Leica LTM Oh dear, the Barnack bug almost bit me

Leica M39 screw mount bodies/lenses
C

CharlesDAMorgan

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A friendly camera shop in Plymouth UK (not my local but I'm down a lot to visit family) had an early iiic from 1940 with collapsible Elmar on sale. I need more cameras like I need a hole in the head, but he let me handle it.

What an exquisite thing. The size and build is gorgeous - it felt about 20% smaller than my M3, and perfect for the pocket with the collapsible lens. I resisted, although the temptation was very strong.

Perhaps if I get round to selling some of my surplus camera stock. It wasn't expensive if £240 is inexpensive, but it just felt perfect.

I fear another obsession coming on!
 
After I got my 1946-47 IIIc, I wondered why I waited so long to try the screwmounts too. The smaller size of the body means I carry it far more -- even at work: I teach with it slung under my untucked outer shirt.

ETA: Mine is far from "exquisite" in terms of condition. Bad post-war chrome, nice dent in the top plate, tons of scratches in the chrome, brassing in various (and sometimes odd) places. But as a carry-everywhere user, it's perfect. I'll eventually plop for a nice black paint III, but for right now the beat up IIIc is just fine and the operation is smooth as silk.
 
CharlesDAMorgan said:
A friendly camera shop in Plymouth UK (not my local but I'm down a lot to visit family) had an early iiic from 1940 with collapsible Elmar on sale. I need more cameras like I need a hole in the head, but he let me handle it.

What an exquisite thing. The size and build is gorgeous - it felt about 20% smaller than my M3, and perfect for the pocket with the collapsible lens. I resisted, although the temptation was very strong.

Perhaps if I get round to selling some of my surplus camera stock. It wasn't expensive if £240 is inexpensive, but it just felt perfect.

I fear another obsession coming on!
Click to expand...

Just settle back easy and let that bug bite away! Life is too short to NOT do it!:)
 
Noo, a forum telling me to give in, whatever next! :)

Joking aside, much as I like the owner, he's not a Leica expert and having bought two cameras from him that needed to be repaired within a week (he sorted them easily), I thought I'd hold back until I'd done some more research and gathered opinions first.

Let's just say the bug is in the bloodstream but it's not yet in terminal phase!
 
Down near Plymouth you can retire to the hills and do the Ravillious thing...

£240 with a lens is not too bad if it works (after a fashion).
 
I've been through a few Barnacks, none have completely won me over. I'm putting the first roll through the O Series 2000 and I'm pretty enamored. There's quite a variety of 'Barnacks'. Just because you don't like one, doesn't mean you won't like the next.
 
Have only handled a LTM Leica at Red Dot Camera for less then five minutes a couple years ago in London. I ordered a 3f and got it yesterday. I will be sending it back as the complexity of use was just not worth it.

Beautiful camera though.
 
I have a 1949 IIIc in excellent condition that I enjoy shooting as much if not more as any other camera I have. I use a CV brightline auxiliary finder for framing. Resistance to the Barnack bug is futile!
 
Resistance is futile, you will be assimilated, then collimated!

For many years I used Barnacks as my main travel camera. Small, light and inexpensive, what’s not to like. They never gave any problems and saw a lot of the world.

If you can get past the squintiest viewfinder and loading, they’re a very capable camera.

Glenn
 
Every time I pick my IIIf up I feel like I'm a better photographer. Call it karma, zen, transcendental meditation or just walking in the shoes of HCB or James Ravilious (although he used an M, I think).
 
You can probably figure a CLA will be needed unless the shop can show you documentation that one has been done in the past five years or so. Beware, however, that you are on a very slippery GAS slope. That purchase will lead to more lenses, and then the urge to try a pre-IIIc smaller Barnack and then … They are sweet cameras and enjoyable to shoot.
 
Information gathering time then. I didn't find the viewfinder too squinty (you should see the one on my Zeiss Super Ikonta - now there's a camera that I dislike handling), but there was no evidence of any recent service, and with his track record, I wasn't inclined to think about buying it.

Any obvious points to note on inspecting one generally? I know how to examine a lens etc, but any weak points in the camera to note.
 
I'm right there with ya. I just acquired at a very good price a lot of 28 old quirky cameras, included was a LeicaIIIf and Summitar lens (complete with leather case). It needs cleaning up and a new leatherette but I'll invest in it, and use it. Cool little camera (and I already have the M6 among many others).
 
Take off the lens and examine the shutter curtains to see if they are dry or cracked. If the curtains need to be replaced it will make service much more expensive. Would the seller let you run a short roll of film thru it in the shop? I have a lot of cameras but a pair of Leica IIIc's does most of my film. Good Luck. Joe
 
I have a couple of black paint Leicas III, one from 1934 and the other from 1936. The 1934 one I got for free (I only had to pay for the SCNOO it had on its bottom) and for the 1936 one I had to pay EUR 160 if I remember well. This last one did not work, but after some crafting it was a very smooth and perfectly working camera. Of the early black and nickel Leicas the III is the best camera to work with.

Leica III, Color Skopar 50mm f/2.5, 400-2TMY printed on Adox MCC 110.

Erik.

45406610682_b1e1fcb7b6_c.jpg
 
I currently have a 1942 IIIc Stepper loaded , a 1957 IIIg loaded, and a 1932 black III awaiting a trip to Newton Ellis. Get the IIIc its a great camera, fun to use and a steal at £240
 
I'll see if he'll let me put a film through it. He's got one of my cameras of like value in for repair, so I doubt it will be an issue. He did put a roll though it himself.

However, the weather for my remaining time is looking wet!

Thanks all for help and guidance, much appreciated.
 
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