Which Leica III to get?

[RobM]

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Ha, thanks. I'm well-seasoned to the whiles of fora contributors, though, and it doesn't bother me at all. I try to be positive all the time, and usually find that easy to do. There's no reason why others should do the same, though. It's what makes the world go round. 

[Reini]

There are so many different tastes like Leicas. And many more who do not want any.

[a.noctilux]

😇 and those fewer yet (like me) who want to "try" them all !

Just for fun because I don't "need" them.

Each ! Leica is different from other Leica even in same model.

Over time, I've used a lot of M4 and not one M4 behaves like other one, shutter trip force or length, wind-on more or less easy, or rewind with more or less slack,

base plate close or fit  (I know that when I happend to swap base plates "too tight" or "loose fit" ), lens attaching with more or less force, etc.

 

To come in topic, I own two IIIg one has very contrasty RF, the other less contrast but usable and I tend to use the first one of course.

Their shutter release "feel" is different also.

This shutter release feel difference continues with my last two M-A (not understandable because they have only one stage release, no meter to turn on).

 

Edited August 22, 2019 by a.noctilux

[RobM]

It's currently getting its CLA. I'll pick it up on Wednesday.

[willeica]

1 hour ago, RobM said:

Ha, thanks. I'm well-seasoned to the whiles of fora contributors, though, and it doesn't bother me at all. I try to be positive all the time, and usually find that easy to do. There's no reason why others should do the same, though. It's what makes the world go round. 

What I like should be irrelevant to others and each collector/user should always follow his/her own likes. This has nothing to do with the usual nonsense on fora about the differences between Teewdledum and Tweedledee, which is at its worst in discussions about digital models. When I started collecting, a well known collector advised me to buy what I liked and I did. I now own somewhere between 30 and 40 LTM Leicas and I have very single model from the I Model A to the IIIg. They are all fine cameras and each has its own strong points. My favourite models are the I Model A (I have 7 or 8 examples), II Model D (7 examples ) and the c range (11 examples). I am a collector, but I do use some of these cameras from time to time. My likes are mine and not relevant to other users, but if I was asked for an opinion I would advise as indicated above. I am not trying to bother anyone, just trying to give a helpful and informed opinion. I hope that makes sense. 

1 hour ago, Matlock said:

If you raise a topic on here you will usually get a large number of negative comments, it is what makes forums tick. My IIIg is the best LTM by a long chalk and all that matters is the fact that you like it.

Nothing I have ever posted on this forum has ever been intended to be negative.Those who know me know that I am most helpful and a lot of people on this forum and elsewhere come to me for advice which is always given in a positive spirit.

William

[Matlock]

14 minutes ago, willeica said:

 

Nothing I have ever posted on this forum has ever been intended to be negative.Those who know me know that I am most helpful and a lot of people on this forum and elsewhere come to me for advice which is always given in a positive spirit.

William

I was most certainly not pointing the finger at you William. I always enjoy reading what you have to say. I believe that a lot of Leica users have learned a lot from you. I too use my LTM Leicas a fair bit and always enjoy them. My very first experience of Leica was a IIIb which was loaned to me by the owner of a camera shop where I used to work part time (he had actually taken my wedding photos many years before and presented me with all the negatives). I mainly use digital (M10-D) now but my IIIg, M7 and M-A get quite a lot of use.

[a.noctilux]

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39 minutes ago, RobM said:

It's currently getting its CLA. I'll pick it up on Wednesday.

That is very quick "repair", or there is "nothing" to repair ?

[gyoung]

It's strange what people like and dislike, presumably that affects the price achieved for such collectables (as well as other things). In another thread there is what would seem to me to be a very unusual, almost unique camera, an early three digit body 'upgraded' to a black IIIf ( how many actual parts made it across the upgrade I wonder) and the comment made was that it would be worth more if 'unmodified'.  I think it's a beautiful camera and would be very proud to own and use it, yet others value it less than it's origins.  Nowt so strange as folk!

Gerry 

[willeica]

10 minutes ago, gyoung said:

It's strange what people like and dislike, presumably that affects the price achieved for such collectables (as well as other things). In another thread there is what would seem to me to be a very unusual, almost unique camera, an early three digit body 'upgraded' to a black IIIf ( how many actual parts made it across the upgrade I wonder) and the comment made was that it would be worth more if 'unmodified'.  I think it's a beautiful camera and would be very proud to own and use it, yet others value it less than it's origins.  Nowt so strange as folk!

Gerry 

Nowt, so strange as collectors, Gerry. Original condition is the 'holy grail' for them.

William

[RobM]

1 hour ago, a.noctilux said:

That is very quick "repair", or there is "nothing" to repair ?

Well, that's a week. How long does a CLA last? The guy has been doing them for 30 years, plus many other types old and new. I'm sure he'll do a good job. And they have a dozen or so screw cameras for sale, but not online - you have to visit them. 

[Stacey]

57 minutes ago, RobM said:

Well, that's a week. 

I know some repair guys and gals take 6 months to a year to get a camera back to you. I would rather use someone, especially when the camera doesn't need a major overhaul, can get it back in a few weeks at most.

[Reini]

For my Leicas I need comfortably 1-2 days. Omplete cleaning and adjustements...with new curtains. But certainly less routine than a cla.

[RobM]

Well, I thought I should bring this thread to a close by including a couple of shots from the first test roll. To my surprise I managed to install the film correctly, and to my delight the results are not bad. As it was a test roll, I used an out-of-date roll of Fuji Superia 400, which is not a film I use these days, much preferring Portra or various Ilford b&w films. Still, the colours of the guitar are gorgeous, and I love the out-of-focus bits to the right of the guitar: the chair and bookcase. It was taken with a Leitz 50mm f/2 (or 5cm, if you prefer). The two trains shot is with a Voigtlander 21mm f/4 with Voigtlander 50mm viewfinder - I can't find a 21mm viewfinder. I hasten to add that, as it was a test roll, I did not spend a lot of time composing the shots. But it all augurs well for future shooting. Very pleased!

 

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Edited August 31, 2019 by RobM

[RobM]

Okay...left you all speechless, it seems 😉 

FYI, I've now tried the Summar 50mm f2 on the Monochrom, as discussed above, and it works fine. To be super safe, I wound a thick rubber band around the extended lens shaft, and it's impossible to push in. 

[Reini]

All right, I'm glad!