[Leica] IIIc or IIIf?

[jhnichols at bellsouth.net (Jim Nichols)]

Hoppy,

I've been reading your questions and answers received concerning the LTM 
Leicas.  I have owned a Leica IIIa from 1935 since I bought it with a 5cm 
f/3.5 Elmar (1946) in the summer of 1952.  It still works fine, though 
probably needs a CLA after more than 50 years of light use.  The changes 
introduced with the IIIc make it stronger and more rigid, though it is 1/8 
inch longer than the IIIa.  I currently use a IIIf (1952) with both a 
Summitar (1949) and, more recently, with a Jupiter 12 35mm f/2.8 from 1987. 
I'll admit that the price of the J 12 influenced my decision to get it as 
opposed to the 35mm Summaron, but it has performed admirably for me so far.

As to the comment about flash capability, the IIIf will  synch at 1/25 and 
1/50 with electronic flash, though I seldom find a need to use flash.

Find one to your liking and give it a try.

Jim Nichols
Tullahoma, TN USA