Novice just a bought a Leica 1F on the spur of the moment

[delander]

Hello to all you avid collectors. My first contact with Leica was when I bought an M8 just over two years ago and I know very little about earlier Leicas.

Today I went into my local camera shop to buy a Canon 50d when I noticed this little camera in the window. To cut to the chase I could not resist it.

The shop, which has good reputation, is not a Leica dealer or expert but they told me that this is a Leica 1F converted to a 11F. They said that the conversion would have been carried out by Leica. Did they do this? Using the link to summilux.net it confirmed that the body was that of a 1F made in 1955.

Now I thought my M8 was a beautiful camera but in the beauty stakes it does not approach this. It's condition seems to be excellent and as far as I can tell it works. The lens is a 5cm Summarit No.1529131 (made 1957 according to Summilux.net although it does not give the lens name). The glass looks to be completely clear and unmarked as far as I can see.

I find the twin-viewfinder/rangefinder windows rather different to that on the M8.

Since I got the two cameras home I have hardly looked at the 50D!

Any further info greatly appreciated.

Jeff

[doubice]

Jeff,

Indeed a wonderful camera. To date it more accurately, it appears to have been converted to a ‘red dial’ IIf - the red dial referring to the colour of the synchronization dial under the shutter speed dial. There is more to it than that but, only if you use a flash…..

Since you have an M8, you’ll be able to use the Summarit (with an appropriate adapter) and enjoy its beautiful drawing characteristics. It is rare to find one of those lenses without internal haze or front element scratches! Even rarer is the original lens shade - people pay over US$100 for just that....

Enjoy!

Jan

[delander]

Thanks Jan,

A question. Looking around the web it seems that 11F cameras have speeds up to 1/500. This also has 1/1000, but it does not look like a 111F which has another dial on the front?

By the way, I did buy a roll of B&W film - my first in years.

Jeff

[doubice]

Jeff,

From serial no. 676 564, all red dial IIf cameras had 1/1000s, right from the factory. Earlier serial numbers, whether black dial or red dial, had a top speed of 1/500.

Just in case you forgot - you are not supposed to pull the film out of the cassette to look at the results after you have exposed it. It is supposed to be processed first...

Best,

Jan

[delander]

Originally Posted by doubice

Jeff,

From serial no. 676 564, all red dial IIf cameras had 1/1000s, right from the factory. Earlier serial numbers, whether black dial or red dial, had a top speed of 1/500.

Just in case you forgot - you are not supposed to pull the film out of the cassette to look at the results after you have exposed it. It is supposed to be processed first...

Best,

Jan

Hi Jan, sorry to ask another question. The number on this camera is that of a 1F so how does that relate to cameras actually made as 11Fs?

I know there are lots of Leica books out there, is there one that you can recommend to start off with. Yes I will remember about the film, my biggest problem might be getting it in there in the first place!

I will certainly try the lens on the M8.

Jeff

[bill]

Jeff, welcome to the world of the Barnack - you'll be in the next Challenge at this rate!

When I bought a IIIc a few years ago I felt as you do now, and my M7 was consigned to a corner for weeks on end. These days I have a II, and it gets regular use.

When loading the film don't forget to trim the leader so that it is longer - about 2-3" should do it. It is an easy job by hand. When loading the camera itself, take it steady, and don't fluster - it is straightforward once you get the hang of it.

Regards,

Bill

[octo]

Jeff,
You may find this useful:
Cutting Leica Leader and Leica film loading
Just remember not to cut through a hole, always between 2 holes.
Lots of useful books, check one of the best: James L. Lager: Leica: An Illustrated History.

[doubice]

Originally Posted by delander

Hi Jan, sorry to ask another question. The number on this camera is that of a 1F so how does that relate to cameras actually made as 11Fs?

Since the If's serial number comes from the period when the IIf was already produced with the top speed of 1/1000s, the conversion was done to the current IIf standards. The conversion could have been done many years after the If's date of production. Leitz offered these conversions well into the late 1950's.

Originally Posted by delander

I know there are lots of Leica books out there, is there one that you can recommend to start off with......

Jeff

If you want to read a Leica book from the same period as your IIf, try finding the 'Leica Manual' by Morgan and Lester. Those were published at regular intervals, covering the then current Leica models. They are identifiable by their edition number - you should be looking for an edition from the mid- to late 1950's.

Another excellent and classic book would be 'The Leica Book' by Theo Kisselbach. Actually, any book covering the Leica, published during the late 1950's or early 1960's will provide a wealth of information for you.

Good luck,

Jan

[delander]

OK thanks Jan that clears up the numbering. I will get a book and thanks to those who have offered advice in that area and the film loading. The dealer left a used role of film loaded in the camera so that should help. Also thanks Bill for your advice, the other day I read your blog concerning street photography, very readable and useful much appreciated.

One further question what is the function of the ring with numbers 0-20 under the shutter speed knob? That's probably a dumb question!

Jeff

[doubice]

Jeff,

Those numbers are used to advance or retard the flash synchronization, depending on what type of flash is used. As I mentioned above, your IIf has the so-called 'Red Scale' as opposed to the earlier 'Black Scale' dial.

Here is a link to a free downloadable manual, which will exlain the intricacies of early Leica synchronization in detail:

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

Best,

Jan

[delander]

Thanks Jan, most helpful.

I have today put the Summarit on the M8. Just done a few shots, I think I'm going to enjoy it on the M8.

Jeff

[@bumac]

Enjoy it.

[delander]

Thanks RW.

A question about the lens. Looking through it there seems to be a slight haze on at least one element. I've read that this lens is prone to this defect. Holding the focus ring and rotating the lens it seems that this haze is on one of the back elements.

Question can I get the lens serviced and the element(s) re-polished and if so where to go in the UK?

I notice that the diaphragm has an amazing 15 blades giving an almost perfect circle.

Jeff

[bill]

Hi Jeff,

Malcolm Taylor is the main man in the UK for Leica lenses. He advertises in the back page of AP. You could also try CRR in Luton, although I think they are more about CLAs on bodies; they certainly did a fine job on my II.

Regards,

Bill

[delander]

Thanks Bill,

I have made contact with Malcolm Taylor. Before I do anything I am going to shoot a roll of B&W.

Jeff

[lagrassa]

Hi:

I have a Leica IIIc S/N 501350 and it has max shutter speed of 1/1000 and a "red mark" at 1/30 sec on the front dial.

My question is, is this original to the camera or was it "upgraded" at some point in its history?

Thanks.

[alifie]

There is a downloadable 'Leica Manual' somewhere on the web. I cleaned my own Summarit of haze, those 15 iris leaves where a pig to get back! Well 13 where OK it was the last two.

[delander]

Actually I am sort of tempted to try and clean it myself

Jeff

[doubice]

Originally Posted by delander

Actually I am sort of tempted to try and clean it myself

Jeff

Jeff,

I am sure the surgery can be done in the comfort of your own home. Be very careful though - the coatings, particularly the internal ones, are very soft and will scratch very easily.

I have cleaned the haze from a few 90mm Elmars and 135mm Hektors; those are fairly simple lenses though. Actually, just checked my two 1.5/50mm Summarits and both have some haze....... Maybe I will be joining you in the same exersize....

Best,

Jan

[delander]

Jan,

Actually I've just had second thoughts. I think it might be better to get it done properly.

I've just noticed that on the top plate this camera has Ernst Leitz GMBH engraved.

Looking at similar examples they dont seem to include the GMBH bit. Does this give a clue to when the camera was converted from 1F to 11F?

Jeff