FranciscoPinheiro
Francisco Pinheiro
What are the differences between Leica IIIC and IIIF?
Leica iiic and iiif
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Mudman
Well-known
the F has flash sync.
Vickko
Veteran
umm, lots, but start with the IIIf has a flash sync.
There are many mechanical improvements in the IIIf, starting with a cast metal body.
There are many mechanical improvements in the IIIf, starting with a cast metal body.
Luddite Frank
Well-known
I thought the IIIc models had the new cast body too ?
-b models were the final "built-up" bodies, weren't they ?
-b models were the final "built-up" bodies, weren't they ?
FrankS
Registered User
IIIc and IIIf both have the cast body construction, but the IIIf has a faster/lighter shutter, and improved shutter break.
Mudman
Well-known
some of the iiiF's had a self time too if I remember correctly.
FranciscoPinheiro
Francisco Pinheiro
it's worth I buy the Leica iiic or i should wait have more money to buy a better leica? I only have US$700
FrankS
Registered User
With $700 you can easily get an M2, if your heart is not set on a screwmount camera. The viewfinders are greatly improved in the M series.
But between the IIIc and IIIf, the IIIc is more than "good enough". (Besides an M2,) I have a IIf and an even earlier IIIa, which is also more than good enough.
But between the IIIc and IIIf, the IIIc is more than "good enough". (Besides an M2,) I have a IIf and an even earlier IIIa, which is also more than good enough.
Last edited:
Bingley
Veteran
I thought the shutter improvements only came in with the red dial IIIf, and that there isn't much difference between a black dial IIIf and a IIIc other than the flash sync.
The IIIc is a nice user if you really want a Barnack.
FrankS
Registered User
I beleive you may be correct. I wasn't certain.
tjh
Well-known
I have two IIIc bodies that have been upgraded to IIIf's. Both were upgraded to black dial, with black numbers on the added sync plate and the 1/40 and 1/60 speeds that are found on IIIf black dial instead of the 1/25, 1/50 speeds of red dial cameras.
brokencivilian
Established
I got a iiic - iiif conversion camera for 130 CAD. Was a good deal.
n5jrn
Well-known
Doesn't only the IIIf have that little extension on the bottom plate that helps 35mm film in standard cartridges (as opposed to Leica cartridges) stay aligned properly?
rogerzilla
Well-known
The IIf has that too. The only IIIc I've handled (near mint on first inspection, but it actually had a dented shell so a film cassette couldn't be inserted,so had to go back!) didn't have the thing to prod the film.
Bingley
Veteran
xayraa33
rangefinder user and fancier
The IIIc had 1/40 and 1/60 speeds and so did the IIIf black dial.
Bingley
Veteran
Thanks for clarifying. It seems to me that, from a functionality standpoint, there isn't much to choose between a IIIc and a bd IIIf, and that the OP can base a choice on price and sample condition.
MISH
Well-known
the IIIf black dial I just bought has 1/25, 1/50, 1/75 shutter speeds
peterm1
Veteran
Interestingly, it was also quite common for older LTM cameras to have flash sync fitted by the Leica factory to bring that camera "up to date." I have a lovely 111a with factory fitted flash sync, including the 111f style larger shutter speed dial and the integrated collar surrounding it that is used to set the time delay on the firing of the flash. (Different chemical flashes have different burning speeds / times). The 1936 Elmar 50mm f3.5 was also factory coated, presumably at the same time. This has made it into a very nice little camera that is a little different from the norm. It is these characteristics that also differentiate between the 111c and the 111f. (Both these had the die-cast body, unlike my 111a.)
greyelm
Malcolm
Check your s/n this could be a red dial. Often the red number inlay looks black due to dirt / age. According to Lager red dials begin with 615001.
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