Leica IIIC - cases for/against?

I have a IIIc, and really want to use it, but every time I do I have issues with the viewfinder. I did get an external finder for the hot shoe, and that seems to be working right now. I also had Youxin Ye do a CLA, new curtains, new beamsplitter, for under $250. He does great work for not a huge amount of money. I'm still gonna try to become more comfortable with the camera, but trying to focus thru the teeny viewfinder, for me, is very difficult. Hence the external finder. It's a great camera tho, and wonderful size and weight, very inconspicuous and quiet operation.
 
nongfuspring said:
Thanks a bunch to all of you for the replies. It sounds like a great choice.

A few of you mentioned the cracking/flaking of the shutter, how much is it to get a shutter replaced?
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The cost of curtain replacement could exceed $200. So if you buy one for say $200 add an additional $200 for repair. That will total $400+ for a fully functioning IIIc..
 
Having had both, I'd personally look for a nice Canon IVSB. The brighter, bigger viewfinder, with 3 magnification levels are a huge improvement. Oh, and the RF and Viewfinder are the same eyepiece. And they are newer and usually have better curtains. And their bodies are solid so you never have to worry about a flaking cover. Etc., Etc.... I've had about 5 Canon Barnack types and they all worked fine. Can't say the same with my Leica IIIc, even AFTER a new shutter curtain from Yousin.
 
Make sure to get the b version, as previous versions had viewfinders the were horrific to try to use. Squinty doesn't begin to describe it. IMO based on my experiences with these bodies.

As for the llla, use a CV external viewfinder matching your lens. You have the advantage of greater than 1x focusing magnification and a wonderfully clear view in the finder. (albeit in different locations)
 
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Get one with a good RF patch and add an OKARO
 
goamules said:
Having had both, I'd personally look for a nice Canon IVSB. The brighter, bigger viewfinder, with 3 magnification levels are a huge improvement. Oh, and the RF and Viewfinder are the same eyepiece. And they are newer and usually have better curtains. And their bodies are solid so you never have to worry about a flaking cover. Etc., Etc.... I've had about 5 Canon Barnack types and they all worked fine. Can't say the same with my Leica IIIc, even AFTER a new shutter curtain from Yousin.
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I've noticed a few on ebay that are in fairly good condition and somewhat cheaper than the any of the Leicas. How does the workmanship/handling compare?
 
texchappy said:
Actually, I was looking for input and opinion from other users.
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OK, I've got a Canon IVSB2 as well as a Leica IIIc. Both are built incredibly well and are almost identical in exterior dimensions although the Canon feels slightly heavier. The IVSB2 has the advantage of a single vf/rf w/ three levels of adjustable magnification. This can be quite useful for fine-focusing, and the highest level of magnification appears to give the view of a 100 mm lens.

The IIIc has a diopter for eye relief, which the Canon lacks.

As far as loading and handling are concerned, I feel they're identical.

Bottom line: you really can't go wrong w/ either camera. My sense is that current prices for the IVSB2 are a little higher than for a IIIc of comparable quality, probably b/c the IVSB2 was a later model that competed with the Leica IIIf/IIIG. Regardless, I'd get the one in the best condition.
 
Leica III A ?

Leica III A ?

I have been offered a 1937 leica + a collapsable lens also a '37. My question is this: Do the two prongs (for a flash) change the camera from a IIIa to some other name? I know Canon changed names with every upgrade. How is it different from a IIIc?
 
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