Has anybody used the Leica 0-Series Re-Issue?

[w44neg]

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Hi everyone,

I currently own a couple of vintage LTM cameras, and I've come across the 2004 reissue model of the Leica 0-series during a search. The 0-series looks interesting to me, and I'd like to try and find a good example, but I wondered if anyone here has used one. If you have, would you mind telling me what you think of the camera in practical use?

I wouldn't expect it will become a heavily used camera in my bag, but I said that about the other relics I have in there as well lol.

I've drawn two conclusions from reading up on the 0...

• It looks like the lens features modern coatings, therefore offering reasonable image quality/contrast
• I've read you have to cover the lens with the cap every time you wind on the shutter to prevent light leaks, and also you can only change film speeds when the shutter is half wound

Would you see the above as correct?

Thanks in advance,

Wayne

[a.noctilux]

Correct ...

don't forget SBOOI

 

Slow photography at it's best 😄.

When people who don't use one can not understand,

using one need some practices though.

one more chance to use those old accessories

 

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As side note the new coated Anastigmat can justify using this 0 Replica.

I don't see as Replica but new Leica to understand how far the later ( I/II to IIIg in my case ) Leica came from with "gain" in practicity and size.

[a.noctilux]

Funny I've found this 😄

and this ...

https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/205842-i-like-filmopen-thread/?do=findComment&comment=4872325

Edited December 16, 2023 by a.noctilux

[w44neg]

Great response, thanks. Had to google the SBOOI lol

The 2004 model has a built in finder so I’m going to look in to that. 

[FrozenInTime]

11 minutes ago, w44neg said:

Great response, thanks. Had to google the SBOOI lol

The 2004 model has a built in finder so I’m going to look in to that. 

I had the first edition but lusted after the second for a long time only to realise the SBOOI view is far superior to the second edition's telescope finder.

The downside is the included case does not fit the SBOOI; my solution was to cut off the front cover and create a half case.

When film became too difficult for air travel, I sold the second model replica but kept the first.

[w44neg]

11 hours ago, FrozenInTime said:

I had the first edition but lusted after the second for a long time only to realise the SBOOI view is far superior to the second edition's telescope finder.

The downside is the included case does not fit the SBOOI; my solution was to cut off the front cover and create a half case.

When film became too difficult for air travel, I sold the second model replica but kept the first.

Thanks. That's a good point about air travel. I've had no issue asking for a hand-check but I believe it can be a problem in some places.

[Bobitybob]

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I've got one of the first version and use a cheap rangefinder and a cold shoe extension with mine to get a reasonable idea of subject distance.  I brought it from a local camera fair for £5 and I use my phone as a lightmeter.  To avoid having to remember to change the shutter speed half way through winding on, I usual set it on one speed and change the aperture as that's much easier.  Also when winding on I normally just push the lens into my coat, top, sleeve etc and that seems to work fine.  Not sure where you are based but If you do get one take a look here for a nice half case to protect it from bangs.  Looks good and you don't have the cover swinging around underneath https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/204534778562?hash=item2f9f390ac2:g:A7kAAOSw9zVlTRe1.

Edited December 17, 2023 by Bobitybob

[Panfoto]

Hello Wayne,
I have been using the Leica 0-Series Replica for some time now. It is not so ideal for fast pictures, sports, fast technique a.s.o. Everything else gets very old fashioned and a bit literary narrative. You have to take your time for the shot and the print then everything will be very nice with it. I really like the camera and the images it produces.

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[w44neg]

On 12/17/2023 at 5:28 PM, Bobitybob said:

I've got one of the first version and use a cheap rangefinder and a cold shoe extension with mine to get a reasonable idea of subject distance.  I brought it from a local camera fair for £5 and I use my phone as a lightmeter.  To avoid having to remember to change the shutter speed half way through winding on, I usual set it on one speed and change the aperture as that's much easier.  Also when winding on I normally just push the lens into my coat, top, sleeve etc and that seems to work fine.  Not sure where you are based but If you do get one take a look here for a nice half case to protect it from bangs.  Looks good and you don't have the cover swinging around underneath https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/204534778562?hash=item2f9f390ac2:g:A7kAAOSw9zVlTRe1.

Great tip on the cover! I assumed the 0-series would be thicker than the original 1a etc, but looks like I'm wrong.

13 hours ago, Panfoto said:

Hello Wayne,
I have been using the Leica 0-Series Replica for some time now. It is not so ideal for fast pictures, sports, fast technique a.s.o. Everything else gets very old fashioned and a bit literary narrative. You have to take your time for the shot and the print then everything will be very nice with it. I really like the camera and the images it produces.

 

Thanks for this. I don't think there's many other small cameras that could slow me down as much as this lol, so it somehow appeals. The lens contrast looks very good, but there's still some character. My 1a and iiiia are great, but very, very soft of course.

[oldwino]

The lens in this camera is spectacularly good. So good, that I sent my camera to Don (DAG Camera) with the idea to see if he could fashion a lens mount for it so I could use it on any of my bodies. After removing the lens, and fiddling with it a while, he told me there’s no way to do it. At least not without spending a whole bunch of money. 
Too bad Leica never released it separately.