Is it real?

[Red Robin]

Browsing the auction sites I routinely see small "contrast" filters @ 75-120 bucks for sale to fit Leica iii type cameras. Do they work and are they a genuine Leica part or just some off-brand after market offerings? Either way seems a bit pricey. 😱

 

[colyn]

If you are talking about the small orange slip-on filter for the front of a Leica most I have seen are original and yes they are expensive..

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Well if they are specifically designed to fit somewhere on III and not on II and else, why not. Where did it go in III?

 

[colyn]

This is a small filter that fits over the front rf window on the front of the body to increase rf contrast in Leicas with a weak beamsplitter...

 

[Luddite Frank]

I believe one version fits the II and III, and their -a and -b cousins, then another version fits the II and III -c and -f cameras.

One is ORAKO, and the other is OKARO. I don't remember which is which.

Both are hideously expensive.

My solution was to cut little discs of theatrical gel ( Roscolux R-21, 22, or 23), and tuck it under the lip of the RF window of my Leicas (did this on a 1932 II, and I think my 1950 III-f). A toothpick help manipulate the gel into place.

It achieved the same result ( increased contrast for the RF patch ) for free ( or the time it took me to achieve it ).

If you have friends who work in Theatre, they could probably fix you up with some scrap amber or yellow or rose gel...

 

[DNG]

wow... had no idea they where so much

 

[Red Robin]

Talk about sticker shock eh.

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

ORAKO for the III and OKARO for the IIIb - and the odd thing is that you'd expect the code names to run in alphabetical order but they don't. You'd also expect them to be built into the later models, meaning IIIb onwards.

Regards, David

 

[ray*j*gun]

The prices of these little "filters" or whatever they are, is ridiculous. When I bought my first Barnack (mind you I am old enough to remember them as new models) they where a fraction of the price they bring now. Cool item but crazy pricey.

 

[Dralowid]

Not far short of the cost of getting the mirror replaced...

 

[nikonosguy]

igorcamera.com i have one for my iid

 

[bucs]

Mirror

Mirror

Not far short of the cost of getting the mirror replaced...

I agree! Why not just have the beansplitter replaced??

 

[Shac]

Luddite Frank has the best idea - I have the Leica version, but also used the method he suggests - works just as well (these filters do help w/ focusing) Don't waste your hard earned $$$