What Lubricant For My 50 Elmar

[David Hughes]

Hi,

I agree that the itch won't go away but I blame it on years of publicity.

But it might save you some cash if I add that I was curious about the FED 1 and Zorki 1 and ended up buying one of each. The next step to make the comparison fair was to send them to Oleg as the Leica II had had a full service.

They all feel the same and behave more or less the same but the USSR made ones have a slight edge in that they were nearer a 1950's camera and the model II was 1930's. The USSR RF had two contrasting tints to it and the take up spools were a better design. The lenses seem about the same, despite the differences (coating). Anyway, so I now use a FED spool in the model II.

Anyway, the point is that it's an expensive way of dealing with the problem/itch. Leicas are dear to buy, have problems just the same as any other old, second-hand camera and are very dear to get repaired. I've been quoted £150 to get blinds made for a Barnack.

BTW, I like all of them and can understand anyone wanting to go down that road but stop when/before it gets to pre-war FED's and the f/2 Summar clone...

Regards, David

 

[mcfingon]

Hi,

Is that 3 000 centistrokes? Just wondering as my knowledge of lubricants is about 40 or 50 years out of date.

Regards, David

Hello David,
Sorry, I've no idea what viscosity measure they are referring to. I think it would be asking too much of the English-Japanese translation to even ask them. I can only say I like the feel of the #10 which I've got.

 

[mcfingon]

I'm quite pleased thus far with the reliability & handling of the Zorki I have. MOF last night as I was playing at focusing I thought Wow...focusing this camera is a breeze & thinking how clear the focus patch was & clear the VF is. My only dislike to this camera is that it's a bit heavy. People talk of the pocketability of the Barnacks, like perhaps a Leica II without the slow speed dial. I'm content with the speeds of my Zorki & don't need the slow speeds of the later Barnacks.

I believe the weight of the Leica Barnacks and Zorkis is the same. I have a Fed 2 and prefer using the Leica III that I have. It just feels better made and nicer to operate. A 1946 Leica IIIc is one of the least expensive Leica bodies to buy if you have to scratch that itch and match your Elmar lens. I have a '46 Elmar and I think it excellent for the time.

 

[davidnewtonguitars]

I began this rangefinder thing with a Zorki-1, the export model termed "zorki-zorki" because of the export bi-lingual engraving. It had a cla by the seller when I got it, and it is smooth & quiet, and the I-22 is very nice. The problem with FSU is to find a good one.

I couldn't stand the comparisons, so I had to get a Leica IIIc w/ Elmar to see for myself. It is a very nice kit.

If the Leica had not had so much legend swirling about it, I should have been happy with the Zorki-1, it has a quality feel, the RF has a bit more contrast, and it is not so precious.

So now I have to buy more film to keep them both loaded.
The eye of man is never satisfied. Prov. 27:20

Hi,

I agree that the itch won't go away but I blame it on years of publicity.

But it might save you some cash if I add that I was curious about the FED 1 and Zorki 1 and ended up buying one of each. The next step to make the comparison fair was to send them to Oleg as the Leica II had had a full service.

They all feel the same and behave more or less the same but the USSR made ones have a slight edge in that they were nearer a 1950's camera and the model II was 1930's. The USSR RF had two contrasting tints to it and the take up spools were a better design. The lenses seem about the same, despite the differences (coating). Anyway, so I now use a FED spool in the model II.

Anyway, the point is that it's an expensive way of dealing with the problem/itch. Leicas are dear to buy, have problems just the same as any other old, second-hand camera and are very dear to get repaired. I've been quoted £150 to get blinds made for a Barnack.

BTW, I like all of them and can understand anyone wanting to go down that road but stop when/before it gets to pre-war FED's and the f/2 Summar clone...

Regards, David