Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/07/02

[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]

Subject: Re: [Leica] Leica Screw cameras & lenses
From: Guy Bennett <guy.bennett@wanadoo.fr>
Date: Sun, 2 Jul 2000 22:54:25 +0200

>I would like to ask :
>
>(i) o you consider the IIIc as a good choice of camera body as a
>collectable/useable Leica icon .

yes, though you might have better luck finding a iiif in good shape at a
decent price (for the simple fact that more of them were made and they're
slightly more recent).

>(ii)after purchase would it be a good idea to have it checked over by a
>Leica repairer, even though the dealer gives a guarantee?

if you're buying from a reputable dealer, i wouldn't worry about having it
cla'd, unless there were a problem with it (in which case the reputable
dealer should take care of it). i like to have all vintage leica gear
cla'd, unless the person i've bought it from has recently had it overhauled.

>(ii) which  50mm lens (preferrably collapsible) would you recommend as one
>which would  give very good results(sharpness/contrast) with colour film. A
>Leica specialist dealer has suggested the Elmar f2.8 or Summar f2.0.......

probably the nicest vintage sm 50 is the summicron; it's also the most
expensive and good, clean examples are not easy to come by. (the summar
does not have the best reputation for sharpness.) if you don't need the
fastest possible lens, you might want to start with an elmar 50/3.5.
they're relatively plentiful, and thus inexpensive. they give great results.

>(iii) is it best to buy the clip-on Voigtlander exposure meter or a hand
>held meter

i personally use a hand meter, but i suppose that's just my preference. you
may prefer the clip on meter. if you do use the clip on, you won't be able
to mount an auxiliary finder in the shoe, and should you need to, you'll
then have to pick up the cosina dual 'hot shoe' which will allow you to do
so.

>Thanks in anticipation -

you're welcome, and welcome aboard!

>Denis Boisclair
>(Northwich, Cheshire, England)

guy