Re: [Leica] Leica IIIc - First RF?

[tripspud <tripspud@transbay.net>]

Hi Nathan,

      My first Leica was a screwmount IIIa with a Summar 50/2.
I used an M3 with an Elmar 50/2.8 some years ago.  For the
last few years I've carried a Zorki I with it's Industar-22 50/3.5
clone of the Elmar 50/3.5, I picked up another one.  Then, liking
the smaller size of the Zorki, I got a Leica D.  Then I wanted to
wind on faster, couldn't afford a Leicavit, or the older winder for
the Leica D, so I bought a Canon IVSb with the Canon Rapid Winder.
I also found an unnumbered Elmar 50/3.5 uncoated for the Leica D.

     I guess my point is that the screwmount cameras are completely
usable choice for those with less money to spend on gear.  I wanted
three bodies and cannot afford three M bodies.  I realize my experience
is different than the novice who has not used an M series.

      I've just received the Canon IVSb and the 12 metal Leitz cassettes
would not quite allow the baseplate Rapid Winder, or the standard baseplate,
to close fully.  I was able to file an 1/8 of an ince off the bottom of the
spool's
knurled end the small 'button', to make it work.  Now, I've got 11 more to
fix.

      BTW, the Leica D with it's Elmar lens weighs only 500 grams and fits
in a shirt pocket.  I carry it always or the Zorki.  I had not intended to
be 'only screwmount cameras' but that's how it is.

Cheers,

Rich Lahrson
Berkeley, California
tripspud@transbay.net

"Nathan Wajsman (private)" wrote:

> I agree with Steve. The screw-mount Leicas may have been good user tools
> in their day but that was 60-70 years ago. Today there are a mere
> curiosity--fun to try but not really useful. And before I get flamed by
> LTM afficionados, let me add that I did own a IIIf for a year or so and
> decided to get rid of it for that very reason.
>
> If I am asked today by someone who is curious about rangefinder
> photography about the least expensive way to try it, I recommend the
> Voigtlander Bessa R2 and the 35 or 50mm lens of the person's choice.
> Depending on the budget, that lens may be one of the excellent
> Voigtlander offerings or the real thing from Leica.
>
> I just converted one of my fellow Viewfinder (Brussels photo club)
> members to the joys of Leica. She got an M6 and a couple of lenses.
> However, I did warn her of the financial consequences longer term, so I
> do not feel too guilty ;-)
>
> Nathan
>
> Steve Unsworth wrote:
> > Justin
> >
> > Start saving for an M :-)
> >
> > Seriously the IIIC is a fine camera, but the viewfinder on the M series is
> > so much better, loading film is easier and changing lenses is faster. As an
> > introduction to rangefinder cameras - at the time I had an auto everything
> > Pentax - it's fine but personally I soon found myself wanting something more
> > user friendly. Remember you can probably buy one, use it for a while, and if
> > it's not quite what you want, sell it without loosing any money.
> >
> > If I was in your position I'd be tempted to buy a user M2 (guess which model
> > the first M I bought was :-) and a modern Voigtlander lens to go with it. I
> > chose the M2 over the M3 because the M2 had 35mm framelines, something the
> > M3 doesn't have.
> >
> > This is just my personal opinion, others may disagree - and this is the LUG
> > so I expect disagreement :-)
> >
> > Steve
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
> > [mailto:owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us] On Behalf Of Justin Low
> > Sent: 28 June 2003 13:47
> > To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
> > Subject: RE: [Leica] Leica IIIc - First RF?
> >
> >
> > Steve,
> >
> > Any words of wisdom from that experience?
> >
> > Justin
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
> > [mailto:owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us] On Behalf Of Steve Unsworth
> > Sent: Saturday, June 28, 2003 7:35 PM
> > To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
> > Subject: RE: [Leica] Leica IIIc - First RF?
> >
> >
> > This is exactly how I got into the wacky world of Leica few years ago. I
> > bought a user IIIC and the rest is history, expensive history mind you
> > :-)
> >
> > Steve
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html
> >
> >
> > --
> > To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html
> >
>
> --
> Nathan Wajsman
> Herrliberg (ZH), Switzerland
>
> e-mail: nathanw@bluewin.ch
> mobile: +41 78 732 1430
>
> Photo-A-Week: http://www.wajsmanphoto.com/indexpaw2003.htm
> General photo site: http://www.wajsmanphoto.com/index.htm
>
> --
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