Leica 111C

<p>Playing with new scanner and computers, I'm a bit old so I do struggle. Trying another post...bear with me!<br>

This is just a bit of camera porn and pics to go with it. I'm sure that everyone on PDN would be familiar with the early Leicas. The 111C I believe, is the first of the diecast models, and has the range/viewfinder windows closer together, this makes the camera much quicker to use.<br>

The lens I have used here is the 50mm F2 Summitar, the pre-curser to the much vaunted Summicron. The Summitar is a great performer if you can find one that is not cloudy or scratched to hell...mine is thankfully fine. A couple of these were also taken with a Canon 85mm F1.9, a beautifully heavy and chromed lens that I really like. These were taken at the Bombala steam rally, in the southern highlands of SE Australia. Film was Pan f+ in Rodinal 1:50.</p><div></div>

<p>Now for the pics if I can find them.</p><div></div>

<p>Next</p><div></div>

<p>I will scan them bigger next time!</p>

<p>Another</p><div></div>

<p>Next one.</p><div></div>

<p>Still more.</p><div></div>

<p>Still going.</p><div></div>

<p>Once again, sorry for the size, didn't scan them large enough...do better next time!</p>

<p>Some cool shots there, Tony! Love the shots with the 85mm. So snappy. And such a beautiful camera! A well done post, sir.</p>

<p>That IIIC's in lovely shape. I hope to see more of your work with it.</p>

<p>Leica continues to tempt me, but prices are high and I'd have to go for the later M-mount models because my experience with M42 has led me to the conclusion that I don't like screw mounts. Bayonets are much easier to work with.</p>

<p>Nothing wrong with Summitar lenses if you stop them down a little. Wide-open they're nice for portraits.<br>

I love IIIc Leicas, that's why I have 5 of them! :)<br>

Yours appears to be from around the 1950s. </p>

<p> </p>

<p><strong>Tony</strong>, never state that you're getting a bit old, merely protest that the scanner is a little new and unmanageable. Until you tame it... That 85mm is tack-sharp...Love the pic of the old bloke snoozing by the old engine... A familiar scene; we <em>do</em> share a common culture!</p>

<p>Those shots are very nice. I especially like the first one.</p>

<p>That's a good looking post-war IIIc (not 111C, please). Canon's 85/1.9 is said to be better than their 85/2, to whose fine performance I can testify. The Summitar was a good lens for its time but is let down by soft glass and fragile coating. I never used mine without its SOOPD hood.</p>

<p>Very nice all round.</p>

<p>Rick, sorry...you are quite right! Mukul, sorry also, have to get the Leica nomenclature correct, I will stay away from the shift button in future. Correct about the Summitar having soft glass, same with the Summar, but I now have good examples of both, and that took some doing!</p>

<p>Roman numerals, upper case and lower... it's a mess. I'm sure you know that there was capital letter naming also, from "A" to "G" if <em>my</em> ageing memory hasn't failed.</p>

<p>Yes Mukul, the Retinas are a nightmare as well!</p>

<p>The difference between European and US nomenclature for Leicas is confusing sometimes.. Leica I, Model E, eugh...<br>

And don't get me started on Retina's! ;)</p>

<p><strong></strong>I have a IIIc and recon you have some good "decisive moments" there Tony. Like Cartier Bresson you got got some at close range, good stuff.</p>

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