Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2006/01/08
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]John, Probably the most useable LTM would be the mid-later Canon models. Take a look at a VT or possibly a P. You will find a well built body with a bullet proof shutter with the added benefit of a combined range/viewfinder and an opening back. With the VT you also get a bottom trigger wind which is very nice. Also, if you come across a NICCA those were also very well designed camera very much in the IIIF mold. Should you decide to stay in the Leica fold, then the IIIc would be my choice. It is generally less expensive than the others, gives you bearings in the shutter where you need them most, provides the full range of speeds, and puts the rangefinder near the viewfinder although I would recommend a SBOOI finder. Ultimately, purchase the later III series that comes up first in the condition you prefer; if you are budgeting a CLA with any of them, then the ultimate differences in a user are of minor importance. As Daniel mentioned, stay away from the earlier LTMs. Instead of fifty year old cameras you are looking at seventy year old cameras with severe compromises in design and engineering. Daniel touched on the shims used to define film to flange tolerances. The bodies were tubes pulled into the oblong shape instead of a casting with the inherent stability issues. Viewfinders were relatively far away from the rangefinder. Shutters were very low stressed with relatively weak springs and bushings for bearings that depended very much on the quality of lubricant: after seventy years all old lubricant will need to be removed and new replaced. In Canada I would trust Kinderman but no one else for this. I could go on, but you get the drift that earlier LTMs are good curios that can take pictures but I wouldn't purchase one as a user. Don don.dory@gmail.com On 1/8/06, John Collier <jbcollier@shaw.ca> wrote: > > I am interested in hearing what is your favourite screwmount body and > why. I am considering a IIIF RD for the improved shutter though I > know anything I find will need an CLA and that pictures seemed to > have turned out fine with the earlier cameras too. Are the pre IIIC > cameras really so flexible you can change the film plane register > with a good squeeze? I do like their smaller size. > > John Collier > > _______________________________________________ > Leica Users Group. > See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information >