Re: [Leica] Leica Users digest V15 #46

[Guy Bennett <guybnt@idt.net>]

>I'd like a Heliar -- in fact, that would be the most useful lens for me at
>the moment -- but it seems a waste of this body to use an uncoupled
>lens.  I was thinking of perhaps finding one of the Leica III series
>bodies, and dedicating it to the 15mm.  Which makes the best user?  (I
>sense the IIIg is pretty expensive.)
>
>Douglas Cooper

douglas,

if you're in the market for a sm leica, consider the iiif. they are
plentiful and relatively inexpensive - except for the iiif rd st (red dial
+ self timer); it's the second most expensive screw mount leica after the
iiig (they tend to run about $900-$1000). you can find useful info on these
and other screw mount leicas on stephen gandy's site
http://www.cameraquest.com.

you should be able to find a iiif in pretty good shape for about $500 on
ebay, though any good second hand dealer who deals in leica should also
have a couple. that failing, consider a iiic. whatever your choice, watch
out for dim range/viewfinders, and check the shutter speeds carefully -
especially the slow speeds. you may need to have the camera cla'd (about
$150), but once that's done, you'll have a perfectly functional, highly
portable camera that will literally fit in your pocket.

in my opinion, the cosina/voigtlander lenses feel absolutely correct with
sm bodies, and if you're thinking of using it as a dedicated heliar body,
you surely won't be disappointed. i personally find the tiny rangefinder a
little difficult to focus through quickly, and use my iiif more and more
for grabbing quick shots in the street, with the lens set to the hyperfocal
distance. the extensive depth of field of the heliar (and even of the
skopar, which is the lens i most frequently use with my iiif) makes this
possible, and the lack of true critical focusing less of an issue. (if you
need to focus critically, use the m2.)

let us know what you decide and how you feel about the sm leicas.

best of luck.

guy