Leica IIIB Lens Options

[AlTheKiller]

I am looking to find another lens for my IIIB but I honestly don't even know where to start. Id like to go with a 35mm if possible but Id consider staying with a 50mm. Id rather not spend $1200 on a new setup so I was thinking of going with a non Leica lens.

I found an adapter to use my Nikkor 50mm but it seems you cant use the range finder with that setup?

 

[Roger Hicks]

Indeed you can't.

Why do you want another lens? What do you want it to do that your present lens can't? Until you can answer that, it's impossible to decide what you want/need.

Cheers,

R.

 

[mpaniagua]

Agree, otherwise, you will only get our own wishful ravings 🙂

Portrait? Landscape? Low light photography? Looking for a smaller lens? What r you looking for?

By the way, I also have/use a IIIb. Great camera, although most often than not I stick to a IIf. The slow speed dial kinda get on my way. Probably just the way I grip the camera or my finger are too long 🙂.

Regards

Marcelo

 

[css9450]

I found an adapter to use my Nikkor 50mm but it seems you cant use the range finder with that setup?

I did not know that. What is the reason?

As far as I know, my Nikkor 50 LTM works on any camera I've tried it on.

 

[AlTheKiller]

I bought the camera next to nothing a little while ago and the 50mm works but not very smoothly. You can see that it had been dropped at one point which bent the outer edge of the lens and I think tweaked something to cause the focus lever to get real tight at a certain point. Its not smooth but does work.

I like using the IIIb as my general walking around camera and I feel the 50mm is too tight. I like photographing people but would like more of the surroundings in frame.

Honestly thought about investing in a M2 and 35mm lens but I don't think I can justify the cost so I thought maybe I can run a 35 on the IIIb

The 50mm Nikkor I have is an F mount D series.

 

[css9450]

LOL That it wasn't a M39 LTM slipped by me. 😉

If it was me, I'd be looking at a 35mm. I agree; I find the 50mm is a bit too long for a carry-around camera.

 

[Roger Hicks]

I bought the camera next to nothing a little while ago and the 50mm works but not very smoothly. You can see that it had been dropped at one point which bent the outer edge of the lens and I think tweaked something to cause the focus lever to get real tight at a certain point. Its not smooth but does work...

'It it with a 'ammer. Quite carefully, and a fairly small 'ammer; but you might be surprised at how successful this can be. Take it off the camera first!

Cheers,

R.

 

[Roger Hicks]

For a 35, SERIOUSLY consider the 35/2.5 Color Skopar. If the chassis was distorted too, the 35/1.7 Ultron (a superb lens) might be a little too demanding. Where are you?

Cheers,

R.

 

[AlTheKiller]

Austin Texas.

 

[mpaniagua]

Agree with Roger. Also, you may consider a Summaron 35 f3.5. I own both the 35 and the 2.8 and I like 2.8 better, but it can be expensive.


Be patient and you may find a deal, like I did.

Regards

Marcelo

 

[presspass]

Although it never gets much love, the original Leica 35 - the 3.5 Elmar - can give great results and is the least expensive of the LTM Leica 35s. I have one for my IIIa and the combo is truly pocketable.

 

[AlTheKiller]

Any thoughts on the Jupiter lenses?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/JUPITER-12-...193547?hash=item25d0485e0b:g:3zkAAOSw4CFYsIMK

 

[davidnewtonguitars]

See if you can find one to try, or get the option to return one.
The FSU lenses won't mount on my IIIc, threads bind part way on.
May work on yours if the flange is worn enough.

Any thoughts on the Jupiter lenses?\

There is a 35mm Summar in the classifieds today.

 

[newfilm]

Any thoughts on the Jupiter lenses?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/JUPITER-12-...193547?hash=item25d0485e0b:g:3zkAAOSw4CFYsIMK

I have Jupiter-12 as my first 35mm focal length, makes pretty pictures, then while spending too much time on the internet reading about Voigtlander 35mm (2.5/1.7), eventual I have them all (except the 1.4), and with the 2-3 fold more money compare with Jupiter-12, I can't see the different!

The only caveat for the Jupiter-12 is that the big rear element that you need to be careful about, and its aperture ring is the darnest thing on any lens ever produced interm of ergonomics.

If that bother you, you can get the Voigtlander color skopar like Roger suggested, then you don't need to get the Jupiter-12, it not, color skopar best bet.

Sooo... if you can get a Jupiter-12 for under $100 + ship, perfect! you don't need others (unless GAS attack, well then...)

 

[dourbalistar]

Our Head Bartender has a comprehensive list of Leica screw mount lens (aka LTM) options for your IIIb.

 

[css9450]

The FSU lenses won't mount on my IIIc, threads bind part way on.
May work on yours if the flange is worn enough.

Maybe that explains why mine threads onto some of my cameras, but not others. Its a nice little lens though.

 

[AlTheKiller]

So aside from the new lens, what else will I need if anything?

 

[Dralowid]

The appropriate viewfinder for the focal length you choose.

 

[mpaniagua]

Although it never gets much love, the original Leica 35 - the 3.5 Elmar - can give great results and is the least expensive of the LTM Leica 35s. I have one for my IIIa and the combo is truly pocketable.

Thats a great lens for street photography, even smaller than Summaron.

 

[AlTheKiller]

The appropriate viewfinder for the focal length you choose.

That's what I figured.

Is it possible to find a thumb advance lever to attach to the factory advance knob?