IIIf film reminder markings

[landsknechte]

I've got a IIIc converted to a IIIf that has the film speed reminder on the advance dial. On mine it's in ASA and DIN, but I noticed some have ASA and Weston markings. Was one intended for the American market, and the other Europe? Some other reason for the variation?

Thanks,
--Chris

 

[ZorkiKat]

My first IIIf had ASA and Weston scales too. My current IIIf's have ASA and DIN. It may, be as you assume, that the cameras bore scales which were appropriate to where they were sold.

Before there was ASA, Weston's speed index was the standby in use. Eventually ASA superseded Weston, and instruments found with both ASA and Weston scales were probably made during the transition era. Just like the labelling found on film and some equipment during the transition from ASA to ISO.

Jay

 

[ddunn]

My 1951 IIIf Black Dial is marked in ASA and Weston. I suspect the change came when Weston film speeds faded from the picture in the middle '50's. Even the Weston meters changed to ASA. The film speeds table in my 1959 copy of Matheson's The Leica Way uses ASA and DIN (no Weston).

 

[landsknechte]

My first IIIf had ASA and Weston scales too. My current IIIf's have ASA and DIN. It may, be as you assume, that the cameras bore scales which were appropriate to where they were sold.

What vintage are your IIIf examples? With my camera being a conversion, I suppose you can't use the presence or absence of a self-timer to narrow it down.