You never hear much about the Null Series Replica....

Ambro51

Collector/Photographer
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It’s somewhat surprising that these cameras, built in 2000 and 2004, and Truly the newest Barnack Leica...are seemingly never discussed. The coated Recomputed Anastigmat lens alone could be ledgendsry IF Leitz decided to make 50,000 of them in ltm and M mounts, but that didn’t happen. Plus that it seems hardly any 0 series are taken off the shelf (or out of their box). ••••••• ‘Tis a great shame, Yes I appreciate the dust free mint ++++++ preservation specimen and truly the 0 deserves that. On the other hand, as a Real Camera, after you’ve learned how to use it, Damn, perfect perfect negs a Really Awesome package as a camera slipped into the coat pocket and coolness+++++ in use. •••• the sound of it winding film and especially the sound of the Shutter is Unique...and addictive! The finder on version one is an archaic and useless device. Use a different finder in the clip. Capping the lens between frames and Especially forgetting to uncap it spoils frames. I removed mine and just put my palm over the lens hood as I wind on. This too eliminates the “cap left on” wasted frame. I try to keep the speed set and change aperature if needed. My best shots are when I actually use the FOFER and set range correctly, but I shoot slow films, 6-25 ISO. With tri x it stops to f12 so this thing becomes point and shoot zone. The Drag is No strap lugs, it came with a beautiful leather case with strap, worth getting. It has a Great Solid Quality feel and build. If Only they could pick themselves up off the shelf and go out on their own and Shoot!
 
I wouldn't say no if one crossed my path (and if I have the expendable income at hand at that point).
 
Some years ago, here trial to "make a thread" with no much succes:
https://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=91660

I use the first version with the folding VF with SBOOI, but the leather case fixing device is where the accessory shoe.
I've read that someone had cut the leader...

Agree that the Anastigmat is one of the best 50mm.
Pity that those 0 Replicas don't see much field use.
 
I would prefer version 2 with the “normal” finder but that would also mean that I’d have to send the camera to a tech to remove the existing covering and replace it with version 1 cover. Oskar picture can go in a little frame and That can sit on the shelf . Plus version 2 is twice as rare.
 
It IS a shame that Leitz altered the design by increasing the body height by 1/8” to allow modern cassettes. Too bad this couldn’t have been done internally. ....and it would have been nice if the FILCA could be used. One thing I’ve found is that the shutter button takes a Lot of pressure to fire, and I’ve been using a “pinching” grip pressing up with thumb and down with finger.
 
Igor's Camera in Ohio has had one of these, (second version I believe) for sale for quite some time now. Looks beautiful, but out of my price range, maybe someone here would be interested. (I have no connection to seller).

s-l1600.jpg


Leica O Series Oskar Barnack

Best,
-Tim
 
There was a thread ages ago (in the ltm section) that more or less came to the conclusion that it is probably more satisfying (and a lot cheaper) to buy a Leica I...not the the same admittedly but...
 
I really like the camera, and eventually bought both versions - new and new-old-stock.
The first with the folding finder, is used with a SBOOI finder and the case modified into a half case by slicing off the top cover.
The second version is used with it’s full case - which covers the back ;-).

One or the other was most frequently used as a travel camera along with a Ricoh GR.
Last year at LHR I was delayed at the X-Ray screening as they thought the brass pickup spool inside the camera was a shell casing !
I’m using the TL2 and CL a lot recently so the 0-series is not getting an edge in.
 
I've had my 0-series (ver. I) for about a month now. I really like it and take it with me almost everywhere. Yes, the build quality is outstanding the operation is very smooth. My most recent instagram post is of a test roll through the camera. (Yes, I forgot to cap the lens twice).

The flip-up finder is quite difficult to use and I would imagine it requiring a lot of practice to master. I've been using a 35mm external VF and a "visual crop", but ultimately I would like to source a black metal voigtlander 50mm VF.

As far as it lacking strap lugs, I can make a recommendation. Purchase the Blackrapid Fastenr (tripod socket lug) and attach a small wrist strap to the lug loop. I use these two components:

Fastenr Tripod Attachment

Olympus Wrist Strap
 
Pictures (taken with the camera, not of the camera) are worth a thousand words. Posting some would be nice. Since that’s what it’s for (?)
 
When using the camera, you need a separate rangefinder, such as the Leitz FODIS or FOFER. Slows down the workflow considerably, but works surprisingly precise.

Erik.
 
Igor's Camera in Ohio has had one of these, (second version I believe) for sale for quite some time now. Looks beautiful, but out of my price range, maybe someone here would be interested. (I have no connection to seller).

s-l1600.jpg


Leica O Series Oskar Barnack

Best,
-Tim

FYI Igor is a great place to buy anything from. His prices are excellent and the condition always better than described.
 
Just stumbled across a used version 1 online at B&H, for a lower price than the version 2 that Igor is selling. (Aside: I've also done business with Igor on a number of occasions and he is top notch).

1232653976000_214045.jpg


Leica O Barnack

Best,
-Tim
 
There was a thread ages ago (in the ltm section) that more or less came to the conclusion that it is probably more satisfying (and a lot cheaper) to buy a Leica I...not the the same admittedly but...

This is done with a Leica I from 1928 (No 6535). Same workflow. Maybe the lens of the "0"-replica is a bit contrastier - I have never seen good pictures taken with that camera - but I am quite happy with this result.

Leica IA (1928), Elmar 50mm f/3.5 (full aperture), FOFER-rangefinder, 400-2TMY printed on Adox MCC 110.

Erik.

40822978283_a34b837942_c.jpg
 
I have version 1. It is a very nice camera but I always advance my film immediately after taking a shot. With the Null you have to remember to put on the lens cap before you advance the film since the shutter is non-capping. Usually takes me at least a couple of rolls before I start to remember to cap the shutter like I should.

Mine is certainly not a shelf queen. I have used it enough that I think that it is time to send it out for a good cleaning. The shutter seems to stick occasionally, particularly when the camera is held in portrait orientation. I guess I'll touch base with Youxin and see if he is interested in looking at it.
 
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