New IIIF review

[Philip Whiteman]

I see million-hit web prankster Ken Rockwell has just posted his review of the Leica IIIF [ducks down to avoid incoming…]

 

[brainwood]

Thanks for the link. I have printed it out and will read it properly later but scanning through it looks to be Ken at his cage rattling best.

I broad terms I have agree with him. I have tried many 'modern' cameras Film and DSLR's but my main camera of choice is my IIIg - for many of the reasons Ken seems to be coming up with. Quiet , light, unobtrusive, high quality images and I must admit that I love the 'process' of using it.

I prefer the Knob wind to the M's lever wind.... but it is fair to point out I also enjoy hand change Motorcycles with exposed valve gear !

 

[Gary Sandhu]

Must say it's a concise summary of the important information regarding the iiif. I have the modern 50 and 35 cron an it does make for a compact, stylish camera. I'm happy with the voigtlander viewfinders.

 

[Phantomas]

The first sentence reads: " Ultra-high quality images from the smallest and lightest possible camera."
Whatever.

 

[Jerevan]

It's a good write-up for a very nice little camera. I wish I still had mine.

 

[raid]

Thanks for the link.

Where is the link?

 

[semrich]

Not long ago there was a thread hear where many members described the sound of the IIIf shutter, and there is no way the shutter is quieter than and M2.

I agree with the review with that exception, it is a favorite of mine and I tend to get some of my best shots with it. It's not a camera I would consider selling.

 

[newspaperguy]

Raid:

http://kenrockwell.com/leica/screw-mount/iiif.htm#top

 

[ray*j*gun]

I haven't read his review yet but I love my iiif and in fact my iiic and iiia. I'm always amazed at the size and quality of these very old cameras compared to new gear. Its a great design and fun to use!

 

[furcafe]

The review is, of course, mostly tongue-in-cheek, but I agree that he's wrong about the IIIf being quieter than an M body. Every Barnack body that I have is noticeably louder than the Ms, particularly on the slow speeds; I'm guessing mostly because there's less metal to dampen the sound. The same goes for the Nikon RFs, which use a shutter design that's based on the Barnacks.

Not long ago there was a thread hear where many members described the sound of the IIIf shutter, and there is no way the shutter is quieter than and M2.

I agree with the review with that exception, it is a favorite of mine and I tend to get some of my best shots with it. It's not a camera I would consider selling.

 

[tonyj]

Thank you Mr. Rockwell

Thank you Mr. Rockwell

Thanks Ken - another keeper!

It may be fashionable to knock this guy, although I'm not really sure why. I regularly read his offerings and have gained some very useful information, - perhaps even saved myself some money over the years.

It may also help to be a Nikon and Leica aficionado, as well as being an individual who doesn't mind gear levers, clutches, chokes, watches that don't require batteries to keep them running or regular perked foamless black coffee.

This particular column which focuses on the IIIf, I found to be particularly interesting, as the IIIf is still one of my all time favourite Leica cameras. I thoroughly enjoyed reading and comparing Ken's observations to my own.

The modern day cost equivalents of the 'new in 1950' IIIf, with its various lens choices was also an eye opener. I knew it wasn't a 'cheapy', even then, but I didn't remember just how expensive it actually was. It has however proved (once again) that real quality will generally last.

A good read .... entertaining, and well written IMO.

 

[youngmrcurtis]

"LEICA IIIf, mit out lens."

I want some of whatever it is he's been smoking.

 

[mfogiel]

" With the LEICA IIIf, you have to use accessory finders for any lens other than 50mm. This is not a problem, since the best photographers use nothing but a 50mm lens anyway. "

Do we want to start a thread on this ?

"Real men only shoot 50mm... "

or

"My 50mm is bigger than yours ! "

or

"With these pills, you will also reach 50mm ! "

...

 

[newspaperguy]

50 is nifty.

(I wish I was 50 again.)

 

[Mablo]

"LEICA IIIf, mit out lens."

Don't worry 😉 for those who can some german this is understandable although not precisely right.

 

[marduk]

Thanks for the link. I'm yet to buy my IIIf some day. I saw one go with clean Summarit 50mm f/1.5 (another thing I'm after!) for $510 on ebay today.

 

[Luddite Frank]

"LEICA IIIf, mit out lens."

Don't worry 😉 for those who can some german this is understandable although not precisely right.

" I can haz cheezburger" ?


😀

 

[besk]

I look at Rockwell's site as sort of a Blog. He gives me information and I consider most of it to be his opinion.

That said I purchased a IIIF RD a year and a half ago for many of the reasons he mentioned. It has been my snapshot camera -- sort of like Leicas were originally designed to be in the first place. (Owned two M2's and two M6's in the past BTW.)

 

[raydm6]

I was cracking up while reading it at work today.

Some gems:

The sort of people who love the IIIf are the same sort of people who prefer shooting muzzle loaders and black powder: the results are the same, but you have to do a lot more yourself.

The rangefinder telescope focus adjustment keeps moving as I carry the IIIf. Maybe some chewing gum would help keep it in place.

The first version had black numbers everywhere, including the contact numbers on the synchronizer dial around the shutter dial.
The proper appellation of this model is the LEICA IIIf with Black Contact Numbers. Lay people often use an incorrect street name of "Black Dial" or "BD," even though all the dials are of course silver.

Gotta' love it! 😀

 

[fbf]

I love the cv 28/35 silver finder on the iiif. I have been using 35mm a lot on it and it works perfect. The finder is very tiny but it's super bright. Love the combo.