New Leica IIf user

[MichaelHarris]

I just got my Leica IIf today and a VC 35mm Color Skopar. I know I need a viewfinder for it since the rangefinder is for 50mm but will the focus be the same?

I know it's a stupid question but this is my first Leica and only my second thread mount camera so any help and tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Michael

 

[xayraa33]

if the rf is properly set up it will focus any good coupled ltm lens of any focal lenght up to a 200 mm lens, like what Komura made. but the limit of accuracy seems more to the 135mm focal lenght ltm lenses alltough a super fast 85mm lens used at full bore and focused fairly close, is also running the limit of the rf accuracy in a camera like the LTM Leica, from the model III on, or any model with the 1.5x mag in the rf.

 

[Solinar]

You can get a Russian viewfinder for fairly cheap. The IIf and Skopar 35/2.5 combo is a very nice kit for walking about. The rangefinder window will work with differenet focal length lenses. So you just line-up the split images and you''ll be fine. Enjoy and happy shooting.

 

[MichaelHarris]

Thanks you guys, I've never even seen a Leica in real life and this feels wonderful. Now if I can only figure out where the memory card goes I'll be set 🙂

 

[OldNick]

I have never tried this with a memory card, but, I would assume, if you can trim it like one would trim the proper film leader for a Barnack Leica, it might work 😉

Jim N.

 

[MichaelHarris]

LOL, I looked and looked in the 1954 catalogs and didn't find one memory card, not only that the USB plug looks like a flash sync. Man that is old skool.

I'll take a few pictures of it and with it today, this sure is a nice camera, can't believe I waited so long to get one.

 

[rumbliegeos]

I'll second the recommendation for Russian 35mm viewfinders. They don't have brightlines, or parallax adjustment, but they work quite well. And they are a lot less expensive than Voigtlander or Leica(!) viewfinders.
Gerry

 

[doubs43]

IMO you'd be better served by paying a little more and getting a Leitz VIOOH finder... often called an IMARECT Finder. It will include 35, 50, 73 or 85, 90 & 135mm settings and the parallel correction is precise. It will also fit your accessory shoe tightly and align correctly. They can often be gotten for $50~$65 and sometimes less. They're worth it.

Walker

 

[captainslack]

I have a IIf and it's my favorite shooter by far.

I got a CV 35mm viewfinder that new-old-stock from Photo Village for $65. It's plastic, but similar to the metal one that they sell for $129. It's bright and has framelines. Works well on my Kiev 4am with a Jupiter 12.

 

[reagan]

Congrats Michael! I too love the old Barnacks. One in hand, another on the way. You're going to really enjoy it. Don't wait on the VF - get out there and shoot something!!

Oh yeah. Barnack memory cards... they're different than other memory cards. They go in your shirt pocket along with the memory pencils you write on them with.

 

[MichaelHarris]

hahahahaha I'll keep them right next to my 51/4 floppies