On leica film casettes

[sanmich]

Hi all

I have used regular film in my Barnacks, and exept for a IIIf, the frames are located too "low" on the film (meaning the film is too low in the camera). The advice received was:
"Use leica film casettes!!"

Now, how the heck can I identify these?

Are they universal? meaning that they work on both barnacks and M's

as an example, have a look here:

http://cgi.ebay.com/LEITZ-LEICA-VINTAGE-35MM-FILM-CANISTER-LOT-OF-5-NR_W0QQitemZ350002364016QQihZ022QQcategoryZ30030QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

the 2 extreme ones are shorter than the others.

Also, any coment on using them is more than welcome.

Have fun! 😉

 

[hans voralberg]

Casstte for Barnacks are called Filca, with the top round nip in brass, as oppsed to white. The engraving at the bottom is Ernst Leitz Wetzlar. It's 2mm longer than the IXMOO type which fit both Barnack and M bodies, IXMOO have the white top and engraved Ernst Leitz GbmH Wetzlar. I dont find any problem using them except that they only fit Leica body and nothing else afaik. I have 5 IXMOO and they can be a bit stiff after all those year

On your link the 2 shorter one are IXMOO, the rest FILCA

 

[Tom A]

The IXMOO's and the FILCA's can be a bit bewildering. As stated. the brass " knobbed" Filcas will only work on the screwmount or Barnack Leicas while the IXMOO's (chrome knob) will work on both Barnack and M-cameras.
The protrusion of the sprocket holes in the negative area when using a Barnack Leica is due to the film "slipping" down a bit when you advance. The pressure plate on a Barnack Leica has quite strong springs on it and the film can still advance, even though it is not fully seated. On the other hand, screwmount shooters like HCB,Elliot Erwitt, Brassai have shown prints with sprocket holes prominently displayed, so you are in good company!
If you know that you are not going to go a M model, keep looking out for the FILCA cassettes, but if you are thinking of switching, buy the IXMOO ones as these can be used on both Barnacks and M-cameras.
Check that they open and close smoothly. They are made of brass so they can tarnish and jam, or be very stiff. Disassemble the cassette and lightly polish the surfaces on the inside (dont use sand paper, it is too rough). I use a pot scrubber type pad and do the polishing in a horizontal manner as the minute scratches will then be in the turning directions. Take some light oil or Vaseline and apply to both the surfaces and re-assemble. Open and close the cassette multiple times and then clean off excess lubricant.
As for loading them, go to our YouTube (see blelow) and there is ahort video clip on "How To". It is less daunting than it looks!

 

[hans voralberg]

I have some spare Filca if you happen to need them.

 

[sanmich]

Thanks so much for all the information.
What lovely names...
My next boy will be called IXMOO. If it's a girl, we'll call her FILCA 🙂
Hans, thanks for the offer, I'm sending you a PM...