Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/07/02
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]If the dealer offers a guarantee then don't waste your money having it checked over. Take it out and use it at all the shutter speeds, make sure the rangefinder is ok and have fun. These are REALLY simple cameras. If it ain't broke, use it! The best collapsable lens will be the Elmar 50 3.5. Coated versions will produce results that will surpass your zoom. Just watch for flare situations. The original Summicron is great but overpriced and most are scratched to hell. Skip the Summar, it is a turd compared to the Elmar, and the lack of contrast in this uncoated lens will make black and white photography unsatisfying. If you really need F2.0 but don't want to drop a bundle go for a later Summitar. It is MUCH better than the Summar. As for meters, get the cheapest you can live with. Accuracy in exposure is highly overrated, especially in B&W neg film. Hell, you can probably learn to estimate exposure and get great results, without all the crap to carry around. I really enjoy the old Cameras, but you have to use them in their element. Photos of people, street shots etc are this camera's specialty. Bittingly sharp still lifes are not... Best wishes Dan States Madison Wisconsin > > I have only just joined the group - so if I've got anything wrong with >this posting - my apologies! > >Strange as it may seem, I have a Canon EOS single lens reflex 'automatic >everything' camera(plus an f3.5/4.5 28-105mm zoom lens) which in many ways >is a joy to use!! Excellent results are almost assured most of the time and >the automation leaves time to concentrate on composing the picture. > >I have been using cameras for many more years than I would like to >mention(!!) dating back to completely manual models, with a separate >rangefinder and Weston Master exposure meter. - how primitive! In those >days it was my ambition to own a Leica - when I could afford it.......! >Then the Japanese invaded the camera market with cameras which were so good >- particularly with the early SLRs like the Pentax S1A - and such value for >money - that the expense of a Leica hardly seemed justified. > >I can't really explain why after all these years I now have an urge to >realise my youthful ambition to own a Leica - and in particular one so >technically out of date as a IIIc....! However, I like the appearance of >this type - rather in the same way that a steam locomotive looks more >appealing than the smoother lines of a diesel railway engine. The 'M' >series and Leicaflex don't look so interesting - or so distinctive. > >I would like to ask : > >(i) o you consider the IIIc as a good choice of camera body as a >collectable/useable Leica icon . > >(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? > >(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....... > >(iii) is it best to buy the clip-on Voigtlander exposure meter or a hand >held meter > >Thanks in anticipation - > >Denis Boisclair >(Northwich, Cheshire, England) > ________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com