is this a good place to start with Leica Screw Mount?

[jacksparrow]

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Not for collecting, but for taking pictures! is this a good model to start with? I'm kind of lost, now that I know all the M-mount jargon and models all these screw-mount cameras are all like aliens to me

 

By the way, anybody ever bought from these guys? (https://www.leicashop.com/start.php?lang=de) are they trustworthy? they look like they are, but would like to have confirmation.

 

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thanks!!

[earleygallery]

I don't know about that dealer but if you want to use the camera I would suggest a lll, particularly the lllf or lllc.

 

The one you show is a very early non rangefinder model, lovely collectors piece but not so practical as the later models - others may think differently. The lllc and later models had a more robust construction (one piece top plate as well as improved internal construction) and improved shutter mechanism too.

 

You should find a nice one for less money too.

[bill]

I'm absolutely with James on this, and no doubt you will get others in agreement too. A nice IIIc or IIIf would be most practical. Try MW Classic Cameras - they carry a good stock at all times, and their prices are fair.

 

MW Classic Cameras

 

I'd also recommend doing a bit of reading up - The Leica Pocket Book is a good place to start.

 

Be warned though - you are on a slippery slope!!!

 

Regards,

 

Bill

[earleygallery]

I meant to add, pair the body with a later version of that lens, the Elmar 5cm 3.5. Its a real gem and so perfectly suited to the compact LTM body.

[jacksparrow]

Thanks! As always, you people are great.

[jacksparrow]

slippery slope... can't be worse than Ms!!!

[stunsworth]

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Here's a dissenting voice <grin>. This is just the screw mount Leica I want. This is where it all began. If I saw one of these at a good price I'd be very, very, tempted.

 

For everyday a IIIC is probably a better camera.

[luigi bertolotti]

Not for collecting, but for taking pictures! is this a good model to start with? I'm kind of lost, now that I know all the M-mount jargon and models all these screw-mount cameras are all like aliens to me

 

By the way, anybody ever bought from these guys? (https://www.leicashop.com/start.php?lang=de) are they trustworthy? they look like they are, but would like to have confirmation.

 

[ATTACH]65864[/ATTACH]

 

thanks!!

 

I never went to this shop in Vienna (hope one day to go there...) , but I bought from them a number of items in 10 years or so, I'd say 15 to 20 orders : they are at all trustworthy, very precise in their quality ratings, quick to answer by mail if you have some question; I even sold them an item years ago, in a partially compensated acquisition of a rare item, and was satisfied also in this. If you find something of interest for you, you can go sure to them.

[noddy]

I concur with the people above. A 111c is a great camera for every day use. Also, I’ve purchased from the dealer you quote, had no problems.

 

Have fun

 

Andy

[jc_braconi]

Hello,

Try to get a IIIf, they are the cheapest on the used market and they are very well made.

Cheers

JC

[andybarton]

Does it HAVE to be a screwmount?

 

I could never use such a small viewfinder...

[luigi bertolotti]

Hello,

Try to get a IIIf, they are the cheapest on the used market and they are very well made.

Cheers

JC

 

The best advice about a screw mount TO USE.

[earleygallery]

Does it HAVE to be a screwmount?

 

I could never use such a small viewfinder...

 

Andy, you should try one, you don't know what you're missing!

[jacksparrow]

Does it HAVE to be a screwmount?

Well Andy, yes, not as the regular camera, but I do not plan to have it on display but to play with it when feeling geeky.

 

The IIIf seems to be the one preferred by most people... but I'm not sure what to do yet. Once you abandon exposure meter, guessing distance is not such a big deal so why not forget about the rangefinder too and go for the original design, don't know if I explain myself.

 

The older models have more appeal to me in that sense, plus, (sorry, I know it should be about the image and not the tool), they look better. But of course this is very personal and just a subjective opinion. They seem quite smaller too, am I right?

 

Thank you all again for all the helpful insights and suggestions.

[fuchs]

Well Andy, yes, not as the regular camera, but I do not plan to have it on display but to play with it when feeling geeky.

 

The IIIf seems to be the one preferred by most people... but I'm not sure what to do yet. Once you abandon exposure meter, guessing distance is not such a big deal so why not forget about the rangefinder too and go for the original design, don't know if I explain myself.

 

The older models have more appeal to me in that sense, plus, (sorry, I know it should be about the image and not the tool), they look better. But of course this is very personal and just a subjective opinion. They seem quite smaller too, am I right?

 

Thank you all again for all the helpful insights and suggestions.

 

Hola Eugenio,

 

You really will not be disappointed by a Leica Standard. It has a nice viewfinder, and IMO it is the better sounding, as one of the quieter Leicas you can find. I don't know if it is due to the fact that it lacks the lower speeds, or perhaps to the lack of the RF/VF housing that might act as a reverberation box, but its sound (as any Leica I) is distinctive and very attractive.

 

OTOH, Leicashop is one of the largest Leica specialized shops in the world, they also own a very large Leica Museum and Leica Gallery, as well as the super renowned Westlich auction house, the one that has recently broken the price record for a Leica. The owner/director is Peter Coeln, a famous Leica history expert, and one of the editors of the Pocket Leica Guide. I have bought some items from them and they are very reliable and fair in their ratings. (I am not related in any way to them, BTW. Just a pleased customer).

 

Saludos cordiales,

 

Ed Albesi

[Michael-IIIf]

Eugenio,

 

This is a dangerous shop. I mean dangerous to one's wallet, I've been browsing it ever since Luigi provided the link on another thread and I keep looking at it and almost buying one of their M2s. I don't need another M but it is so tempting

 

FWIW I would recommend the IIIf too. It is very useable.

 

Michael

[jacksparrow]

Thank you all. I hope after the input I can decide my christmas self-present...

 

thanks

 

E

[leitz_not_leica]

I didn't read all the replies, but I had a IIIG and sold it because of the loading. I would recommend a Canon RF for the VF and easier loading. I have a VI-T and love it.

 

Canon Camera Museum | Camera Hall - Film Cameras

[earleygallery]

I've never had problems with the loading system on my lllf (well once but that was my error). Its different but certainly not difficult.

 

In fact its another part of the enjoyment of using the lllf for me, it's often a talking point if you are reloading in a cafe/bar. There is a 'simple' method to avoid cutting the film leader, you slide a thin credit card piece of plastic like a membership card down over the gate/sprockets and can then slide the film in between the back and the card.

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Hallo,

Look here: Interesting Leica gear

[bill]

As I've said on another thread, I think that this is an area where us left-handers have an advantage. I find it easy to hold my film in my right hand and get a smooth cut with Swiss Army knife scissors with my left hand. I've not had a single loading problem in a year, and I absolutely agree with James - I have had a number of interesting conversations in cafes when sitting changing rolls.

 

Regards,

 

Bill