Leica LTM I bought a IIIf ;-)

Leica M39 screw mount bodies/lenses
M

mike goldberg

The Peaceful Pacific
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Hi All,
Well, I've wanted one for a long time, and "opportunity knocked."

I've bought an Exc. 1953 Leica IIIf from an RFF member... Yay! It'll be 5-6 weeks
until it's in here; it is being hand carried to me in Jerusalem by a friend in Michigan. Well worth waiing for? You betcha!
Cheers, Mike :D
 
Hi Mike and congrats to your IIIf ! :)

You will like this camera, I received mine a couple of weeks ago and since then I carry it nearly every with me. Film-loading is a little bit arkward but with some practise it will be easy.

Post some photos when you received your IIIf !

Cheers,

Gabor
 
Welcome to the wacky world of screwmount Leicas where film loading is challenging focusing is excruciating and life in the slow lane takes on a whole new meaning! :)
 
Congratulations, may the IIIf bring you much joy ;)

I've only had my IIIa for about 2 month now and I still smile every time I pick it up.


Happy snapping! :)
 
Congratulations Mike! You'll be happy with this legend, but don't forget to shoot your FSUs every once in a while ;)
 
What I like about using screwmount cameras that are 50+ years old... IS the slowing down, the contemplation, a"real thing," consciousness vs "plastic."
And I love being a bit eccentric :D

Until the IIIf arrives, there's my Bessa R and newly CLA'd Zorki-4. It's been really hot with temps into the 90's, day after day. And, I'm looking forward to testing another J8 and I-61 l/d.
Ciao, Mike
 
Life in the Slow Lane?

Life in the Slow Lane?

Keith said:
Welcome to the wacky world of screwmount Leicas where film loading is challenging focusing is excruciating and life in the slow lane takes on a whole new meaning! :)
Click to expand...

Ah common, Keith! To me it's like learning to drive a stick shift sports car from the '50's: no synchro in first, and straight cut gears with heel and toe double clutching.

Screw mounts are fun and a true demonstration of skill and coordination. The photographer has to 'see' the pieces of his compostion falling together. Keeping your eye on the 'ball' is everything. It's Anney Oakley shooting a pistol. If one can have fun with an old screw mount he's got what it takes to be a really skilled phographer.

I have had more fun with my IIIf than almost any other camera that I've owned!
 
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Congrats Mike, I really hope the time will come for us Israeli RFFers to consolidate and brag by our toys...:)
 
I was watching a movie being shot in town yesterday and shooting with my IIIf. The director of photography, the camera operator and two assistants came up to me when they saw me holding it. "Cool camera." "Ohmigod you're shooting film!" They gave me complete access to the location - just no shooting when rolling. Trust me - loading film and setting up a shot with your IIIf is a piece of cake compared to loading and shooting with those Panavision monsters.
Mike, enjoy yours.

- John
 
Well, it's been shipped. I've asked my friend in Michigan to wrap it in a bubblewrap bag, and take it in her cabin luggage. See below. NOTE: My IIIf is a 1953 model, no self timer. The Zorki-4 body in the bag is for illustration.
 

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Mike - from the excitement conveyed in your post I'm sure you will love it. I started with digital, felt compelled to go to fiim, and once shooting film I saw a IIIf in a shop window and once I held it I just knew I was buying it. I love it for all the reasons already mentioned.
 
Way to go Mike. Your gonna look really cool walking through the streets of Jerusalem with that lllf hanging from your neck.;)
 
A well operating Barnack is an absolute treasure.

Trim the film and don`t try any of the other hack solutions. They all have problems sooner or later.
 
Ronald M said:
A well operating Barnack is an absolute treasure.

Trim the film and don`t try any of the other hack solutions. They all have problems sooner or later.
Click to expand...

Or don't trim the film, set the shutter to T and help the film up with your fingers. The only time I've had trouble loading film was when I trimmed the leader.
 
Good news... the IIIf has already arrived at my friend's residence in Michigan ;-)
I really look forward to having it and using it.

Brian Sweeney recommends using "Leica standard" lenses on Leica LTM's, not FSU copies. This has something to do with differences in the tongue that engages the lens when screwed in... for R/F coupling.

Comments?
 
I am no expert in FSU lenses but I borrowed a 50mm f/1.5 (Jupiter 3 ?) from a friend and no problem with my IIIf. He uses a couple of different FSU lenses on a regular base with his IIIf and also no problems.
 
mike goldberg said:
Good news... the IIIf has already arrived at my friend's residence in Michigan ;-)
I really look forward to having it and using it.

Brian Sweeney recommends using "Leica standard" lenses on Leica LTM's, not FSU copies. This has something to do with differences in the tongue that engages the lens when screwed in... for R/F coupling.

Comments?
Click to expand...

Most FSU lenses should be OK. You may notice a slight focus shift at wide apertures and close ranges. f/4 should cover it on a 50mm lens.
Jupiter-12's, while a great lens, seem prone to mounting issues, even on FSU cameras. Use care if you try one.
Very old Fed-50 and Industar lenses ( pre 1950 or so) may not be threaded correctly or focus properly. These lenses were matched to their camera, and should probably not be treated as a true LTM interchangeable lens.

I used a Jupiter-3 and a Fed-50 on my IIIf, and didn't have any issues mounting or focusing.
 
Whenever I see threads like this, talking about the 'foibles' of screw-mount Leicas, I'm reminded of how spoiled we are nowadays. I'll bet that back in about 1940 they didn't talk like that. After all, back then that was state of the art!! Did Cartier-Bresson consider his Leica to be hard to load, slow-focusing, etc.? If so, he overcame the obstacles.

I've never owned an LTM Leica, but I do have quite a number of "FSU" copies of them, and they make a rather nice collection for those of us who can't afford a large collection of the real thing. My only Leica is an M4-2, and I enjoy using it, especially when I consider what I paid for it new, then look at today's prices.
 
I got a IIIf over the summer and love it to death. It sits on my desk in front of me, waiting to be taken out.

You'll love yours :)
 
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