IIIa vs IIIf

S

stevew

Guest
I'm looking to pick-up one (if FrankS doesn't buy them all :) )

Question about the viewfinders. I handled a F with the 2 close viewfinders and didn't like the very small windows side by side. The A (from looking at pictures) with the seperate windows, looks like a little bigger viewfinders (I know it's not going to be a M). It that the case on the A? I would probablly put a brightline finder on it anyway for a 35 and a 50.
 
The "peep holes" on the earlier small bodies aren't significantly bigger to me. I guess in those days the combined VF/RF eyepieces that was integrated in the IIIb was a significant innovation for that era in terms of focusing and framing time. I personally find the "un-cluttered" separate eyepieces easier to use. The really nice thing about the earlier bodies is that the 1/8" difference in size over the die-cast versions does make a difference in "feel" and the only reason I'd go for a later IIIC/F is for use with heavier lenses.
 
The next one is yours Steve, unless there's a great 50mm lens on it that I haven't got. (Or a 35 Summaron.)
:)
 
The IIIa bodies (pre-war) are slightly smaller, and of slightly lighter-weight construction. They also do not have flash sync (from the factory). Some have had flash-sync added at some point in their life. All the III series bodies with the exception of the pricey IIIg have rather squinty viewfinder windows compared to the "M" cameras and modern RFDR cameras.
 
IIIa

IIIa

Well, I looked at a IIIa in Santa Barbara this morning. The feel like little jewels, but I don't think I can deal with the viewfinder. I used to have M3's, CL's, and MP. I think maybe I'll get a Bessa R with 35 Skopar although I've never seen one in person.
 
Steve, the other alternative is to use a universal finder such as the Imarect. The on-camera viewfinder is good only for 50mm anyway.

In addition to the flash sync, the IIIa & IIIb, as opposed to the IIIc & IIIf have a number of differences. The a & b are smaller and the top part is separate from the bottom. The c & f models are one solid casting that includes the top portion that contains the finder/focusing parts.

The early IIIc will have the same shutter as the a & b. At a particular serial number - which I don't have in front of me at the moment - the IIIc was improved with ball-bearing shutters. Some IIIc bodies acquired by the Luftwaffe have a serial number followed by the letter "K". It was long thought by collectors that it indicated "Kalt" (cold) and was especially made for high-altitude use where temperatures were low. It's since been discovered that the "K" stands for the German word for "Ball-bearings". (Kugelager?) In any event, the ball-bearing shutters improved reliability and smoothness of operation. The same shutter was used in the IIIf.

Walker

stevew said:
Well, I looked at a IIIa in Santa Barbara this morning. The feel like little jewels, but I don't think I can deal with the viewfinder. I used to have M3's, CL's, and MP. I think maybe I'll get a Bessa R with 35 Skopar although I've never seen one in person.
Click to expand...
 
I have used both but own only a iiia at present. The slightly more delicate size is wonderful, and yes if you are planning to shoot bigger/faster lenses, the f will handle that better because it is a more substantail (I didn't say beefier :) body.

Get one of each.

d
 
Steve

If you are used to combined VF/RF shooting the seperate windows on a LTM Leica take some getting to know and are definitely no as convenient.

Bob
 
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