Leica III (c,F,x)

M

Magnus

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Does anyone have experience using the Leica III series on a daily basis ?
 
A black dial Leica IIIf is one of my main user cameras. I don't have any problem at all with the rangefinder/viewfinder on the LTM Leicas; the viewfinder is perfectly adequate to frame an image, which is its purpose. The LTM Leicas have a built in diopter adjustment in the rangefinder which is helpful for eyeglass wearer like me; this is something lacking in more modern cameras (I am aware that prescription lenses are available for some current cameras but they can be difficult to find for some out of production cameras).

With a 50mm Elmar fitted I carry if in a coat pocket. If I'm using the 50mm Nikkor it fits nicely into a small Lowepro belt pouch along with two rolls of film and a small lightmeter.

The availability of the CV screw mount lenses has made the Barnack Leicas even more useful. I'm partial to the 28mm's myself.
 
Magnus

The Leica III and II series cameras are not my daily users, but I have used them. If you use any other focal length than 50mm you will have to use an auxillary finder. The only exception being the IIIg which has some built in framelines in the viewfinder like the M3, I believe. The other thing I had to get used to was how to load the camera and I now re trim all my film that I intend to shoot with the long leader. This is an excellent site http://www.ozdoba.net/leica/leica_schraub_home_e.html and it may have some info for you there. I agree with Greybeard that they are compact (built like a brick outhouse) and can be modernized by using CV lenses.

Bob
 
I have a IIIf, but do not use it on a regular basis. Loading takes some getting used to, but I manage to do it without problems after getting an old "Leica Manual" by Morgan and Lester. This is a beautiful camera, takes great pictures with its 5cm F3.5 Elmar, and is a camera that I could never part with.
 
Does the whole M39 series Leica's (I, II and III) take CV lenses without any problems ?
 
Magnus

As far as I know the answer is yes they all take CV lenses with no problems. Be aware that some of the newer CV lenses are M mount only. You can go to the Cameraquest site which is loaded with info on CV lenses among other things and you can contact Stephen Gandy there if you have specific questions on CV stuff.

Bob
 
Magnus said:
Does the whole M39 series Leica's (I, II and III) take CV lenses without any problems ?
Click to expand...

Using an ultra fast 50mm lens with a proper lens hood will block a portion of the viewfinder. When using my Summicron, with its lens hood, a 50mm/5cm auxilliary finder is essential. Many of the fast LTM lenses from Canon, Cosina/Voigtlander and Nikon are also a bit chunky.

This isn't a problem with the traditional 50/3.5 Elmar. I was fortunate enough to grab a 50/2.8 Elmar at a good price and with its flat profile lens hood, it also works well.

With focal lengths other than the normal 50mm, you'll be using an auxilliary finder anyway. So, at the very least you may wish to invest in a universal finder.

I personally haven't experience a problem loading film, but I trim the leader first, as per what is recommended on the bottom of the shutter box.
 
I can buy a late model IIIf black dail in perfect condition, optically anyway for 400€, also from the same seller a mint condition If from 1954 for 340€, I like both cameras, they are sooo classical and feel well engineered, I#m tempted towards the If more and more, but am a bit concerned about the quality of the pictures. Preferably I would like a period leica lens too, but getting a 1955 lens is a bit od gamble I would think, therefore the CV lenses sound interesting.
 
.... sorry about the name-change, one is me (magnus) and the other is my Husband (JCdeR) in our little home-network we canot get this right, it changes randomly ....
 
Magnus said:
Does the whole M39 series Leica's (I, II and III) take CV lenses without any problems ?
Click to expand...

While they will mount and work properly on a LTM Leica, the CV 50mm/1.5 Nocton and the 28mm/1.8 or pretty large lenses and can be a bit ungainly on a tiny screw mount Leica.
 
... Drove out early this evening and just got back with my newly aquired Leica If .... if the touch and feel of this little camera blow the balls off Pamela Anderson .... it is definately love at first sight and feel ....
I will spend time now trying to get an equal quality lens, although I find the CV's definataly interesting I am goin to go for a Sumaron 35mm or an Elmar 35mm, and viewfinder ...
 
.... firstly however I need to budget and count the cash so I can still feed our cats for the remainder of this month ..... awell one of them is already to fat anyway ....
 
:D I have a Leica IIIc with an Soviet Industar 50, the collapsible version, and am pleased with it. Learning the loading procedure is a bit of a bother, but the pictures are great, see my avatar. I also have a Bessa R and am doubly pleased with it. The built-in meter and the bright viewfinder makes it an easy user. But I will not part with the Leica because it has such a wonderful feel. It is heavier than the Bessa R, smoother, and I love the diopter adjustment. For the price ask yourself if you want a user, Bessa R, or a collector. I use my Leica but not daily. I have several lightmeters, but if you want to grab a camera and shoot, the Bessa R is quicker and the viewfinder is brighter. Either way, you'll enjoy the trip. :cool:
 
I have a 1936 IIIa which I really like because it is so compact, but I use my Fed 2 more often because it is so convenient and inexpensive, I don't worry about replacement cost if it damaged. I recently aquired an early M3 which is getting the most use currently.
 
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III(x) on a daily basis

III(x) on a daily basis

Yes, I use one of my IIIf's, with Summicron 50/2 collapsible, on a daily basis. It is compact, solid, reliable, easy to use. The diopter control is great for eyeglass users like myself. The film loading seems to be a problem for some people, but I've not had any trouble with it at all...just trim a couple of rolls ahead of time. I have one of the trimming templates, but it's just as easy for me to use a pair of small scissors, or a good sharp pocketknife.

The range of available lenses is quite large. I have both CV and Leitz and both work well. As someone has mentioned, though, if you use one of the newer fast LTM lenses, you'll need an auxiliary finder because they block the viewfinder window.

Have fun!

Ken
 
I use a III f red dial on a regular basis - still uncomfortable with the film loading but I love the feel and size of the camera - beatifull pictures too!
I bought 3 39 mm leicas and 2 M2s on a auction the other day.
I put the 1935 III on a web auction with a 5 cm 3,5 Elmar after dusting it off
the IIIa 1938 with a 5 cm Summar 2.0 is probably going on an acution next week - it has been modified with a flash synchro socket right in "wetzlar" on the top plate and someone engraved the number in the buttomplate but it is still a great user camera.
There was also a II with a rusian 52 cm lens - will part with that later. One M2 with a summarrit 5 cm 1,5 is a keeper while the last M2 a real beater is for sal with it elmar 9 cm 4,0 - If anyone feel like getting into Leica rangefinders give send a PM
 
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