Leica IIIf/ IIIc. which one is more compact? Show Me

[walnut]

Hello, i am looking for a nice leica that is smaller than my M3, to use the nice small voigtlander 28 3.5 or elmar 50 3.5 LTM Lens. Just how much smaller are these two cameras? Any one have both that can display photos of both along with dimensions. !!. Thanks Dennis.

 

[OldNick]

The Leica IIIf and IIIc are essentially identical in size. The models preceding the IIIc are one/eighth of an inch smaller in length. I don't have an M3, so I can't compare it's size to the other two.

Either, with the lenses that you propose, would make a nice, compact, pocketable camera.

Jim N.

 

[LeicaTom]

Absolutely no difference whatsoever in size from Leica IIIC to IIIF......

One could make it a very compact camera by using the collapsible f3.5 50mm Elmar and the somewhat rare Leica "Flatnose" camera case

Smaller yet is to use a pre IIIC - as in a Leica III IIIa or IIIb also with the Elmar and Flatnose setup 🙂

Happy Shooting!

Tom

 

[cmedin]

The Leica IIIf and IIIc are essentially identical in size. The models preceding the IIIc are one/eighth of an inch smaller in length. I don't have an M3, so I can't compare it's size to the other two.

I have a IIf and a III and the minute size difference isn't really noticeable. I know some people consider the earlier cameras more compact but in reality I really can't tell much...

 

[walnut]

Ok, So no difference between the IIIC/IIIf, But does any one have either pictured together with a M3/M2 etc to show size comparsion ? Thanks to all who responded,so far.

 

[HuubL]

Ok, So no difference between the IIIC/IIIf, But does any one have either pictured together with a M3/M2 etc to show size comparsion ? Thanks to all who responded,so far.

Not easy to see probably, but clicking my signature photo brings you to my Flickr page with slideshow of my cameras. There's one with the M4 (same size as M2/3), IIIc and IIIf (and a few other RFs).

 

[payasam]

With the Elmar, you'll have a V/F -- a rather small and not so accurate one -- in the camera body. With the CV 28, you'll need an accessory finder.

 

[VictorM.]

Here's some quick snaps showing my M4-2 with 40mm Summicron and IIIf with 50mm Elmarski. The length is about the same, but the IIIf is shorter and not as deep as the M4-2. The IIIf feels much smaller to hold than you might think based on the pictures.

 

[VictorM.]

Here's one more:

 

[John Shriver]

The screwmount Leicas are just "small in the hand", which can't be said of the later cameras.

They are also light, my IIIa with 50/3.5 Elmar and case is 26 ounces. A IIIc or later will be an ounce or so heavier, as their internals are cast, rather than built-up from sheet brass.

As others have commented, they "work" very differenty from an M-mount Leica, or one of the modern Canons like the P or 7. Slower. Squinty. Fuzzy-edged built-in finder. Separate rangefinder window.

 

[walnut]

Here's some quick snaps showing my M4-2 with 40mm Summicron and IIIf with 50mm Elmarski. The length is about the same, but the IIIf is shorter and not as deep as the M4-2. The IIIf feels much smaller to hold than you might think based on the pictures.

Victor, you hit it right on the head, thats the photo i needed to see, It looks nice and pocketable so it looks like i will be getting a IIIf. Thanks to all how responded, Now does any one have a real nice IIIF RD they want to sell. Thanks !! Dennis.

 

[Rob-F]

Look at my Avatar for another view. IIIc and M2, both with collapsible Summicrons.

 

[John Shriver]

Either of the IIIf's at KEH are a fine deal, just send it immediately to Youxin Ye for a CLA.

But if you don't plan to use flash, a IIIc is lighter and cheaper. Save $50.

IIIa is a bit lighter yet, but the RF-VF windows are further apart. It's also a little less sturdy, won't stay as precisely collimated.

 

[colyn]

Here's a shot of my IIIf RD alongside my M3 double stroke.

 

[Augenblick]

Small leica

Small leica

Simply put, the leica Standard is the smallest, but then, if you want a decent viewfinder ,and a rangefinder as well ,you have to shove them on the top using the shoe (and shoe)adapters. if you can live without a rangefinder, the Standard E is the compact one.