Leica LTM The Lust

Leica M39 screw mount bodies/lenses
.JL.

.JL.

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Feb 14, 2007
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Someone needs to talk me out of this.

I am constantly thinking about getting a Leica IIIf. I don't need it, and probably won't use it often. Except for 2 CV ultrawides, I have no LTM lenses that I can use on it. I don't even understand exactly how to load film into these cameras.

The only reason I can think of is that, I just want one. They are smaller than the M's and are so beautifully made. Cure?
 
Zorki 1 might help. Otherwise pay your dues, death, tax and IIIf are he only things you can be sure of in this life.

I got a IIIc myself, as well as a few Zorki 1s

Noel
P.S. Sorry
 
I've got the cure for you. Guaranteed to solve all your problems. Buy the IIIf, to cure the lust, and then send it to me, to absolve your conscience. ; )

Wes
 
I have a IIIa, yes they are WONDERFUL. But, add a CLA to it when you find one you like. Might need a new shutter curtin (sun holes)$$$$$$$.

There is no cure, but there are two other options.

One is a FED 2 (http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost-classifieds/showproduct.php?product=3885&cat=3) is a lower cost option. I have to come clean and say, yes I am the one selling it. Just CLAed by Oled (Mr. FED) and in beautiful shape. I need to clean out my overfull camera area (my wife is right, I have too much stuff) and we do need the money. I have sold the lenses and finders, all I have left is the body. I do not expect to recover all the costs for the body and CLAing, but I'm looking for a fair deal. BTW, on the FED 2, you take the back off to load the film. Look at the pictures and the discrition. I had her pimped (a FED 5 take up spool) for faster loading!

Another option is a Bessa L. Not as beautiful to hold, but a very fun camera to use. Built in light meter, MUCH fast loading than a IIIf, it's lighter than a IIIf too! it's my everyday camera, with my CV 25/4, I hardly know it's there.

No cure, some less expensive options. some lighter options, sorry no cure.

B2 (;->
 
get a Leica IIIf & learn how to load film in it, this is worth the price of admission alone.
you will love it.
 
If you are looking at the III series, go with a IIIc or after. You can add a rapidwinder to them (www.rapidwinder.com).

I used a IIIa for about six months in high school as my camera. Do not worry about it being hard to load it is not that hard.

How wide are the lenses you are going to use? If you are not using anything longer than say 25 (perhaps 28), why not go for a Leica Ic or If? You do not need a rangefinder for the 25 or wider. One less thing to break or have adjusted.

May not be as flexable but should cost you less.

B2 (;->
 
if you're going to get one, best get something that already works.

A cla can be very expensive and don't expect to recover it should you want to sell it.

Some have sent it off to Oleg for a service and have had good results, but that's if you're willing to take the risk of it disappearing in the mail.
 
"Someone needs to talk me out of this."
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Oh yeah. That'll happen here! ;)
"I don't need it, and probably won't use it often."
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Get one you like and don't worry. Their size and ease of use guarantee you'll have it with you often and it'll get plenty of use.
icon14.gif
 
It's gotten worse

It's gotten worse

I was expecting a cure from RFF, advices such as "buy more film with the money instead of more cameras." That advice wouldn't have worked anyways, but what was I thinking?:)

Well, I am shopping for IIIc/f/g. Normally I would include eBay in my search, but given that these are older cameras, there is a greater risk of getting stuck with real lemons. Right?

Apart from KEH, are there any stores I should look at?


Edit: more question after 5 min of shopping.

What is the difference between black-dial and red-dial IIIf in terms of function?
 
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Richard at Woodmere Camera is a straight shoter that I have bought from and would buy again from. Part of me wants to say you should contact DAG or Sherry to see if they have a good user sitting on the shelves.

Part of the problem is that Leicas love to get used. The more they are used, the better shape they are in. You can work them back into shape, but it's hard. I would almost say budget a CLA with someone good. I've used DAG before and Don is GREAT. Have not used Sherry yet, but lots of folks here love her. There are others but they are the best.

If you go KEH, make sure you have a sales person get it and call you to discribe it. They have a reasonable return policy (I think) that should allow some level of protection.

They are a great camera, welcome to the slippery slopppppppppppeeeeeee!!!!

B2 (;->
 
aizan said:
a iiif? what a waste of space and money.
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Judging from the fact that Leica made several thousand of these over a period of 6 or 7 years, and surely sold every one, suffice it to say there are probably more than a few III.f owners/users around that would disagree with this scant evaluation. :rolleyes:

As far as sellers go, I've never dealt with Ritz Camera, but they have an ample offering of Barnacks in their Collectible Cameras section. Maybe others could chime in with some experience there.
 
we're supposed to discourage him, right? :rolleyes:

you don't want that relic cluttering up your place, and there's sure to be something you'd appreciate more. a jobo cpe2, billingham hadley, or stack of snazzy photo books?
 
CVBLZ4 said:
As far as sellers go, I've never dealt with Ritz Camera, but they have an ample offering of Barnacks in their Collectible Cameras section. Maybe others could chime in with some experience there.
Click to expand...

I purchased a leica summitar lens cap from them before for $30 + postage.
Not cheap but it was "minty"! they were very responsive to emails, and pack nicely... (which brought the postage cost up!) even threw in a cleaning cloth.

One of the rffers has just posted a list of screwmount prices on his website:

http://members.aol.com/dcolucci/lsm9.htm
 
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