Rangefinder Quirks

[traveler_101]

Thanks David, I think you have explained the problem.

If I am understanding you correctly, the modern canisters sit lower in the camera, with the result that the top of the frame (the bottom edge of the film) is lower than it should be -- it's out of registration -- and there's less image exposed than what you thought would be by looking through the viewfinder. There's also a strip of unexposed film between the top of the frame and the edge of the sprocket holes. On the other end, the bottom of the frame (and the top edge of the film) the image creeps "up", overlapping the sprocket holes.

This was using a Leica IIIc. Apparently, and I don't know this for a fact, Lieca IIIf and later had a "flange" that either reduces or eliminates this problem. This is a Grade-A quirk.
. . . .

IIIc versus IIIf. Yes, having read the same so I bought a IIIf because it doesn't have this problem. I've never had trouble with the framing.

 

[Scrambler]

IIIc versus IIIf. Yes, having read the same so I bought a IIIf because it doesn't have this problem. I've never had trouble with the framing.

It comes about because the Leica predates the 135 canister, which Kodak designed for the Retina. It's a quirk but you can't blame Leica for it. By the time the IIIf came out most people just used 135 anyway, and the M cameras were built around that format.

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

35mm cassettes come in a variety of sizes, although the spool size seems standardised. I've a lot of reloadable ones and disposable ones dating from the 20's in the heap of junk I call the collection and some time ago I measured them and started a thread about the heights of the can part. It's in RFF somewhere but I've lost track of it.

Regards, David

PS for finarphin, I told my wife about your comment "David isn't rude, David is a cool dude" and I expect you heard her laughing where you are. I hope it didn't wake you up due to the time difference... Thanks anyway.

 

[finarphin]

Working Photo Machine

Working Photo Machine

Well, after all, I think I finally got it working. No light leaks, etc. Thanks, everybody.

Now then, I can see it's going to take some getting used to.