Oh dear, the Barnack bug almost bit me

Erik van Straten said:
I like the IIIc too, but then only in all black.

Erik.

31777936238_266ec73fc9_z.jpg
Click to expand...

im seeking a black voigtlander 50 finder for my latest acquisition. let me know of any leads on one. 😀
 
Off to London in a couple of hours where I hope to fondle a few.

There are some nice IIIfs around but I'm leaning towards a III as I want something contemporary with most of the old cars I photograph. Any particular things to look out for?
 
Check the Rangefinder contrast,
And if both curtains are nice and smooth, no wrinkle, tears or holes.
And see if it works on all speeds, especially the slow speeds
 
I picked up a Leica IIIf with 5cm collapsible Elmar last year from Red Dot Cameras, was significantly cheaper than a IIIg, the film loading wasn't as fiddly as I'd feared so I soon got the hang of it (practise first!) and it's a delight to use!

Leica IIIf by Antony Shepherd, on Flickr
 
Lovely Antony!

I ended up in Red Dot Cameras too and bought a black 1933 III with nickel Elmar. It had been serviced last year, rangefinder was bright enough and it was more quiet than a 50s IIIg. Everything else good - brassing but the whole camera is nicely patinated rather than worn.
 
It's looking dandy. 🙂

Wonder what the TVB on the advance knob stands for? Ted Von Bunkenhoff? 😉

I always get an urge to buy more of these, especially the III or IIIa since at least the chrome ones are possible to find relatively cheaply, but then I remember the extra lenses needed, the maintenance etc etc.

I love the form factor of the Leica II, but in practical photography situations I prefer the ones with a "diopter". Been thinking of combining a II shell with the rangefinder from a IIIb, but I am not sure that would work. That would be my dream camera.
 
Jerevan said:
It's looking dandy. 🙂

Wonder what the TVB on the advance knob stands for? Ted Von Bunkenhoff? 😉

I always get an urge to buy more of these, especially the III or IIIa since at least the chrome ones are possible to find relatively cheaply, but then I remember the extra lenses needed, the maintenance etc etc.

I love the form factor of the Leica II, but in practical photography situations I prefer the ones with a "diopter". Been thinking of combining a II shell with the rangefinder from a IIIb, but I am not sure that would work. That would be my dream camera.
Click to expand...

Ivor at Red Dot said they'd had a good old speculate about the initials, but had no real idea as to whose or when done - they look mid 20th century to me, but what do I know? It it just a nice little enigma.

So far enjoying it immensely. I took my photos of it with a Nikon D700 and beside it it feels so petite yet so fine and hefty. It will fit my shirt front pockets but they might need some reinforcement!
 
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