Jump to content

My 'New' old 111f - it's a reality!


erl

Recommended Posts

Advertisement (gone after registration)

A few hours in Copenhagen during the 'Challenge', watching 'idiots' getting orgasmic over newly acquired 111f's really disturbed me. Just a little more than a week later I found myself trawling the internet for .... a 111f ! :eek: Infectious stuff these cameras.

 

I can now confirm I have spoken for a beautiful minty 111f + 50/2.0 Summitar from Germany which is now in the tender care of DHL on it's way to me.

 

A policy I have always practiced is to have a backup for all gear while I am working. It's just smart to do it. So today, while prematurely buying film for the arrival of my 111f, I banged straight into another 111f with Summicron 50/2.0 attached. :eek::eek:

 

Do I buy it? It looked so gorgeous. I'm out of control with expectation. Maybe I really need to think about a 35mm and/or a 90mm before another body. Nick and Robert, you owe me big time for this incurable disease.

Link to post
Share on other sites

x

The lllf was my first Leica and I would say it's my favourite camera of all.

 

No it's not the easiest to use, but they are such tactile things they are a pleasure to use.

 

I personally wouldn't bother with anything longer than the 5cm lens on an LTM. You really must buy a 5cm 3.5 Elmar though!

 

I look forward to hearing how you find it to use, and seeing your results of course!

Link to post
Share on other sites

You'll enjoy it! I got a IIIf while in the army about 1970 as it was easy to pack and carry, and I'd left my M4 & SL at home. I nearly always used a 35 Summaron 3.5 - which makes a nice combination. Just had my IIIf serviced by DAG, and it's now quieter and smoother. (Makes my IIIc sound loud and clanky. Time to sent it in as well...)

Link to post
Share on other sites

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Congratulations. I told you that it wouldn't be your last. A classic II in chrome (fewer made) is a nice compact little piece of mechanical beauty. The shutter on them is so smooth you only have to put your finger on the shutter release and then think about taking the picture and just like that it releases.

 

You might want to pick up a LTM to M mount adapter if you don't already have one. The little screw mount lenses make the M mount cameras into little pocket cameras.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Congratulations, Erl. I assume that you know about trimming the film leader to load the film?:o

 

Pete.

 

Sort of! I know it must be done, but exactly how I have to work out. My 'new' camera comes with the original instruction book so I assume it will explain! :cool:

 

Just hoping it comes in time for the BC20. I think it will.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Resistance is futile... :D:D:D

 

On film loading, it isn't hard. You don't need a template, just a Swiss Army knife and a modicum of commonsense. DON'T go down the card route; clumsiness runs the risk of damage to the shutter curtains. If Leitz had intended us to use that method they would have sold a card as an accessory. I use the natural hiatus as an excuse to stop for a coffee, but if you want to be able to reload quickly just get a spare take up spool, preload, and keep it in a poly bag in your pocket.

 

Above all enjoy, and welcome to the club!

 

Regards,

 

Bill

 

Sent from another Galaxy

Link to post
Share on other sites

I used the 'card method' when I was in Copenhagen as I bought the film there and didn't have scissors! It just felt wrong!

 

Actually, it wasn't an issue up until around the late 70's (I think) as 35mm film came with a long leader. The Leica template was for when using bulk film, not for having to trim pre loaded film.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Erl,

 

I've just checked the instruction book that came with my IIIf and it does include loading the camera and trimming the leader.

 

One other caution that's not obvious and springs to mind is to make sure that the camera is wound-on before changing the shutter speed.

 

Pete.

Link to post
Share on other sites

I use to set the low shutter speed on the T pose so, as the curtains are hiden, I can see what is going in and help with finger if necessary

 

Just for illustrate the discussion with old and new :

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Link to post
Share on other sites

Just remember to correct for parallax up close. Been too long since I used mine and got used to my M models.:o

 

Don't usually 'do' close with the III, and with glasses the built in finder is pretty useless, it looks grand with one of my many finders on the top, VIOOH has parallax comp. as well :)

 

Gerry

Link to post
Share on other sites

It will be interesting to note my experience. I wear glasses but they are 'frameless' with flexible arms. That allows me to press the camera hard against my face such that the lens sits against my face instead of supported away from it.

 

Because of the tiny VF on the 111f, should I consider alternative auxillary finders. If so, what is their designation? Of course I will wait and try the 'straight' version 1st.

Woops: I just googled and found some ideas!

Link to post
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...