Your reviews are outstanding. You are deeply knowledgeable about the cameras that you show and you show them so well. I am always so impressed with your work.
It's always nice to see a review giving exposure to one of the all time great 35mm RF cameras. Konica produced a multi-model line of these cameras over the 1950s, concluding with this IIIA and its companion IIIM, which IMO is not as nice. I would mention what I consider a serious error in the review, where he cocks the shutter then forces the speed selector ring up to the fastest shutter speed of 1/500. Doing this put terrific pressure in the internal mechanism of the shutter, as it forces engagement of an addition high tension spring to drive the shutter at that speed only. The correct process is to select the 1/500 speed, THEN cock the shutter. This is same process as required for other leaf shutters of the period, such as the Compur-Rapid and early Synchro-Compur. Failure to comply risks breaking the shutter, which has no parts for repair (except by stripping parts from another shutter of course).
Great review on the Konica IIIA Li! I’ve really enjoyed it! I am a big fan of the Konica IIIA and in addition to the 50mm version I’m going to purchase the 48mm as well. Ever since I’ve purchased the 50mm version I’ve been curious to see how the 48mm version compares. Thanks so much for doing this great review!
No problem Davy, I only got the 48mm because it was the only functioning one available at that time. The camera is compact and a lot of fun to use. Also slightly easier to disassemble, clean and service the aperture blade and shutter mechanism. Very reliable camera, enjoy both!
This is a great video! I do have a question about how to decouple. Everything moves together and yes, I find it hard! I actually just got this camera in the mail today. I ordered another one I was on the hunt for and this one was from the same seller and I randomly gave it a go and so far I love it!
Yep nothing wrong with the double stroke, during use it is barely noticable that I had to click twice. Sadly the half frame adapter is very very hard to find now.
Really great review of my favorite rangefinder. Leica beater as far as I'm concerned ! Beautifully made and such a classy camera. Solid and dependable and very cheap compared to Leica ! And they hold up so well. I have never seen a sloppy beat up one. I've owned 3 and they all looked brand new ! Will never sell the one I have now. Won't sell my III either ! LarryMac
There are three small things I don’t love about the IIIa. I agree the right hand ergonomics aren’t great. Whilst the shutter is virtually silent, the double stroke winder is definitely not. Mine has distance markings in feet (not metres). Really everything else about it is exceptional. It’s basically an M3 and Summicron for 1/10th of the price.
Your reviews are outstanding. You are deeply knowledgeable about the cameras that you show and you show them so well. I am always so impressed with your work.
Thank you Vincent
It's always nice to see a review giving exposure to one of the all time great 35mm RF cameras. Konica produced a multi-model line of these cameras over the 1950s, concluding with this IIIA and its companion IIIM, which IMO is not as nice. I would mention what I consider a serious error in the review, where he cocks the shutter then forces the speed selector ring up to the fastest shutter speed of 1/500. Doing this put terrific pressure in the internal mechanism of the shutter, as it forces engagement of an addition high tension spring to drive the shutter at that speed only. The correct process is to select the 1/500 speed, THEN cock the shutter. This is same process as required for other leaf shutters of the period, such as the Compur-Rapid and early Synchro-Compur. Failure to comply risks breaking the shutter, which has no parts for repair (except by stripping parts from another shutter of course).
Thanks for pointing out my roughness at shutter speed selection. People mention this when I was reviewing my Leica M2/M4-2 as well...
Great review on the Konica IIIA Li! I’ve really enjoyed it! I am a big fan of the Konica IIIA and in addition to the 50mm version I’m going to purchase the 48mm as well. Ever since I’ve purchased the 50mm version I’ve been curious to see how the 48mm version compares. Thanks so much for doing this great review!
No problem Davy, I only got the 48mm because it was the only functioning one available at that time. The camera is compact and a lot of fun to use. Also slightly easier to disassemble, clean and service the aperture blade and shutter mechanism. Very reliable camera, enjoy both!
This is a great video! I do have a question about how to decouple. Everything moves together and yes, I find it hard! I actually just got this camera in the mail today. I ordered another one I was on the hunt for and this one was from the same seller and I randomly gave it a go and so far I love it!
Check out @japanvintagecamera8869 channel on a great de-couple EV video: th-cam.com/video/HtlTCrc_u5c/w-d-xo.htmlsi=CHqm-1m9PnOT4Ak_
the double stroke did allow them to make a optional half frame adapter that is pretty cool. i kinda like it.
Yep nothing wrong with the double stroke, during use it is barely noticable that I had to click twice. Sadly the half frame adapter is very very hard to find now.
@@TheGizmoGarage that is true. Is it something that would be impossible to 3d print?
@@danwichgames 3D printing is definitely a possibility, if you have the measurements for the half frame adapter!
Great review.
Really great review of my favorite rangefinder. Leica beater as far as I'm concerned ! Beautifully made and such a classy camera. Solid and dependable and very cheap compared to Leica ! And they hold up so well. I have never seen a sloppy beat up one. I've owned 3 and they all looked brand new ! Will never sell the one I have now. Won't sell my III either ! LarryMac
I just wish they had some sort of leather cover for those sharp edges!
And one more question :) You mentioned getting a custom-made case. Do you have a recommendation on where to buy one?
Yes, try this: ebay.us/o1jSQy
I have no problem with the viewfinder and my glasses. The nice thing is that one can keep both eyes open to focus.
Yes!
There are three small things I don’t love about the IIIa.
I agree the right hand ergonomics aren’t great.
Whilst the shutter is virtually silent, the double stroke winder is definitely not.
Mine has distance markings in feet (not metres).
Really everything else about it is exceptional. It’s basically an M3 and Summicron for 1/10th of the price.
Thanks for sharing. They are also a lot more dense than the M3 case... less chance of denting them ;)
It's not an EV but a LV system.
Thank you for the correct terminology!
@@TheGizmoGarage Thanks to you for your interesting video.