Leica III

I am thinking about purchasing a Leica III, but I am a bit confused about the different options.

What are mainly the differences between the model IIIC and IIIF / IIIG ? As far as I could understand the III F has self timer, which would

be important for me, because I make self portraits.

I would also like to have vintage models because of my work as a performer as well. But it is also important for me to be able to use the

camera.

I found offers at the leica.at website for the following models:

 

IIIf Red Dial w. selftimer - 550 euro

condition B+ Year: 1956

good working body with clean Summitar 2/5cm (tiny cleaning marks) no.526039, case

 

IIIf Red Dial - 880 euro

Condition: B/A Year: 1953

body in perfect working order with Elmar 3.5/5cm no.1003211, (clean lenses, smooth focusing), FISON hood, cap, everready case, CLA

(camera and lens)

 

IIIf Red Dial w.self-timer - 990 euro

Condition: B+

Year: 1954

first owner outfit with good working body in original condition, matching Elmar 3.5/5cm no.998945, cap, A36 Summaron 3.5/3.5cm

no.972944, FOOKH hood, Hektor 4.5/13.5cm no.982792, FIKUS hood, all lenses with meter scale, all engraved Germany, 5 A36 filters(

yellow 1 & 2, red, orange, green - all in keepers)

 

Of course that I would prefer not to spend too much money, but it took me a long time to finally buy a leica and I think I should buy

something good and that works.

 

Many thanks in advance!

Roberta.

IIIf models do not necessarily have a self timer. If it's not mentioned in the listing, assume it doesn't have one.

Thank you for your answer. I think I will choose to buy the IIIF Dial w. selftimer for 550 euro. I was just wondering if

someone could tell me if this price is fair, or if the others I listed above would be a better deal...

Robert, I would first go to a camera shop and hold one of these cameras in your hands before spending that kind of money. I have a IIIf Red Dial that doesn't get any use because I have a difficult time using the viewfinder. The viewfinder is small to begin with and is split into two sections, one for composition and one for focusing. I also find loading the film to be too much trouble. It's just my opinion but before making such an investment you should make sure that you are going to be comfortable using it. Good luck.

KEH.com's prices in the US are very fair for retail. Of course, you would have to pay VAT, and maybe duty, upon importation into Europe.

 

Self-timers that screw onto the Leica-style shutter button are readily available and inexpensive. (More if Leica brand, of course.)

 

As you go through the common models of the II and III series, here's what you get:

 

II: 1X rangefinder magnification, no slow speeds, top shutter speed 1/500

III: change to 1.5X rangefinder magnification (more accurate), slow shutter speeds, top shutter speed 1/500, wide spaced RF and VF windows

IIIa: change top shutter speed to 1/1000

IIIc: change to close spaces RF and VF windows, change to cast frame inside camera

IIIf: add flash sync, some have self-timer

 

Since the X-sync shutter speed of a IIIf is only 1/25 second, it's really not a camera that's very useful for modern flash photography. So the IIIf isn't a big practical improvement over the IIIc. The IIIc is more accurate in focusing than the IIIa, but a bit heavier.

 

Unless the camera comes with documentation of a recent clean/lube/adjust, assume it will need one.

 

The 550 Euro package looks like a reasonable deal, especially if VAT is included.

Peter: thank you for your post. I used once one of those cameras, but long time ago. I usually photograph with middle

format cameras and can't give up on analog photography. I always wanted to have a vintage leica and I think I could

face the difficulties with the viewer and film loading as challenge... at least, I hope so!

But thank you very much for your advices.

 

John: thank you so much for your answer. Yes, the VAT is included. I will check on prices for IIIc and on KEH.com as

well.

 

I think my main question was how I should begin... I guess there is no point in buying a complete set for 990 euro if I

just want to start experimenting with the camera...

Thank you :)

"Since the X-sync shutter speed of a IIIf is only 1/25 second"

 

John, I believe you are mistaken. My IIIf "red dials" will x-sync at 1/50 when the synchronization dial is set to '20.'

 

When the synchronization dial is set to '0,' x-sync is 1/25.

 

Johnny

I just wanted to thank you all for supporting me.

I decided to buy the set for 550 euro. Leica.at gives me 1 year guarantee and will send it to me with a manual in English.

They also offered me a whole range of lens and accessories. I think it is a good start, I will keep you informed about my

adventures and post the results here.

Thank you :)

While you're waiting, check out:

 

http://www.yandr.50megs.com/leica/3f/3f.htm

 

or:

 

http://www.butkus.org/chinon/leica/leica_if_iif_iiif/leica_if_iif_iiif.htm

Thanks Richard!

<p>To correct the input from Johnnycake and for the record; if you fire an electronic flash at a 50th with #20 set, you'll get no light from the flash to expose the film.</p>

<p>The correct "Red Dial" setting for electronic flash is <strong>25th with #0 set</strong>. The PDF manual states this but <strong>also</strong> states the 50th/20 as a "no delay electronic flash" ??? Whatever, it doesn't work for our modern units.</p>

<p>Also remember, that the shutter release has a <strong>direct "arming" contact</strong>, so you can with the wrong speed and sync number set, fire off an attached flash without a shutter actually firing. (Finger pressure pushing on release button)</p>

<p>"To correct the input from Johnnycake and for the record; if you fire an electronic flash at a 50th with #20 set, you'll get no light from the flash to expose the film."<br>

The Leica IIIf series, i.e. I, II and III, are now older than a half-century. I haven't used my IIIf(s) with my 'modern' flash equipment however I respectivefully disagree with the altogether 'too wide a brush' that was applied in the quotation.<br>

According to the original Leica If, IIf, IIIf "Instruction Book," (1-53-AY), the settings for the red 'Synchro-dial' are "0" @ 1/25 (without delay) and "20" @ 1/50 (with delay).<br>

Settings of 1/50 and red 'Synchro-dial' of 20 most definitely do work properly with a Vivitar 283.<br>

Ergo, the maximum x-sync of my red-dial Leica IIIf is 1/50 and it worked fine. There are still a lot of Vivitar 283s available and they are not expensive.</p>

<p> </p>

 

 

<p>I stand corrected... Josiah is <strong>right</strong> about the 50th/20 setting.</p>

<p>At the time that I wrote the above posting, I had a camera in front of me that confirmed what I stated. <strong>I failed to consider:</strong> The sync contact area is subject to mal adjustment via the <strong>separate disc</strong> with three set screws just <strong>under</strong> the IIIf "Red Dial" shutter speed dial; "Black dials" typically have a solid & combined shutter speed/cam. (See picture)</p>

<p>Sorry to anybody that lost any bets on this issue.</p>

 

 

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<p><a href="../photodb/user?user_id=1899361">G</a>us Lazarri <a href="../member-status-icons"><img title="Subscriber" src="../v3graphics/member-status-icons/sub7.gif" alt="" /></a>, May 02, 2010; 04:02 p.m.</p>

<p>Admirable integrity.<br>

My highest regards to Gus Lazarri.<br>

Josiah</p>