Hello! New to this forum...

[ragc]

Having just acquired my first Leica, a IIF with a collapsible 50mm f2.0 Summicron, serial #799912 (1956), I wanted to have access to resources that may help me with this camera, if needed, and where I can share the results of my new association.

I am an amateur photographer and have been shooting TLRs and SLRs since the 1970's. I have also been shooting large format landscape in 4x5 and 5x7 for two or three years now. I process and print my own black and white work. I also shoot digital, but only when expedition and volume are important, preferring film on a 'normal' basis.

I hope to post some initial results from my 'new' camera soon.

[rubenkok]

Hi,
Welcome to the forum.
Congratulations on a fine purchase!
Here is a link to the Instruction Book:

Leica IF, IIF, IIIFinstruction manual, user manual, free PDF camera manuals

Looking forward to see your pictures.
All the best
Ruben

[wizard]

Originally Posted by ragc

Having just acquired my first Leica, a IIF with a collapsible 50mm f2.0 Summicron, serial #799912 (1956), ...

Welcome to this forum, and enjoy your "new" camera.

As an aside, the serial no. you quote for your lens makes me think that it cannot be a collapsible Summicron, but will likely be a collapsible Summitar lens. Also, this serial no. is not from 1956, but rather from an earlier year, probably around 1950 or even a bit earlier.

Cheers,

Andy

[ragc]

Originally Posted by wizard

Welcome to this forum, and enjoy your "new" camera.

As an aside, the serial no. you quote for your lens makes me think that it cannot be a collapsible Summicron, but will likely be a collapsible Summitar lens. Also, this serial no. is not from 1956, but rather from an earlier year, probably around 1950 or even a bit earlier.

Cheers,

Andy

Andy:

So sorry, my sentence was confusing. The SN I gave is the camera's, not the lens'. I will have to take a look at the lens when I get home, and will report on it, but it is a collapsible Summicron.

Thanks for the welcomes!

Rafael

[wizard]

Rafael,

sorry for the misunderstanding on my part. The Summicron lens was a landmark design back then, and still is a very competent lens today. Be careful with the front glass surface of the lens, the glass material used was quite soft and thus is scratched easily, e.g. when trying to clean the front surface. The lens is best cleaned once (if necessary) and then used with a protective filter (UV filter) to avoid damage to the lens surface.

Andy

[ragc]

Summicron SN 1319446. Leica IIF SN 799912. What a beautiful old girl, my first Leica!

[leitz_not_leica]

The lens looks quite hazy.

[ragc]

Originally Posted by leitz_not_leica

The lens looks quite hazy.

The coating has some light cleaning marks, but the lens is perfectly clear throughout. I will be finishing the first roll of photos soon and can then determine its performance. The apparent hazyness in the photo is a lighting effect.

[earleygallery]

Welcome 'Ragc'

Nice looking camera and the Summicron is a very fine lens. You just missed the last Barnack Challenge but there'll be another soon. Look forward to seeing your results.

[ragc]

Thanks, James. Been having Leica newbie issues with it, but have not given up. My first roll of Tri-X didn't wind because I did not make sure the sprockets were engaging the sprocket holes in the film, and it just tore a hole in that section. Then I loaded some C-41 process film and rushed some photos, none of which were very well metered. To boot, the place processing the C-41 did a really bad job of it. I am taking my time with the third roll, also Tri-X. I will develop this one myself, and I am using my Gossen meter instead of the accessory shoe Lafayette that I used before (in my photo above).

[earleygallery]

Practice loading with an old roll of film. It's really quite easy when you have the hang of it. I always make sure the sprokets have engaged advanding the film slowly whilst looking at it advance. Then replace the baseplate and advance a couple more frames checking that the rewind knob is turning as well.

Exposure is exposure of course and as for shoddy labs...........!

[ragc]

Thanks, James. I'm on my fifth roll now and have the hang of it. It's a sweet camera. I've processed the last three rolls and have no complaints.

[ragc]

Thanks James. I have the hang of it now, and have been shooting with the little camera like crazy. A great change from my large format equipment, and fun!

[lars_bergquist]

Originally Posted by ragc

--- I have the hang of it now, and have been shooting with the little camera like crazy. A great change from my large format equipment, and fun!

Sure it is. Enjoy! Do try to get a proper lens shade, as the Summicron is a bit sensitive to stray light. The #12585 round clip-on shade would be the best, often available in shops that handle used cameras. An E39 UVa filter will also fit, and protect the little jewel you've got (the glass in the front lens is a bit soft).

Also, a CLA by a competent Leica mechanic is well worth the cost and will keep your gem working for as long as 35mm film is made – and a joy to handle and pat even longer.

The old man from the Age of the Leica III

[ragc]

Thanks, Lars.

I have already protected the lens with an UV filter, and have a non-Leica shade (hood) on it for now. My coating has cleaning marks, and contribute a bit to flare, but can still deliver good shots under the right conditions. I have inquired about a CLA at KEH, here in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. It seems reasonable and I will do it is time. For now everything is performing as it should.