Some help with IIIc and 35mm lens

[VíctorRF]

Hi all.

I have given a Leica IIIc for Christmas and I have some questions. I'm thinking about buying a 35mm lens and want to know whether to focus with. It´s possible to do through the rangefinder or it´s only couppeled with 50mm lens?.
On the other hand: Do you know of any economic 35mm viewfinder?

Thanks!

 

[Mr_Flibble]

Congratulations, I wish somebody would give me a Leica for Christmas 😉

Yes, with exception of the some of the early ones (Pre-Leica II), all LTM lenses should work with the RF-cam in the camera.

I can't say I know of any cheap 35mm viewfinders, Original variable Viewfinders like the Leica VIOOH of VIDOM start at €40+ though.

 

[greyelm]

Yes it will be coupled with the rangefinder. There are low cost viewfinders on eBay, search for Helios viewfinder and you can get one from Portugal for around 40 euros. If you want higher quality finders then the price can be quite high.

 

[VíctorRF]

Thank you very much guys!

Then I´m going to buy the 35mm. I'll get one at bay! Any suggestions?

 

[tyrone.s]

Well the Helios for cheap, or a Russian turret viewfinder with multiple focal lengths for cheap also - if you don't mind a bigger rotating viewfinder. Or a Voigtlander for crisp, bright brightlines. 🙂

 

[David Hughes]

In your shoes I'd put a roll of film through it first. Best to get to know the camera before jumping in the deep end. Also you gain time to search for the 35mm lens. They are all good but on line auctions are a gamble whilst dealers can usually be trusted and give a guarantee. (OTOH, the worst experience I ever had was buying an 3,5cm Elmar from a London dealer on ebay.)

Your real choice is authenticity, ie a 35mm Leica lens of the right period and within a year or two of the camera's age or else go for something modern. I'd get some experience of using the add-on view-finder first in your shoes. But I don't know what experience you have.

Just my 2d worth.

Regards, David

 

[Rob-F]

On my IIIc's I use a 35mm CV )Cosina-Voigtlander) f/2.5 Color Skopar lens, along with the CV auxiliary finder. It's a great lens, and is rangefinder coupled. The aux. finder is a pleasure to use.

 

[Rhodes]

On my IIIc's I use a 35mm CV )Cosina-Voigtlander) f/2.5 Color Skopar lens, along with the CV auxiliary finder. It's a great lens, and is rangefinder coupled. The aux. finder is a pleasure to use.

I'm looking for one to use in my IIIc!😉

 

[VíctorRF]

In your shoes I'd put a roll of film through it first. Best to get to know the camera before jumping in the deep end. Also you gain time to search for the 35mm lens. They are all good but on line auctions are a gamble whilst dealers can usually be trusted and give a guarantee. (OTOH, the worst experience I ever had was buying an 3,5cm Elmar from a London dealer on ebay.)

Your real choice is authenticity, ie a 35mm Leica lens of the right period and within a year or two of the camera's age or else go for something modern. I'd get some experience of using the add-on view-finder first in your shoes. But I don't know what experience you have.

Just my 2d worth.

Regards, David

Thanks for your advice David, I completely agree.