Leica LTM i think i may want an ltm leica ...

Leica M39 screw mount bodies/lenses
Paul, the diopter adjustment on the LTM rangefinder works fine, but the viewfinder is just too squinty for me (but, I wear glasses). I use an external Leica finder on my IIIF, which gives a lovely, clear image with nice framelines.

Everyone should own one of the little screw mount Leicas at some point, if only to make you appreciate the advances in later finder and film loading technology. 🙂
 
Go for it Paul. Enjoy life! You deserve it. - Ray

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'Barnacks' are a Wonderful Addiction....
IIIf's are Beautiful !!!
eric has One

Though I Prefer the IIIa which is what I have
The distance between the VF window & composition window is
More Far Apart & I love the little diopter handle one can push up on the window

GET ONE ... Their Little Treasures

I bought one from Igor Cameras
The bottom plate is abit funky and the vulcanite was cracked in places otherwise it was in EXC- condition
I purchased it for $145.00
Sent it for a CLA / Youxin $125.00
Aki Asahi new skin w/ shipping $26.00
Done & she is Smoooth & Pretty !
 
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I will NOT discourage you. I'd advise getting a IIIf (Black Dial the most likely model for you --Red Dials came out well after 1951), or a IIIc..so you can shoot like David Douglas Duncan....

These old LTMs are a very different shooting experience than your modern auto-everything DSLRs. Kind of like going from a Lexus with all the powered options to one of those old British sports cars which were practically nothing more than an engine, four wheels, and a body to hold it all together, and in which you had to do everything yourself without power assist. Makes you work for it ...but what fun....

When you take a good photo with one of those things you feel like you've REALLY accomplished something,and that you're a REAL photographer. Gives you a whole lot more respect for the Giants O' Photography who used them to knock out some of the greatest images of our times....
 
my advice ...don't put it off, get one now before everyone else catches on to how much fun these cameras are (and the price goes up). I am also a big fan of the IIIf and once I acquired one I was surprised to find it was much easier to shoot with, load, focus, etc then I had imagined. Mine is a year older than I am so some day when I see a nice example from 54 with a self timer I might have to get another one. My only regret ......Why did I wait so long to get one
 
I totally agree with MISH, if you can afford it go now! There is something very special about a Leica screw mount. Lots of fun to use, not the fastest, but pure enjoyment.
 
My first serious Rf was a Leica IIIc (I still have it) it was made in 1946 which is my birth year. It was LOVE at first everything and I wound up getting a IIIa, IIIf and a K IIIc stepper over the years. I have since acquired many other RF's and SLR's but I always reach for the IIIc if I can possibly get away with using it. Unless my eyes go I'll keep the Barnacks....the perfect machine.


 
It is just one of those things that just work, fit your,hand, and do the job efficiently.

Leitz management was loath to stop making them after the M3 was released, so they made a 3G. The market told them the 111G was not to be a continuing evolution for more screw mounts.

Sooner or later you will buy some brass cassettes, ABLON, and bench winder. The generic ablons are fine for trimming the leader, but you need the real deal to make the proper points for the attachment to the spool.

Or you can just trim back 22 sprocket holes with scissors taking care not to leave rough spots where a tear can propagate.
 
It's not a Leica but I'll go ahead and mention the Canon III. Made from 1951-1952 they can be had a little cheaper than its Leica counterparts. Both cameras are very similar to each other but only the Leica will scratch that Leica itch.
 
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