Help! Please tell me what I just bought

[Andrew Touchon]

I just won a bay auction for a Leica "tripod and view lens." I understand the tripod but I don't fully understand the "view lens." I assume it is a variable view finder for use with 35, 50, 75, 90 and 135 lenses? I would appreciate any info you have on the "view lens." item #755898. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7558981291&rd=1&sspagename=STRK:MEWN:IT&rd=1

 

[wierdcollector]

It appears to be a Leitz tabletop tripod and a variable finder as you said.

 

[jlw]

Yup, Leitz table tripod (super-sturdy, but you'll need to add a ball head to have it be very useful) and a variable viewfinder, either a VIDOM (earlier, reversed image) or Imarect (later, image correctly oriented.) The fact that yours has the setting for the 73mm f/1.9 lens suggests it's an earlier model.

Perhaps not super-useful, but beautifully made and fun to have.

 

[Andrew Touchon]

jlw, thanks for the info on the viewfinder. The picture in the auction listing was so small, I could not make out any of the details.

 

[Nikon Bob]

Do not worry the viewfinder is useful, I use my Imarect all the time on my screw mount Leicas.

Bob

 

[doubs43]

It's the earlier Imarect finder as indicated by the 7,3 setting for the 73mm lens. Later Imarect finders were marked 8,5 instead.

As Bob has said, the Imarect is a very useful finder. The table tripod is also highly thought of.

That's a neat-looking leather case too. The only Imarect I've gotten in a case was in the red cardboard type. I have several Imarects including one marked U.S. Property.

Walker