Leica III

[jorgef2002]

Hello fellows Rangefinders.
I have a Leica III, I want to change the 50 mm lens to a 35 mm lens,what are my options, are the Russian lenses any good ?, Can I use any other screw lenses, and if so what kind..


thank you for the help


jorgef2002: 🙂

 

[OldNick]

The late model Jupiter 12 (mine is from 1987) works well. You have to be careful mounting the lens because it extends well into the camera body, but once mounted, it works fine. You would need an auxiliary finder. The Russian ones are inexpensive, the CV ones are better. See my avatar for the setup on my IIIf. Many of the airplane photos in my gallery were taken with this setup.

Jim N.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I like the Canon 35mm F2.8. Not expensive, and very compact.

You can use just about any Screw Mount lens made for the Leica standard. be careful of 39mm thread mount lenses made for Russian Zenit SLR's, and Chaika Half-frame cameras. They will screw onto the camera, but not focus.

 

[brachal]

I'm a big fan of the Cosina Voigtlander 35mm f/2.5 Skopar. Looks good on the Leica and produces great images. Modern, well made, and good value for the $$.

 

[David Murphy]

The III is my favorite Leica bottom loader: simple, effective, small, light, and good looking. The Jupiter 12's all fit this body just fine and they are very good for the money (say $50 plus shipping). Consider the Komura's like the 35/3.5. I recently posted some results with this fine lens.

Telesar, Tanar, and Acall are also good ones if you can find them. Of course the Canon's are all excellent, as is the currently made Voigtlander 35mm F2.5. Big money gets you the fancy and fast Voigtlanders like the Ultron 35mm F1.7 and others.

I hear the Leica Summaron 35/3.5 is also good, and I don't doubt it. It will certainly be well made mechanically if nothing else.

 

[john neal]

As above

- the f2 Canon will probably be the best from this maker, although the f1.5 is nice if you can find one at a decent price
- any of the CV range will be good
- Summaron is great, but gives a slight period look due to lower contrast than modern lenses (I like it)
- Elmar 35mm f3.5 is possibly even more period than the Summaron, but great for B&W
- J12 is probably the best bargain buy

 

[jorgef2002]

thank you gentlemen I will look for one.thank you for your advice.


saludos jorgref2002