Leica IF

[miker]

Hi,

This is my first post on this site. I have just acquired a screwmount Leica IF that came off an old microscope. Hasn't been used in decades and looks in mint condition. I doubt more then a handful of film rolls passed though it. I would like to try it out, but it doesn't have a lens or a viewfinder. I used to own a Contax G1, with 21,35 and 90 lenses for it. My favorite was the 21. I eventually sold it because I couldn't get used to all the auto functions on that camera, but I loved the compact size and image quality. While I found the Contax too automatic, I think I might find this one too retro 🙂 so I don't want to invest too much into it. I could though see myself trading it in towards a Zeiss Ikon if I get hooked. Anyway, I have no experience with screw mount lenses and viewfinders and would like some suggestions on what to get. Something wide, 21-25mm, not too big, decent quality, not too expensive, for walk around camera. Suggestions?

Mike

 

[xayraa33]

welcome to the forum.
a CV 25mm lens and finder will make your Leica If a handy walk around rig.
if you want to spend less money , an FSU lens like the J 12 and a 35mm FSU finder will also do your Leica If justice.

 

[dll927]

The I series was, it seems, mainly intended for scientific photography. Usually coupled with the reflex housing - an early attempt to have an SLR without quite being the true animal.

The II series got the rangefinder, and the III series the slow-speed dial. And there are many examples of upgrading, which the factory used to do ( or maybe still does nowadays with the a la carte stuff.)

But the If is a late model - that's what the "f" indicates. It should have an accessory shoe - nice home for a viewfinder of the correct focal length.

 

[OldNick]

You might want to look at the CameraQuest site. Though the lens has been discontinued, Stephen Gandy still lists the 25mm f/4 Snapshot-Skopar for $245 and I believe that includes the finder. This lens is not rangefinder-coupled, but, in your case, that would not matter.

Jim N.

 

[FrankS]

This would be like the Bessa L without a meter.

 

[Ken Ford]

a CV 25mm lens and finder will make your Leica If a handy walk around rig.

Exactly why I've been looking for a If!!!

miker, welcome. If you decide you'd like to move that little body on, I have a warm loving home waiting for it! 🙂

 

[OldNick]

This would be like the Bessa L without a meter.

Frank-Except the If is built like a tank, while, if I remember correctly, the Bessa L is built of plastic.

Jim N.

 

[FrankS]

I was trying not to bring up the build quality issue again.

 

[flashover]

There is Frank stick in hand again. FSU lenses and a finder will be cost effective and provide nice results. Welcome to RFF by the way.

 

[miker]

Thanks for the help guys. Very much apprciated. I looked up the CV 25/4 at cameraquest and it seems to be exactly what I was looking for. The new price is excellent, and if I can find a used one, even better. Excuse the ignorance, but what is an FSU lens?
Yes, I think the If was primarily designed for scientific purposes, no viewfinder, no rangefinder, but it does have 2 accessory shoes and if I stick with a wideangle, zone focusing shouldn't be a problem. Don't think I would want to try a 50 with it.

 

[flashover]

Former Soviet Union ie J12 35mm, J8 50mm, J3 50mm f1.5 and so on. here a shot of my IIIc with a J12 35mm lenes and Helios finder

 

[aad]

The 25/4 is great, with click-focusing, and it really is a blast to use.

 

[OldNick]

Miker - FSU means "Former Soviet Union". There are a number of lenses available from former soviet countries. I use a 35mm f/2.8 Jupiter 12 myself, along with a CV finder. However, from what I have read online, there is a lot of variation in quality from sample to sample. I do not recall seeing any lens wider than 35mm.

Jim N.

 

[miker]

"Former Soviet Union", no wonder I didn't get it. I was looking for a camera brand. If there is nothing wider then 35, then I am not too interested. But if anyone has a used CV25/4 or even 21/4 they want to get rid of......

 

[jesse1dog]

"Former Soviet Union", no wonder I didn't get it. I was looking for a camera brand. If there is nothing wider then 35, then I am not too interested. But if anyone has a used CV25/4 or even 21/4 they want to get rid of......

My feeling is - not too fast to discount a 3.5cm or a 5cm lens with your 1f! I think you have your hands on a quality camera, well built and pretty compact. But then I would think this because I went for a 1c (like the 1f but without the flash possibilities). I've just picked up a Jupiter 8 - that's a 5cm f2 FSU lens - and a Helios viewfinder. Neither lens nor viewfinder were exactly what I would call cheap, total just over $50, but not a great outlay either. I can now get the feel of the camera, take it around, and see how it handles out in the field. If it isn't for me then not a great deal is lost and I know I will be able to recoup all my money if I want. So far I don't think I will be doing that - the feel of the camera is just too seductive. Incidentally I keep it in a small 'Lowepro' case and not screwed into a hard leather Leica case.
So my advice would be, have a go with that little camera before you even think of passing it on.