Which to keep? IIF or IIIC?

[hamradio]

I've got a little bit of a dilemma on my hands.

I now own two LTM bodies. A '49 IIIC and '53 IIF. Both are pretty much pristine, but have been stored for ages, and need work. I got the IIF into serviceable shape, but I really need to tear it down and CLA the thing. One of the curtains is wavy, but is light tight and works. The IIIC, on the other hand, needs new curtains. One is about as cracked as it can get, and looks like a sieve when held up to light. Slow speeds are not too great, either.

I don't shoot nearly enough 35mm to warrant owning two LTM bodies, and plan to unload one – but haven't decided which one! Any compelling reasons to keep one over the other? For some odd reason, I kind of enjoy the IIF having a blank spot where the slow speed dial normally is. I also rarely, rarely ever use slow speeds on any 35mm RF, so 1/25 minimum is no problem. My particular IIF lacks 1/1000, which is my only (minor) complaint with it. I can't imagine myself shooting flash with either camera, so the sync of the IIF doesn't really matter to me.

Thanks!

 

[Livesteamer]

Aren't you asking the wrong crowd? Most of us would tell you to keep both and buy more!

It actually might be better to sell both and use the funds to buy one good camera. Joe

 

[raid]

I sold my IIIc and got a IIIf. Why?
Because "f" sounds more advanced than "c". (grin)

 

[Bingley]

I've got a IIIc and I had a IIf RD. Sold the latter. Why? Well, it was a lovely camera, but I found I needed the slow shutter speeds too often. It's great if you know that you'll need just 1/40 or above, but if you find yourself in the golden hour with shadows and slow film you're dead in the water. I kept the IIIc and am glad I did.

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

I think the answer's here;-

"For some odd reason, I kind of enjoy the IIF having a blank spot where the slow speed dial normally is. I also rarely, rarely ever use slow speeds on any 35mm RF, so 1/25 minimum is no problem. My particular IIF lacks 1/1000, which is my only (minor) complaint with it."

Regards, David

PS It just shows the advantage you gain when wording the question properly...

 

[traveler_101]

Echo Bingley: I find myself using the slow dial on my IIIf quite often. Not sure why you would accept a camera with lesser specs when you have a good alternative?

 

[JustPlainBill]

Hi,
My first and second Leicas were IIfs; which I loved until the M4 was introduced. (I now own 2 M2s and a M4). I remember my IIfs as lovely cameras.
the absense of slow shutter speeds seldom bothered me, but the the inability to change lenses quickly did. I suggest that you look at and handle some of the early M Leicas - the M2, M3, M4, and perhaps the M5. The M3 is legendary and has a fantastic viewfinder for the 50mm lens, but isn't really made to use the 35mm lens. The M2 and M4 both have viewfinder frames for the 35mm lens.
Here's wishing you succcesful camera choosing!
JustPlainBill

 

[lxmike]

a difficult choice, good luck with whatever you choose

 

[hamradio]

Hi,

I think the answer's here;-

"For some odd reason, I kind of enjoy the IIF having a blank spot where the slow speed dial normally is. I also rarely, rarely ever use slow speeds on any 35mm RF, so 1/25 minimum is no problem. My particular IIF lacks 1/1000, which is my only (minor) complaint with it."

Regards, David

PS It just shows the advantage you gain when wording the question properly...

You figured out which camera I like a little more. 😉

I'll probably hang onto the IIIC and eventually ditch the IIF. The IIF works as-is, but the shutter sounds a bit louder than it should, and the RF has a little internal haze. I'd probably sell this one as-is, or perform the CLA myself, as it doesn't need new curtains. The IIIC will probably get sent out, as it would take me far more hours to put new curtains in than someone who does it for a living.

I'd mess around with an M3, but like the screwmount cameras and don't want to mess with another cheap body that needs work. I already have a VIDOM to go with all of my non-50mm lenses.

Thanks for the input, all!

 

[Pioneer]

Tough choice.

When I am using my little leica ii I love it and don't miss the slow speed dial at all.

But when I am working with my leica iiic I use the slow speeds frequently and enjoy the option.

Fortunately I own and use both, so there is really no need for me to choose.

But...if I had to make the choice, I would choose the II and use ISO200 film.

 

[Bill Clark]

Agree.

I like the II and I don't miss the slow speeds.