Collectible vs Usable

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Sorry, I am not really sure why the previous photo of the new camera is cut off. It has never happened before.

It didn't happen this time, either. Congrats on your lovely camera.

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The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[willeica]

Wayne, I hope you enjoy using the new camera. It seems to be in excellent condition. Most of my 5 Model I As are a lot more 'battered' in appearance. I see that you have the HFOOK rangefinder on this. I use that on a 1930 I Model A which has been converted to a standard. What is really liberating is to use zone focus and not to bother with the rangefinder at all. I sometimes use a Standard with a 35 mm lens and just zone focus all the time. See the recent forum thread on the Standard Model E.

 

You are now on the slippery slope to becoming a collector as all of these cameras and their lenses and accessories are addictive.

 

William

[Ambro51]

You'll love using your Model 1 A. It's amazing how these seem "way older" than even a III made only a few years later. What I love about a hockey stick is the camera owners early on resisted the temptation to 'upgrade' .... leaving well enough alone. Even though no one today seems to have a handle on their comparative rarity, the original design examples today are far fewer than those that left the factory. As to the horizontal rangefinder, I personally feel it is unattractive and prefer the vertical FOFER. Of course, you done even need to attach the rangefinder to the camera, just keep it in your pocket and use it handheld. Shooting slow film, when focus is critical due to large aperture, it's useful. Out it good light, with TriX, you'll be able to work without it. One little thing with the A, when you go to rewind that first roll, you'll need to depress the shutter button when you rewind the film. Enjoy! Oskar is with you in spirit when you use an A!