Tim Vanderweert 1958-2023

[Miles.]

The witty and disarmingly genuine Tim Vanderweert of Leicaphilia passed away yesterday, January 9th, of cancer. Many of us here on RFF had followed Tim and his writing over the years and knew that he had been open about his cancer journey in recent months. Regardless, I wish I had better news to report.

Donna, Tim's wife, wrote a moving and lovely tribute to Tim on the blog today:

Leicaphilia | Philia (/ˈfɪljə/ or /ˈfɪliə/) is one of the four ancient Greek words for love.

Wishing you safe travels and a forever-in-alignment rangefinder, Tim.

 

[p.giannakis]

Sad news. Rest in peace.

 

[Dogman]

Tim, we're gonna miss you.

 

[former member]

After reading his Sonnar articles, offered to work on his LTM Sonnar 5cm F1.5. He insisted on paying after the work was done I told him I enjoyed his site, did not want money. I got even and threw a J-3 into the box with the Sonnar. I remember why I chose the particular J-3: It was made in 1958, same year as he was born. I shimmed it to work on Nikon Rangefinders, he had bought a Nikon S3.
Everybody should take pictures with a lens made the same year they were born.

This hits hard- we're about the same age, started photography at the same time, and both started with an Argus/Cosina STL1000.

View attachment 4815097
Tim posted this picture of himself, taken ~1972.

 

[ironhorse]

Sad to hear of Tim's passing. He had a tremendously informative, entertaining, and thought provoking site. Seems like he lead a very full life. Good at least that he had time for goodbyes and to put his affairs in order.

 

[Erik van Straten]

For Tim Vanderweert.

gelatin silver print (summicron 50mm f2) leica m3

Erik.

 

[Calzone]

Sad to hear.

Close to home because I was born in 1958. Tim was only 65.

Cal

 

[airfrogusmc]

So sorry to hear this. RIP Tim.