Leica IIIa with new curtains

[colyn]

I picked up a 1936 vintage Leica IIIa with 50mm f/2 Summar lens a few days ago which was in need of curtain replacement of both curtains. After overhauling the camera and putting in new curtains I took it out today for a test run.

Terrible lighting and guessing the shutter speed/aperture this is the result. 1/30th at f/12.5 on the Summar..

 

[-doomed-]

that must be a clean summar.
Looks like you did a good job.

 

[colyn]

that must be a clean summar.
Looks like you did a good job.

This lens only has a few very minor cleaning marks. No scratches.

The good thing which helped make this overhaul go quickly was the curtains were original so it was easy to mark where the new ones had to be glued. The pre-IIIc's required precise positioning of the curtains as well as overall curtain length..

 

[umcelinho]

love the smooth tones of the sky

 

[colyn]

love the smooth tones of the sky

Thanks

I do however need to use a hood with this lens..

 

[payasam]

All looks good. Evidently you checked that there was no train coming up from behind you.

 

[colyn]

All looks good. Evidently you checked that there was no train coming up from behind you.

For sure...

I grew up around the railroad my Dad having worked for them for years.

 

[LeicaTom]

Nice shot!

That IIIa/Summar combo is still one of the finest of all the 1930's Leica rigs ~ I cut my teeth on a 39' IIIa/Summitar rig back in the late 1980`s.....

Tom

 

[colyn]

Nice shot!

Thanks Tom..

That IIIa/Summar combo is still one of the finest of all the 1930's Leica rigs ~ I cut my teeth on a 39' IIIa/Summitar rig back in the late 1980`s.....

Tom

My first Leica was a 36 IIIa with Summar. My Granddad gave it to me on my 6th birthday. I carried it everywhere I went and still use it from time to time..