Newby Leica user: IIIC w 50 3.5 Elmar

[kowen]

Hello all,

Just wanted to introduce myself to RF.com. I've been doing photography for 35+ years off and on, mostly used Canon FD in those years along with a little medium format shooting also.

I recently bought what I believe is a a very good find on Ebay, a IIIC with a clean 50 f3.5 Elmar. I am shooting some Kodak Gold 200 in it right now, picked up at Wal Mart, using the "Sunny 16" method for exposure. Not so sure I'll like the results but I like the idea so I'll practice. First rolls in my used cameras are to give the camera a run through, see if the shutter is working and for any light leaks (as in Moskva V's) but I think this camera will be fine. The camera is from 1947, 473xxx, and the lens from 1947, 638xxx.

I had seen some photos at Photosig's website, actually saw some very nice Minilux shots there, most shots have info on camera, lens, film used, etc. so that, this and other sites with photo galleries can be a window shopping experience (I don't need anymore cameras and lenses).

Regards,

Kerry Eliz. O.

 

[ray*j*gun]

Welcome.....I have the exact same rig also love the camera. When I was in the serice (combat photog) we never could keep meters working so we had an expresion that still serves me well (especially if you have a dark room available)......."F11 and be there!"

Ray

 

[FPjohn]

Welcome, that is a fine combination. You may find the Elmar an ideal b&w lens as well.

yours
FPJ

http://not.contaxg.com/document.php?id=12468

 

[kowen]

Thanks for the welcome. I've never owned a 50mm normal lens, but am enjoying using it. I like docu-record type photography, and do like landscapes and nature, so I use the wides or telephoto for that. Looking forward to doing some black & white also, I can get TriX at CVS, hopefully they won't discontinue having that too soon...

I like what I'm reading about the uncoated Elmars for color film even though mine is coated.

Hopefully I'll have something decent from the first roll. I have a Weston Master II that's not dead-it actually looks to be working right, also have a Sekonic spot just in case.

Thanks again,
Kerry

 

[kowen]

BTW-

Don't know when you served but glad you made it, Ray, that had to be interesting. Looking through your photos at your link, FPohn, nice shots, I like the upper Gorge shot. I will get some PlusX...

 

[Rob-F]

I like what I'm reading about the uncoated Elmars for color film even though mine is coated.


Thanks again,
Kerry

I recently acquired an uncoated Elmar--not having used one in over 50 years, since the mid-'50's--and also an uncoated Summar. The Summar had a lot of veiling flare, even under favorable lighting conditions. But the uncoated Elmar gave brilliant color. I shot with Velvia 50, in order to be able to try the lenses at the wider apertures. Of course the Velvia helped the color saturation; nevertheless I was impressed with the old Elmar. It is one of the ones before they started engraving the serial numbers on the outside. Probably 1932 or so.

Best, Rob

 

[payasam]

Welcome, Kerry. I combined Canon FD and Leica M for many years, then tried a IIIc. Am now back to an M2, having sold the FD kit.

 

[ray*j*gun]

BTW-

Don't know when you served but glad you made it, Ray, that had to be interesting. Looking through your photos at your link, FPohn, nice shots, I like the upper Gorge shot. I will get some PlusX...

USMC 1969 through 1975. Thanks for the sentiment........Vietnam era soldiers were not treated the way our boys are treated these days and thank God its changed!!.

Ray

 

[kowen]

Rob,
I'm definitely keeping an eye out for an uncoated 35fl Elmar, if Elmars came in a wider uncoated lens I'd look at those also.
I said I wouldn't rush to pick up additional lenses but we all know how that goes. Since you can pick them up for less than a small fortune, and being it's tax refund season, scrimp later...
Not in a rush to buy these lenses, trying to avoid $pending too much on a lens that has haze or fungus-then have to spend on the cla anyhow. While I wouldn't mind getting/sending anything to get cleaned-I've been in contact with John at Focal Point just in case, I'm hoping to get glass that is clean, realizing it may have been sent off.

Payasam, I have my F1 and my lenses, although most if not all would have to be cleaned...I loved shooting Kodak Royal Gold 100 for landscapes & nature shots-the best colors, not oversaturated-pretty pastels, color gradations with the 35 f3.5, and my 70-210 f4. I have a 28 that I barely used, that 35 was my only lens for a long time and got good use. I'd seen a Canon ad shot with Minor White's use of a 35mm lens and that was it for me. When I started scanning film, I did notice that RG100 could be a bit grainy.

Payasam, my ignorance ...Canon's FD lenses mount to the Ms? Looks like the Canon screw mounts fit Leica screwmounts. I remember our high school photography teacher talking about Leicas, Canons & their rangefinders, screwmounts, as well as other camera brands, I just know I dreamed about getting a Canon SLR and knew Leica was out of my range...

I agree Ray. Growing up in the '60s, the times back then could be a bit strange, mystical-not all bad, crazy at times, really different; I was born in '57.

 

[FPjohn]

Hello :

There is a 35mm f3.5 Elmar which pushed the limits of the design. A f3.5 or 2.8 Summaron might be gratifying if you are a 35mm shooter.

yours
FPJ

 

[payasam]

Agree with FPJ: the 35 mm Elmar is no match for the Summaron.

Canon's Lens Mount Converter B allows you to put an FD/FL/R lens on a Leica screw body (Canon used the same 39 mm thread mount). You'll need an LTM to M adapter ring to mount the combination on an M Leica. No R/F coupling, so best used with wide or normal lenses.

 

[kowen]

Thanks for the information. I just ordered some film, and I'm looking forward to learning about this camera, using it-in other words, get out of the house and go look around.

😉