My new Leica IIIc

[thomasw_]

I thought it acceptable to launch a Barnack loving thread. I have always loved the Barnack Leicas, but until today I have only been an admirer. Now I am the proud and very pleased owner of a iiic. I know the iiif and iiig are the most desired Barnacks, but this iiic fit into my budget better than a iiif or iiig. Indeed I bought it as a shooter, not as a collectible, so the vulcanite is rather homely; but that is a rather cheap and easy fix. The rangefinder is clear and pleasing to use; my iiic has a precision and jewel-like feel to it. Though the film loading will take me a few rolls to master

Any tips would be appreciated from you experienced Barnack model users.

Anyway I just wanted to share my delight...some shots to come....

Respectfully,
Thomas

 

[Keith]

Welcome to the world of photography ruled by patience and the ability to perceive the world through a keyhole! 😛

 

[colyn]

Welcome to the world of Leica.
A trick I learned years ago that makes loading this camera easier is to first cut a 4 inch leader then set the advance/rewind lever to rewind. After fixing the leader to the take-up spool and placing both the spool and cassette into their respective places turn the advance knob slightly till the film sprocket holes drops onto the sprocket. Now set the lever to advance and wind one turn then turn the takeup knob to take up the film slack. Fire the shutter and advance. Set the counter to "0" then fire the shutter. You are now ready to start shooting.

 

[reagan]

Congrats, Thomas! I know the feeling of "only being an admirer" for some time. But once I got one, I was hooked. (And I went the even more budget route of the III F. Well, actually three 3s now. 😉 ) But they do have quite the unmistakable feel of good craftsmanship. Enjoy! And share some photos when you get the opportunity.

Oh yeah, film loading. There's the rather lengthy Sticky Thread discussion of that joy in this forum I believe. I might just add... "Take your time." It's a lot less frustrating than speed-loading. ha...

 

[Ash]

Definitely take your time and buy a wrist strap too. It's invaluable!! When you are out and about and need to get loading,
sit down!

theres no other easy way to load the film but sit jthe camera in your lap!


You're lucky. My IIIc looks like a jewel, feels like a jewel, but the rangefinder is very dim! I'm currently trying to work up the cost of repair for it!! Either way today I promised myself I'd run a film through it. I love the Contax more, but I love the Leica all the same 😀

 

[Solinar]

Congrats on the IIIc. You'll never have an excuse to be without a camera, especially if it has a collapsible 3.5 Elmar mounted.

I have used a flash unit with my IIIf only once in two years and that was to see if the PC connector worked. In my humble opinion the IIIf and IIIc are so similiar that neither are better than the other.

With regards to film loading - trim your leaders before going out on a shoot, push the leader into the take up spool as far it will go and when installing the spools into the bottom slot pay attention to the sprocket teeth properly fitting into the sprocket holes in the film.

 

[Ronald M]

I have tried all the tricks, business card, putting the shutter on time and open, and the best way is to trim the film. Extend the factory cut for a total of 22 sprocket holes including the factory trim. Then let the full width extend 1/8 inch from the cassette and put it into the camera.

All the other tricks end in not advancing film SOMETIMES. The proper way always works. I use a 111f and 111c in addition to M and R cameras. Same results with both Barnacks.

 

[reagan]

Ash-> Can you recommend a particularly functional wrist strap?

Ash probably knows some others, but our own RFFer Gordy Coale will set one up to your specs. Here...

http://www.electricedge.com/gordy_s_straps/

 

[Ash]

Luigi Strap, Gordy Strap.

Go for a Tripod-Mount one though. You'll need a bush adapter from the original 'european standard' to the smaller more modern size.

I use a £5 strap I bought from a local vintage shop. It's been fine for me, but it was a lucky find. Make sure the strap is long enough to access all features while it's on your wrist 🙂

 

[xayraa33]

Definitely take your time and buy a wrist strap too. It's invaluable!! When you are out and about and need to get loading,
sit down!

theres no other easy way to load the film but sit jthe camera in your lap!


You're lucky. My IIIc looks like a jewel, feels like a jewel, but the rangefinder is very dim! I'm currently trying to work up the cost of repair for it!! Either way today I promised myself I'd run a film through it. I love the Contax more, but I love the Leica all the same 😀

this might be what your IIIc needs if you are handy:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Leica-IIIf-IIIc...ryZ30030QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Ash]

I daren't open up the Leica, but I think you're right.

Even if I got the part, I wouldn't touch my investments with my nasty toolkit!

Leica Lens, yes.
Contax Lens, yes.

Camera?? no!

 

[xayraa33]

here is a good site to get an idea of what is involved:

http://www.mediajoy.com/en/lrc/refresh/index.html

 

[Ash]

To be honest, I'd say THAT much effort is worth £160 to CRR!!

 

[xayraa33]

ah.. but if you can ever master the 50/50 mirror change
you can be up to your neck in ltm Leicas that need this service.
the monetary windfall can buy a lot of film and old gear.

 

[Ash]

true, but I don't think I'd be capable of getting that sorted without a few practices. And Leicas are kinda pricey to botch!!

 

[xayraa33]

if you butcher the job, then see CRR.
you are only working on one part of the Camera.

 

[Ash]

You really do know how to plant an idea in my head dont you!!

 

[xayraa33]

160 pounds sterling is a lot of money.

 

[aad]

I use the "through the shutter pokey" to load film, and it doesn't take much longer than loading an SLR.

 

[Ash]

£160 is a full camera CLA + new mirror for rangefinder. It's steep indeed. New mirror and rangefinder overhaul alone would be £75.