111a

[paragon]

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I am new to the Forum and my first posting

 

I have just aquired a 111a

I do not know much about it apart from then fact that it has not been used for 30 years

 

It is quite dirty – superficially both exterior and interior – but I can carefully clean that.

 

The shutter speeds work – from the sound , they are all different, and would indicate a progressive scale – Of course I cannot say if they are accurate.

 

The condition is well used but sound – for camera and lens

The lens is an “old” – Elmar 5cm/3.5 – aperture settings, (3.5 to 18), around front element – number 305xxx – probably the same age as the camera – any records anywhere to find out the age?

 

The threads are “well greased”

 

What should I expect to see through the "Rangefinder"

 

I would like to use it – any advice or comments really appreciated

 

A good Leica CLA man in the UK may be needed - any advice

 

How do you load the film, (not the same as my M3) - ????

 

Cheers

[stunsworth]

Hi Bill, welcome to the forum.

 

You'll see there are two small windows at the back of the camera. One is used for focussing the other is the viewfinder. As you look through the focusing window you should see two overlapping images - similar principal to your M3.

 

To load a film you need to cut the 'tongue' on the film to extend it. This then slots into the take up spool - you should see that there's a piece of metal for it to slide under. The film canister and take up spool can then be replaced in the camera body.

 

Regarding a CLA in the UK I have used Malcolm Taylor. His address is...

 

Upper Lye Farm

Aymestrey

Leominster

Herefordshire HR6 9SZ

 

Tel - 01568 770542

 

There is also CRR in Luton. I've never used CRR, but people speak highly of them.

[Mark Antony]

Hi

Congrats on your 'new' camera.

Like Steve mentioned there are 2 windows on the back, one for focus (looks like a telephoto view) and the Framing window is 50mm only (no frame lines)

 

If you want a template for the film tongue cutter you can go here:

http://photo-utopia.blogspot.com/2006_09_24_archive.html

find the link-then print it out.

 

The LTM cameras are probably harder to use than a modern M series but are superb reliable cameras. I believe that if you purchase a more modern lens (not sure yours is coated) you will get results will equal any M

Have fun.

Mark

[paragon]

Thanks

 

Focusing - I just about see it but it is far from clear - ther is a lever, which can be moved, but it is stiff, on the focusing viewing window with an 8 - presumably the infinity sign.

 

View finder is a lot clearer the the focusing finder - but still not that great

 

The screw fit Elmar is in two pieces - it is not really clear exactly how they mate together and is it easy to change the start position of the focusing lever, (on the lens), depending at which point you screw them together.

There is a screw that physically "stops" the lever at between 30 and 50 feet

 

Cheers

[paulmichaelsnr]

You probably know, after all this time, but your Elar was made in 1936.