

Yes, also for me the diopter correction is important. On the S2 I have an original Nikon click-on correction lens +1. I am prepared to pay a small fortune for a Nikon S2 click-on correction lens +1.5.

Erik.
 
I correct myself, I do have a II syn black post war conversion with diopter correction, 1/1000 etc.

Not a camera I've used so I thought I'd sold it!
 
Erik van Straten said:
I have a postwar converted II with a III-type rangefinder/diopter correction. A very handy camera because there is no slow-speed dial. I never use the slow speeds anyhow, also not on the M-Leicas.

Yes, also for me the diopter correction is important. On the S2 I have an original Nikon click-on correction lens +1. I am prepared to pay a small fortune for a Nikon S2 click on correction lens +1.5.

Erik.
Click to expand...

I have a Nicca type 3 with the built in diopter correction to +1.5. It is very helpful but borderline power for my right eye.
 
I like the black IIs best, have two. Also a IIIg as a "bookend" and a IIIc as the intermediate. They are 14 years apart, not by intention but by luck.

The IIs seem nimble compared to the later models. I also really like black cameras better.
 
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