Leica IIIF Accessories.

[Incroyable]

Hello,

I recently got a Leica IIIF, and was wondering on which of the orange filters is appropriate. There seems to be two versions, OKARO, and ORAKO.

Another query is would the VIDOM viewfinder be recommended or another type of universal type?

Thank you.

 

[Rich Silfver]

First of all congratulations to your purchase.

The ORAKO/OKARO are - as I'm sure you already know - attachment windows/filters for Leica's LTM cameras to brighten the focus area and help focussing in low light.

ORAKO = Pre-war. Also known as 14057. It's in black mount for Leica II, III, IIIa 1936 - 1962 (there was a chrome version made in '36-'39).

OKARO = Post-war. Also known as 14058. It's in chrome mount for IIIb, IIIc, IIIf, IIIg 1939-1962

So to answer your question OKARO would be the best 'fit' for your IIIf.

Should you have any trouble finding it you should be able to simulate the same effect by taping a small piece of yellow
gelatine film over the rangefinder window 🙂

You'll find some OKARO's here

Here's a photo of the OKARO:

 

[Rich Silfver]

...and how it looks mounted on the camera:

 

[doubs43]

The VIDOM finder is the older version and the image is seen in reverse. The newer finder is the IMARECT and is, IMO, the preferred choice as the image is viewed correctly.

You may also elect to purchase the FSU copy of the Contax universal finder which includes 28mm. The Leitz finders only go to 35mm but I believe there's an accessory attachment that screws into the front of the IMARECT to give a 28mm view. They're expensive and not easy to find.

The IMARECT or the FSU copy of the Contax finder will cost approximately the same: $50 - $60 on ebay.