Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2002/11/16
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]I really enjoy using screwmount Leicas. In fact, it was when I got my IIIc that I began to understand why people got all sweaty over Leicas. By contrast, I did (and do) consider my M Leicas to be merely very nice cameras. That said, I suggest those who have spent their lives using SLRs would probably be happier with an M camera as a first Leica. There is simply much less culture shock involved. The screwmount Leicas seem to be from outer space compared to even a totally manual SLR. The IIIf, either red or black dial, is quite a good performer, though. You can see some pictures taken with one of each, and a 50 Summicron and 50 Elmar at the URLs below. http://www.mindspring.com/~flagstad/horn/vienna/wienvlv1.html http://www.mindspring.com/~flagstad/horn/hornport.html The 50 Elmar makes for the most compact package. It really is quite pocketable. IMHO, the best thing to do is to find one that has had a recent CLA, preferably with new shutter curtains. You'll be money ahead if you do. My experience with screwmount Leicas is that if they don't need the above work when you get them, they soon will if you actually use them to any extent. The rangefinders on the post-War cameras, particularly, tend to lose a lot of their contrast. Either be sure the CLA included a new beam splitter or that the RF is otherwise good and contrasty before you buy. I've never found the ORAKO/OKARO filters to be helpful, but YMMV. Howard Sanner flagstad@mindspring.com - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html