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What did I get there? IIIc to IIIf


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Bought this camera today at a flee market for 120€/130$. Its in great shape apart from some minor scratches.

But I am not entirely shure which exact model it is.

I read something about conversions but maybe you can help me out a little more.

 

Its my first Leica shooting next to my A1 F2 and Om2.

 

Here are some high res photos 500kb < 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/8rmt4hnknc2fxrz/AACdXKNj1YjfumIasKRE83Xea?dl=0

 

Thanks a lot

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Yes, it is a IIIc that was factory upgraded to a IIIf (red dial). The upgrade shows in that the flash-sync dial around the shutter speed has been added, rather than engraved into the normal top plate. I say "red dial" because the two tips of the sync adjustment plate around the setting are angled up at the tips, which was changed when the IIIf went to the red dial construction. The Leitz factory did a lot of such upgrades. It probably still has the IIIc baseplate, without the tab added on the IIIf that fits up the back to hold the lower edge of the film more securely in the rails. I have an upgraded unit like that.

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Wow guys. You are quick. Thanks again. Cannot wait to see the first roll of film!

Your first Leica ? Great choice (LTM+Elmar 5cm... always good :) ) and probably a real bargain (even if you had to do a CLA/check on shutter times, it will be always a good global cost)

 

And about your first roll of film... be careful on your first LOADING OF A FILM... :p , it can look a very odd operation to newbies (btw, you can easily find a manual of IIIf on the Net... here, for example : http://www.butkus.org/chinon/)

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I quote Luigi, Tom. I suggest you to use the paper "ABLON" you can find online. Actually the real one is ridiculously expensive. There are copies but the paper one is ok. Once you'll became an expert, you can even do it by hand.

Anyways here's another guide: http://jay.fedka.com/index_files/Page345.htm

And here's the paper one: ablon_cartone.jpg

Just print it out on a thick paper.

Then when you have to load a film, put the mask on the film and use a pen to trace the outline. Then cut the film and you're ready.

Edited by lleo
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Thanks. I already loaded the camera when you posted the suggestions. I watched a quite helpful You Tube video. The leader I cut by feel and with help of the diagram on the underside. I think it worked out quite well.

 

Two more questions. What is the lever under the rewinding knob for with an arrow to an infinity symbol? Second: What is the dial under the exposer time wheel? It doesn't seem to do anything rather then being to note/remind oneself.

Edited by Lion
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The small lever under rewind knob is a dioptre adjustement for the Viewfinder/rangefinder : you can easily try its effect looking into the finder and moving the lever.

The dial under the shutter times knob is for flash sync : on the original IIIf it is in two versions ("red numbers"/"black numbers") : it's indeed one of the main features added on the IIIf in respect to IIIc.

 

Just about the times' knob... you'll learn quickly (probably you already realized) that to set exposure time you must advance film/cock the shutter BEFORE setting the time on the knob.... ;)..and avoid touching the knob itself while pressing the shutter button... it rotates in the action.

Edited by luigi bertolotti
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  • 2 months later...

The first roll of film finally is back from developing. I love the quality and style of a camera which is way older than I am.

Partially heavy grain in darker situations.

 

La Alcazaba

   
 

Palm

 
 

Citroën DS

 

Gust

 

Mountain Ridge

 
 

Into the Distance

 

Haze

   
 

Storm

 
 

Interior del Palacio de Carlos V

 

Swell

 

Edited by Lion
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A fine acquisition at a bargain price, especially since it works well (nice pictures) without spending another $200 for a CLA service.

 

Enjoy it and start looking for other lenses, then the Leica mania (collecting hobby) will start ...

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