Proud new Leica owner. My first!

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Lemures-Ex

Jared S
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Jan 16, 2006
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Zorki 6 died
Bessa is nice but that's all
Love the Canonet QL17 GIII but it has only one lens

Today I acquired (in a much less shady manner then that word seems to imply) a Leica III in wonderful condition...

At least I think it's a III. I'm not too familiar with the series, so begins the questioning:

How do I tell what camera it is? It has seperate focusing and composing finders, speeds 1-25-1000 plus B and T, self timer (works!), serial #690050.

A couple of usage questions: What is the scale under the top shutter speed selector for? It has 0-20 and a little sliding ring with a notched position to mark the set number... And why does the ASA reminder have a "Weston" window opposite it? What is Weston?

This camera is in fantastic shape. The shutter looks and sounds very nice, the vulcanite is perfect, no brassing... The only physical flaw is that the black paint in some of the lettering on the top is fading. I figured a Sharpie would fix this but I'm not sure I want to do that...

The Elmar 50 3.5 (collapsible) that came with is is also very nice. It needs some fresh grease on the threads but that's hardly a challenge after rebuilding 3 Russian lenses and EVERY part of my Zorki. That was fun.

One last thing. Where should I get this CLA'd and about how much does that run?

Just wanted to share the joy with everyone here. I'm looking foward to using this wonderful camera. Oh, and any links or info on this camera would be much appreciated!

Jared
 
Ah! I almost forgot (or rather I did for a bit).

I have a Jupiter 12 and a very nice Jupiter 3. These lenses will mount (I was a bit worried about the 12 because of the massive rear element) but will they focus properly or do I need to adjust something? They seem ok but I have not formally tested them...

Thanks,
Jared
 
Sounds like a IIIf. Are the numbers under the shutter control red?
I'd run film through before a CLA, but that's just me. I do hear some Russian lenses have an issue on Leica bodies, todo with the RF cam.
 
Yeah, they are quite the little gems are they not. Congrats on your new arrival.

Mr. Gandy has a serial number table at his Camera Quest site. for information about years of manufacture. Given the serial number you listed it is likely a 1954 IIIF.

The scale under the top shutter speed selector is the flash sync speed, if the numbers are red then your Leica is a "Red Dial" if black you have yourself a "Black Dial".

As to a CLA, I would run a roll of film through it and see if it really needs one, who knows it may have had one within the last 5 years or so.
 
Jared,

first of all congratulations on what sounds like a great camera.

Based on the serial number you got a Leica IIIf from 1954. It's commonly referred to as one of the most attractive barnack bodies.

The Elmar lens you got also got a serial number on it at the front and it is t-i-n-y (you may want to use a magnifying glass to see that number) if you want to date the lens as well.
 
More specifically, according to my book you have a 1954 IIIf Red Dial with a Self Timer. To my eye, it's possibly the most attractive of all the screw-mount Leicas. I'm with Rich on this: They are a real beauty and it sounds like you have a very nice one.

Congratulations!

Walker
 
1954 IIIf red dial it is! Thanks Kevin. I assume that "Delay Mech." is the self timer?

What is the difference between red and black dial? Besides the obvious of course...

So if the flash sync is 25 then how do the red numbers (1-20) apply?

I am running a roll through it tonight and another tomorrow when there is light. I'm going to test all three lenses.

Thanks,
Jared
 
Yes, congratulations, Jared. The Leica III(x) are nice cameras; I've handled and fondled a few myself, but never owned one. Perhaps one day. Paired with a collapsible lens... ::drool::

Per the CLA: http://www.dagcamera.com/ I've never been dissapointed by any work done by Don; he really does excellent work.

Congratulations, again!
 
Enjoy it Jared!
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While you're at CameraQuest site, check out Gandy's article on the IIIfRD.
 
Lemures-Ex said:
1954 IIIf red dial it is! Thanks Kevin. I assume that "Delay Mech." is the self timer? What is the difference between red and black dial? Besides the obvious of course... Jared
Click to expand...

The Red Dial has a lighter and improved shutter as well as slightly different shutter speeds. The Black Dial has 1/30, 1/40, 1/60 and the Red Dial is 1/25, 1/50, 1/75. The first Red Dials didn't have the self timer so there are actually three distinct models of the IIIf; Black Dial, Red Dial and Red Dial with Self-Timer.

For electronic flash, the Black Dial is set at 1/30 shutter speed and a sync delay of 2. The Red Dial is set at 1/25 and a delay of 0 or 1/50 and a delay of 20.

Walker
 
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