Leica IIIf ELC (1952)

[Nick De Marco]

I picked this little beauty up from ebay for just over a couple of hundred pounds. Just had my first film I put through it developed, and added this gallery:

http://www.pbase.com/nickdemarco/leica_iiif

I found the camera almost imposible to focus (much worse than other screw mount cameras I have) and most of the negatives were not good enough. A few were though. On the upside, having checked the serial number I think I might have a quite rare model.

 

[Jerevan]

Just a few random thoughts:

The rf mirror may be in bad shape which could cause the trouble with focussing. If the rf patch is weak, you can try to get an OKARO filter to put over the rf window. I also think you need to check the speeds (send it off for a CLA). If the speeds are okay, then you'll have to look at other things, such as getting a hood for the Summitar, checking the metering, how the film is developed, to get the maximum out of the photos you make.

In the photos there is some flare, which lowers contrast. The lens seems to be uncoated which also lowers contrast and gets you another sort of photos. Not neccesarily bad, but different. A hood should cure some (but not all) of the lower contrast. The serial number on the lens indicates it was made in 1941.

Anyways, the IIIf is a good camera. I like mine. 🙂

 

[payasam]

My IIIc was almost impossible to focus. Had the R/F mirror replaced by a good man in Calcutta. Got a piece of the Edmunds 50:50 mirror from Oleg K. I understand he does CLAs too. Cannot see what makes your IIIf rare, by the way.

 

[PeterL]

My iiic is also very difficult to focus, much worse than my Zorki. I bought it for the slower speeds, but now I found that I don't like the way it works with the 2 buttons, so I hardly use it anymore.

 

[Nikon Bob]

I have had 2 out of three of my Leica screw mount cameras need to have the RF patch replaced because as you say it was nearly impossible to see them clearly enough to focus properly. I sent them to DAG for this replacement and had a CLA done at the same time as it was not that much extra. They are now fine shooters.

Bob

 

[Nikon Bob]

payasam

Leica cameras and lenses were made in Canada by ELCAN, Ernst Leitz Canada, from the early 1950s to I forget when. Some cameras and lenses were not so marked possibly because the major components were shipped to Germany for final assembly so they could be labeled as made in Germany. Others are marked ELC. ELC made cameras are rarer than German made ones. Hope this helps.

Bob

 

[Nick De Marco]

Many thanks for all the useful replies. As I am about to go away on holiday, I'm going to print them off and store them for when I get back so maybe will clean up the IIIf and try and find a lens hood. After all, at least I know the camera "works".
Nick

 

[Nikon Bob]

Nick

Have a good holiday. I also have an uncoated pre war Emar that DAG did a CLA on and it now performs well. Older lenses do seem to get hazy internally which could also contribute to flare. Uncoated lenses are prone to flare at the best of times so this haze if any does not help matters. As has been mentioned a lens hood is a great idea also.

Bob

 

[payasam]

I understand, Bob, that some Leica models were only assembled in Canada. Also that some were marked "Wetzlar" although they had been made or assembled in Midland. The details are unimportant. All of these changes were made to suit the convenience of Leitz, a business concern. While the ELC IIIf may have been made in smaller numbers than the plain IIIf, that renders it neither better nor worse as a tool.

Nick, my experience with two Summarons, a Summarit and a Summitar tell me that hoods are essential with these lenses if their performance is to be as good as it can be.

 

[Nikon Bob]

I understand, Bob, that some Leica models were only assembled in Canada. Also that some were marked "Wetzlar" although they had been made or assembled in Midland. The details are unimportant. All of these changes were made to suit the convenience of Leitz, a business concern. While the ELC IIIf may have been made in smaller numbers than the plain IIIf, that renders it neither better nor worse as a tool.

Nick, my experience with two Summarons, a Summarit and a Summitar tell me that hoods are essential with these lenses if their performance is to be as good as it can be.

Sorry, I misunderstood your statement about not seeing what may make this IIIf rare particularly since some ELC cameras were not so marked. I agree that it does not make it better or worse as a tool but it should add a bit of a premium for a collectors interest. I could not agree more with your comment on using hoods being essential to get the best out of these old lenses.

Bob

 

[payasam]

Right Bob. Something the matter with your signature, by the way. I had to be helped with mine. You might try

URL="http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=557"]
My Gallery[/URL

with opening and closing quare brackets at start and end respectively.