🔴 LEICA III CAMERA PROBLEMS | Should You Buy Vintage Leica iii "Barnack Leica"? (LTM Leica Camera)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ม.ค. 2021
- Barnack Leica and Leica iii camera problems, shutter issues, repair needed, CLA recommended
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Video discussing whether you could buy these vintage 1930s - 1950s LTM Leica cameras / Leica screw mount cameras. Leica Barnack cameras include Leica iiia, Leica iiig, Leica iif & Leica if (simplified Leica iiif), Leica ic (simplified Leica iiic)
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Hi Matt, I have just bought a Leica IIIf Red Dial made in 1954 (just a little older than I am). My wife is out to give you an ear-full now (sorry).
Haha, enjoy! And yes I’m a wanted man
Matt, the Leica III series that culminated in the IIIg are simply remarkable. Well-made, precise and able to produce some remarkable photo images. The history behind these cameras is simply remarkable, and it doesn’t surprise at all that loyal users stand by their Leica gear. I am very interested in a IIIg myself, and the only thing that is holding me back is the need to trim the film leader/loading a III series camera. The loading of the III cameras is more difficult than the Leica M3 single stroke camera that I currently enjoy. I totally agree these older cameras often need a good clean, lube and adjust from a qualified camera technician-all my older 35mm cameras (Leica M3, Kodak Retina IIIC and Pentax Spotmatic SPII) have been CLA’d. But that should not deter a potential user if he or she is willing to find a tech or camera repair shop to do what is needed. Once done, these older III series Leica cameras are good to go for many years to come. Hobbyists and collectors who take film cams seriously need to understand this. The results and payoff are well worth the effort. ❤❤😊😊
Thanks Norman, yes I love my Leica iii cameras!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom All of this information (and history) about Leica III cameras fascinate us. Had an older friend who bought a Leica IIIf in the early 1950s, and took it with him when served in the Army stationed in Germany. He traveled widely in Europe during his days off (instead of bar hopping), and many years later entertained his friends with color slides of his travels in Europe, Egypt, Turkey and even Macchu Picchu in Peru. He used the well-known 50mm Elmer f3.5 lens and shot Kodachrome 64, which is still the gold standard for stable and life-like color images. Admittedly, I have some nostalgia about the past and how well-made gear was meant to last. Today, we are supposed to be part of the digital age-which has convenience-but is still part of an easy consumer culture. Keeping and servicing photographic gear that was meant to last for years holds a special meaning.
Thank you for sharing. When you buy a used digital camera or a used lens tested on a digital camera you can immediately tell if it is working properly or not by checking the images. As you found out it's much harder to do that using a film camera so you need to trust your seller which is more difficult on-line. I haven't shot film for more than 20 years but when I look at my photos from the past I understand the nostalgic appeal for the modern photographers.
Thanks, yes digital for me is a good backup in these situations :).. and as you say testing lenses on digital is much easier.
Always great advice & brilliant review!
Thanks Lucy! :)
I love less technology-less menus between me and the photo. I am falling in love with barnacks. I now have a iiia and just bought a iiig. More affordable and fantastic vintage lenses. Appreciate the great content. Thank you!
Thanks James! Yes I’m a big Barnack fan too as you may have seen from the various videos! :)
The first serious 35mm camera I used was a 1930's Leica IIIa in the late 1950's. It's "peep-sight" rangefinder and 50mm lens viewfinder was something I got used to in my early teens. The slow speed (below 1/20 sec. on the small front dial) was unreliable, but the faster shutter speeds worked just fine. Back then, every roll of 135 film had a "Leica tongue," and there was a diagram showing how much to cut. I never had any problem using Ye Olde IIIa, except for lack of electronic flash synchronization. Since this model was "as common as dirt," I had an independent camera repairman add flash contacts and a PC socket. I could then use electronic flash with Ye Olde IIIa as long as it was at 1/20 sec, or slower. ("Ghost images" is/was a problem, but I could use it "after the sun went down.;)
This old camera had another problem: Ye 1930's 50mm f/1.5-9 Taylor-Hobson Xenon lens. As an uncoated, complex formula "speed lens," it was prone to flare, fuzzy, low contrast, and had numerous bits of dust particles between the many lens elements. I solved that problem by buying a 1950's 50mm f/3.5 Collapsible Elmar. With an f/3.5-22 aperture range, it solved the "f/9 minimum" problem of the Xenon lens, and delivered great Kodachrome slides as black-and-white images. That combo lasted until the siren call of 35mm SLR cameras lured me to a Canon FP, then on to a Nikkormat FTN. "M-series Leica"? That was for rich folks, but I did find a Canon P that (partially) solved M-series envy. Great times, when Kodak, Agfa, Fuji, ORWO, Ilford, and Sakura 35mm films could be found at Freestyle Sales company, along with Adox and Ferrania.
Thanks for sharing you experiences! Very enjoyable to read thanks. Yes I wish film was as cheap as even 5-10 years ago! :(
Thanks for the heads up. I was thinking of getting one this year and so shall be getting one from a dealer and always cutting the leader.
Thanks, yes if you then have dealer cover then perfect 👍🏻
The oldest Leica in my collection is 90 years old. Its a Leica 1a with a fixed Elmar f3.5 lens and it takes a lovely image.
Nice! I have a black Leica 1 standard I still need to share but it needs to go for a CLA
I always asked myself why to cut the film strip and if it's worth it ... now i know it it worth to stick to the cutting procedure.
Thanks yes I had to learn the hard way annoyingly but I know for future!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I load mine fine without cutting the lead, never had any problems
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom just shove the leader far enough in
@@Sem.or.sumthin thanks Sem!
@@Sem.or.sumthin ok good to know it is possible, thanks for confirming!
We want reviews of every camera you've ever used or ever thought about using, haha.
Haha thanks Sean! Ok you asked for it! :)..I am actually trying to work through all my gear to review 👍🏻😊
thanks for great video. I've shared it on my FB wall and my page in FB.
Hi Dan, ah thank you that's really kind of you! Thanks!
Thanks for that I've a 3f from the 50s is been CLA,ed but as you said touch wood its fine great show and I love these cameras
Thanks Derek!
I once bought a Leica IIIG with two lenses via an eBay auction.
It turned out to be a great camera in good condition, but I quickly resold it at a significant “profit”.
That resale is one of the biggest regrets of my gear trading and seeing this video just makes the regret all the greater!
Thanks for reporting your experiences with the LTM cameras.
Thanks and sorry to hear this
I got 2 Barnacks... a F and a G.. When I got them they looked in mint condition but after 70 years on the shelf I sent both out to YY and had them CLA plus new shutter curtains and mirrored prisms. Well worth it as they shoot like new though I do not use them too often.
Thanks and great to hear it! Yes I look forward to getting mine CLAd now! :)
Enjoyed the video. I have a few FEDS but I really like my Canon 7 screw mount camera. The price is extremely reasonable but does everything a Leica M series does.
Thanks Tom, yes Canon bodies offer good value. I’ll review another one soonish/ when I get a chance. They offer everything except M mount!
I really appreciate this advice! I am going over to the Shinjuku area of Tokyo today to shop for a Barnack. Luckily, there are quite a few reputable camera shops there that will guarantee a purchase for three months. It adds something to the price but gives peace of mind.
Great! Yes buy with return option is my recommendation. Use all shutter speeds with your test rolls.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I bought a 3f with the Elmar 50mm 3.5 lens, and both are in really beautiful condition. I have a 3 month return window for testing. All shutter speeds “seem” to work (judging by ear), but I’ll take your advice on the second roll and shoot at all shutter speeds. I hated my M3, but really love this 3f. Your channel is so full of great advice. I appreciate all the effort you put into educating people on everything Leica-related.
@@senkawascott great and thanks. There’s more info on the blog if you need it
It's also sad to note that so many dealers/ people are prepared to list any old crap on Ebay at inflated prices simply because it has Leica stamped on it, and claim that they are 'serviced' or 'everything works as it should'. I've bought three Barnacks within the last couple of months and had to send two of them back because they were clapped out. My third is a IIIa and I got third time lucky and got an absolute peach. I've run four rolls of film through it now with plenty of test shots and all's well so far. My advice for Ebay purchases would be to buy from someone who lists 14 day or 30 day returns and get a roll of film through it as quickly as possible so you can see if it works properly.
Great advice Daniel thanks. Most of my Leica have started mostly ok ..I don’t think I tested the iiia at the time as I bought it for the lens (not knowing that it would introduce me to Barnack mania ha), but I think I bought 4 Kiev to get a working one.
Never tried or even thought about not cutting the film accordingly on my IIIc - thanks for the advice not even to try! I had my IIIc CLA'ed but still need to be cautious when changing lenses because I found it can lead to some unwanted exposure of the active film frame when doing this even by avoiding direct sun. Not sure why, everything else is working perfectly fine. Minor issue and since I am aware of it I just shoot with one lens or change the lens inside my camera bag. Get the Canon 50/1.4 LTM instead....love this lens (I got it for $80, I was very lucky here).
Great lens, I will do a review for it soonish 👍🏻
I’ve never seen that camera issue but good to know thanks!
Very accurate you are. This is my first Leica I was told I have a Leica iiia I've looked all over the net for this No 229892 doesn't exist. I love the feel of it nice and heavy. Ok thank you so much.
Great and no problem!
You may already know, but I thought I pass it along anyway. Regarding pin holes in the shutter curtain. This is often caused by having the lens set at infinity without a lens cap and pointing it at the sun while carrying it. The sun will burn a pin hole through the curtain.
Thank you! Great info, I had seen that but it’s good to be reminded. I’m safe as I shoot most lenses close to wide open most the time for portraits.
One neat thing about the Zorkis I've used (but not FEDs): the odd design of the rangefinder coupling allows you to focus much closer than 3 feet with lenses that do so. My Zorki 1 is fairly accurate with the Nikkor 50/2 down to 2 feet! Great for cat photos! I guess the arm clears the screw mount and pokes into the lens barrel a bit when doing this, so one has to be careful to not unscrew the lens when it's extended to close focus or you could accidentally catch the rangefinder arm inside the lens and yank on it.
Hi Jeff, sorry I missed this. Woo that sounds really interesting thanks! I have the Zorki 1c and the Nikkor 50/2 so I must try that, thanks! I will be so happy if it works! :)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom It might vary a bit from one camera to the next - Though my Zorki 1 goes down to 2 ft, I have a Zorki 3m that only goes to ~ 2.7 ft. Also, close focus on Zorkis goes out sometimes and needs to be recalibrated by twisting the end of the rangefinder arm with a pliers, so ymmv! :)
@@JeffWernerIthacaNY thanks Jeff!
Hi Matt, very informative video! I have a problem... I have a beautiful iiif in great condition with no issues whatsoever, however, I'm nervous that the curtains will develop pinholes, and last time that happened to my other iiif the repair from Malcolm Taylor was just over the price of the camera when i bought it. I'm a pensioner on a limited income now, and certainly couldn't afford that cost any more. My Quandary is, whether to sell my Leica now problem free, or keep it until (if) it develops a fault and then just use it as a paper weight, and live with my memories!!, All advice gratefully received.
Hi Harry, if the camera is ok now I’d say it’s unlikely to develop pin holes in the short term. It’s still safer to keep than all the electronic cameras that could be dead the following morning. I say keep it if you like using it and sell it if you’re worried and don’t use it / have other bodies to use instead.
Another Barnack Leica styled alternative is the Canon IV rangefinder (and probably other earlier models as well) which strikes me as a beautiful, well made little camera, and as you've often mentioned the Canon LTM lenses are very nice.
Thanks D, I have a Canon Barnack, I forget which one, I still need to get around to using and reviewing it. Currently on bigger Leica R cameras (see tonight's video)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Having looked at the Canon IV more closely though, I find the viewfinder almost impossible to use. Overall, my favorite among the IV, P, and the 7's, is definitely the P, which has a wonderful build quality, a bright clear viewfinder, and is very comfortable -- I guess I'd call it Canon's M3.
@@dlyon9673 thanks. I tried the 7 but didn’t keep it long. I can’t remember the other one I have but the VF is good. I need to put a roll of film through it when I get chance. Not tried the P yet either
Thank you this was informative
Thanks Tich!
Nice video, Matt! I see your point on very old gear, you can't really rely on any mecanical instrument that's 80 years old. I have two Zorki 4's from the seventies, they're working fine. I'm currently looking at a Canon ivsb. I guess we never learn...
Thanks Kalle, as long as we get them serviced they are still amazing. All mine are now running like clockwork. I even have an older 1931 camera you may have spotted which is now my daily user (more vids to come on that)
Excellent overview. Thanks Matt. I love my Leica iiif. Well except when I don’t clip the film in properly and I think I’ve shot a roll only to find out it’s empty. 😂. Cheers and thanks for your incredible videos.
Thanks Michael! Watch my film loading video. It is over the top but gives a few tips so you never shoot an empty roll 👍🏻
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thank you,. I watched it right after this one and its going to be very very helpful. I wish I would have known about your channel when I bought the camera 18months again.
@@mjgreeneaudio thanks! I’m still learning too :)
I like my IIIa ^^ My best camera :3 I have m4 too but I love IIIa so much :3 And about your broken Leica. There is a man in Poland on Piotrkowska Street. He save my Leica so many times. I did the same to mine and he save it ;3
Thank you! I fixed most of my old Leica now. My favourite is my 1931 Standard, then iif, then iiig, then ic / if and I still need to fix my iiia! What city in Poland is your repair guy? (I love Poland!)
I had a IIIF that had shutter curtains with holes, I knew it when I shot the first roll, but it was fun to see the photos I took afterwards!
Hopefully you had it repaired? All mine are back in action now!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Yes, had that one repaired, but then acquired another IIIf, and IIIb, and IIIG... all need to be serviced
@@Americas_Laziest_Photographer yes I think almost all of mine have needed work
You should only buy a Leica screwmount that has been cla'd prior to purchase and preferably from a seller who repairs these cameras and warranties the camera. Oh the other way to break a leica Barnack is to change the shutter speed before winding the advance. The other advice I give, is that if you have bought from a non repairperson, do not play it cheap. Send it out for a cla right away. You can not expect such old equipment not to require a cla. A screwmount leica properly cla'd works well for a long time and is much better than a Bessa R. Just get your screwmounts cla'd.
Thanks John, excellent advice thanks! Yes sorry I should have mentioned the changing the shutter speed in the video. Yes I look forward to getting mine in tip top condition after a CLA.
Matt, this is a good & informative video. I bought my Leica M3 on eBay from a camera shop in Eastern Europe and luckily it had a proper CLA. When we do find a gem on the used market, we sometimes need some repair work but do not know or cannot find an experienced tech for the repairs. This work needs a certain level of skill, and these people have retired or are not as common. Is there a list or resource for repair techs. Happen to have a few Kodak Retina cameras made in Germany for Kodak. A Retina IIIS has slow or inaccurate shutter speeds despite a near perfect appearance, so having a list of resources for repair could help many shooters 🤔
Thanks, yes finding those great repair guys is important
Hallo Matt, first thank you very much for your Videos!
Informative and inspirational, and always a joy to watch.
I love the screwmount Leicas very much as well, and the IIf is one of my favorites.
To my experiance nearly every camera of this age, unless from a very trusted seller will need at least a cla, most of them some repair.
I know it is not an option for everyone, but you can do it (well, not everything from the beginning) yourself.
Some great videos here about this.(Best ones from a guy in japan )
Start with a junk camera, or a cheap fed1/zorki1.
After the first 5 you will love it or hate it.
And for the most yobs you do not need expensive eqipment.(It is 2 screws on your iif to get the body off from the frame)
But beware, the first repair yobs should always be on a cheap or junk camera.
Beleave me, after your first sucsessful repair you will love it.
After 20 FED/Zorki and Leicas i can even replace the shutter curtains now.
And what is better than your self renewed camera with the idea of being able to get such a camera back to live again.
Everybody please excuse my bad english, and have fun on Matt‘s wonderful site here.
Christian
.
Hi Christian thank you! No problem with your English :) You speak good sense. Maybe I should try this if I ever find time or when i'm older. Thanks for the recommendation! :)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom
Yes, try it some day.
But only if you still have the time for making great videos here, and to take pictures for sure 👍🎥
@@cschaus3769 thanks! :)
Great video Matt! Would be interested in your thoughts on the FED2. I have one, with an Elmar 2.8 attached, and the photos look... well, like I used an Elmar 2.8 (lovely). But the experience of using the camera is definitely ropey! The shutter noise is like a snake being stepped on, and peering through the viewfinder is like peeking through a keyhole... but, it's very nice to have a camera that costs about £40 to replace if broken / lost that lets the Elmar do its thing
Thanks Calum! Yes agreed, the best thing about the Soviet bodies is they make the same photos. My FED2 is pretty good from memory but I need to refresh my mind on it.
go not try to buy one today 05-22
Please yes to the review of the other screw mount cameras I also use zorki4 and 4k great and informative vids
Thanks, will do. I recently picked up a Zorki 4 :)
I had the exact same problem with my iiiG. The advance stopped moving and the a/r lever wouldn't stay unless held it. So I held it in place and tightened the screw. Never had a problem since!
Thanks for sharing. I think i'm too scared to use force. I need to send another camera to get looked at so i'll see if they can fix it first.
The If is the one to have with a wide-angle Skopar / Summaron and an accessory viewfinder. Otherwise, a well-serviced Zorki-1 offers pretty much the same experience for a fraction of the money.
Thanks yes wise words. I think I prefer my 1c more for looks and yes that is for wides. Yes my Zorki and iiia are almost the same.
Barnack user here (IIIF). It's such idiosyncratic camera (like small separate finders for composing and taking pictures). If you are used to M-mount rangefinders, will likely think Barnacks are inconvenient. That said, I typically use the IIIF when I'm just leisurely walking around, without something specific in mind to be shoot.
It's arguably the most affordable entry to get into the Leica rangefinder club, though.
Thanks Andre, great! Yes they are not as fast to use as M's but I love mine.
This week I'll take my first roll of film shot with my Leica to the lab, hope something nice comes up!
I first bought a Leica IIIf from 1951 and after 2 months in the workshop they told me it the shutter mechanism to ajust the speeds was totally dead so they offered me a refund as it still had the shop's warranty and I got a IIIb from 1939, they serviced and hopefully it's all good with the camera for a long time :)
IIIb, nice! FIngers crossed you get some great negatives! As long as the images are in focus and exposure is OK you are good to go.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I've never been so excited for film to get developed in my life haha
Yes please review the FED 2!!
I will do when I shoot another roll with it. Check my Flickr, I posted a FED2 photo yesterday :)
Very honest review and suggested alternatives....Zorki 4 fot the win.
I recently got a Zorki 4 :)
Zorki 4k for me. Base loaders are out for me and medium format cameras with red windows.
@@neilpiper9889 my 4K RF patch doesn’t look to great but I will try to do some test shots when I can
When you buy a Leica iiiF or another Barnack on ebay, be prepared to pay as much money for a CLA and may be to change the beam splitter. But it is worth the money, you avoid a lot of frustrations. It is now my favourite camera because it works perferctly at every speed and it is a real pleasure to shoot with this beauty. Russian copies work well but i have no feeling for them...Leica is another league.
Thanks yes good advice! I look forward to having a really nice 1c and iif to use after CLAs - 1c for wides/ running, iif for most other things
Bought an Exakta VX iia with the same pinhole problem. Much harder to find a technician to replace the shutter than with a Leica iiia.
Ah yes 100%. A working Exakta is already a rare beast isn't it! (I know people joke). That's one good thing with Leica - people still service them.
Good video Matt! All great points! I have owned a FED 2 as well as a Zorki 4 but ended up selling them. They worked fine but definitely didn't fully satisfy me knowing they weren't a Leica. They just lack the character/history in my opinion. Great point on the CLA, well worth paying more for a camera that has been recently looked it.
Thanks yes a Leica is still a Leica but theSoviet ones are nice to practice with / entry level at a low price.
Matt, thanks for your piece on Barnac Leica,s. There one other coment on them that prospective buyers shoul be aware of. That is they are not easy to use for spectacle wearers, unless a prescrition vieefinder eyepiece to ones prescription can be sourced. Likewise the Zorki, which on my copy also is damaging to spectacle lenses, I have ruined two pair with bad scratching, and the field of view cannot be seen without moving the head to see the edges. I have no problem wih M3 as the adjustable dioptre is just about enough to use without my spectacles, although it is ar it's limit!
I enjoy your chats, experinces and advise, keep up the goodwork. Many thanks.
I am nearly 70 and a trifocal spectacle wearer but can use my iiig without spectacles as it has a dioptric adjustment, lever just to the left of rewind. So focus is not an issue on this model. One reason I will never buy an M camera is they don't have this feature and also the low magnification of the viewfinder. They are not for fast snapshooting but with an elmar 2.8 or something comparable they are a wonderful small general purpose camera
The Barnack Leica should be better than your M as it has the built in diopter. That’s why I love them. I’m short sighted but shoot without glasses. Thanks for your support too.
@@paulgough4302 well said Paul and thanks for your input. I could not agree more that Barnacks are better than M for focusing. That’s one reason I love mine.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thank you for your reply, and bravo to you for replying to nearly all of your commentators, very few will go to this trouble. If you are not in a rush a Barnack is a beautiful instrument to use, all I can add really to the discussion is; use part of a roll of film, (12 frames, 6 high speed and 6 low speed dial), every year or two to do a shutter test to keep track of speeds/exposure variation, if some are a stop or less out then if you know which ones you can easily compensate without going to an expensive CLA. Regards, Paul.
@@paulgough4302 thanks Paul! Yes I try to reply to all comments but I might miss a few (especially some replies).
Hi Matt, i recently discover your chanel, congrats, it is really great. I own a leica iiia, and your videos have been very useful, i have questions about the external viewfinders, because i never use one, you focus with those too or they are only to compuse, for example a 25mm. I would love to see more videos about barnak cameras and other lenses that are not 5cm. Thanks, greeting from Mexico
Thanks and interesting you say that! I’ve recorded a new video to come on Leica iii cameras. It might not cover all points but maybe I do those in a future vid. In brief yes focus with camera, compose with VF only.
I wouldn't be too hard on yourself, film chips are a common cause of Leica camera jams. That is a simple repair job. I have had to have all of mine serviced at one time or another, but they aren't expensive like M's. My trusted tech is retiring soon so I don't know how much longer I will be shooting with film. If you use old cameras they will need repairs from time to time, just like vintage cars, it's just a fact of life.
Thanks Jon, that makes great sense when you describe it like that. Thanks for stating the obvious. Yes my repair guy is not taking as much work now either so in 5-10 years it might be tough.
I've been having some issues with my barnack and I think it's because I've also been trying to be a smartass (have had a few pieces of film fall out of my camera, which is a good sign and thankfully nothing is in there anymore). Also giving up being a smartass...
Thanks John, I gave up being a smart ass too. They will need CLA at some point. My ic and iif are like new now. My daily users.
I always wanted a 30's leica (or fed or zorki) to use with a wide lens. So I can shoot with a small camera, zone focus and guess framelines.
Nice review as always!
Yes exactly! That’s why I like them too. The Leica ic and if are best for this. See the ic video.
I have a question for you, I've a shutter lag issue with my iiic, could it just be my thumb on the shutter speed dial when shooting, or just send it for a cla
I have 2 cameras away for CLA. Mine needed attention. I have a few others which are ok at most speeds and most days but in the cold 2 fire slower. Need CLA too.
That broken shutter made a striking result. I love that empty space
Thanks! Thankfully now fixed
Considering that a CLA costs these days around £250, you have to consider if it worth investing that much on a sub-£500 leica body. So you end up with the money in it way over the value, or likely value, for years to come.
Yes, I would say buy them to use (so the CLA is an investment for you, the user). I use mine more than my M cameras and the smaller size and beauty is awesome .. BUT yes expect to repair them if they've never had a service in 70-90yrs. My 1931 Standard came after this video and is my main one.
Thanks - I've a Canadian IIIf with the same (rewind lever) problem - now I know why. CLA follows.......!
I’m no expert but I think that is what it is as it happened after trying to load uncut film
Hi Matt! One hugely important preservation measure for a Barnack is to ALWAYS advance the film BEFORE you change the shutter speed. Otherwise, it's one more body for the repair shop. (I found my mint iiif in my sister's basement in Washington DC. No one knew what it was.)
Thanks Jeremy, yes great tip. I think I do that without thinking now but good to point it out thanks. Woo , mint iiif, what a find!! :)
My M3 viewfinder got all black after a fall, any idea what it is and if it's bad? Thanks!
I just replied on other thread 👍🏻
for the leici 2f, just tighten the screw on the film rewind lever.
Thanks!
Is it worth to cla my leica iiif with misalignment of the rangefinder? Its slightly off alignment vertically but everything else works perfectly fine.
It depends how and what you shoot. If you shoot at infinity or at f8 or wide lenses then no. If you shoot portraits at 1m at f1.5 then yes :)
Aligning the RF on a Barnack and many similar cameras is simplicity personified. Google it.
@@AGL93311 thanks Adam 👍🏻
Before I might consider a Leica, thinking Nicca first, then see if I like this style of rangefinder. Hope that doesn't offend anyone here...Awesome review though, Matt. Really showed what might happen when you think you're getting a venerable, indestructible Leica..
Thanks, yes great idea. See my Leica clones video to see the Nicca. Great camera.
Where is the best place to have these serviced? I found one at a flea market in good shape but it’s old.
There’s a list of service centre on MrLeica.com
I think if you love analog cameras, then get them, but be shure you get to know a person that are very good a fine mecanics for repairs :)
Thanks great tip ha! I think I have some old comments still to reply to so I have not forgotten!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I know a guy that are very good at old analog cameras, when covid-19 go away, I will have my Hasselblad 501CM repaired, beware of an error where the mirror do return all the way back, a very annoying fault, the camera works and you can fire the shutter and rewind, but sometimes the mirror hangs a bit, so you have to tilt the camera so the mirror will return.
@@Anarki2U thanks, I had 2 Hassy repaired before Covid so they should last me for a bit.
I recently purchased a barnack camera from canon. Have you tried the card method of loading? I hate the idea of having to prep my film before loading. I have only loaded 2 rolls so far using the card method and it has been much easier than I thought given all the warnings on line. The card covers the sprocket on the take up side so that you don't catch the film on it. Film slides down the card and into place easy. However I am not by any means an expert with barnacks so I thought I would ask you your thoughts on this method.
Congrats Thomas, the experts say don't do that as it's not worth jamming the camera with bits of film if doesn't load cleanly. If war photographers didn't use the card trick in battle then we probably shouldn't either. They knew their tools inside out.
@Matt Osborne back then they didn't have to cut the leader. It came 4 inches long standard. Cutting to avoid bits of film getting caught sounds antithetical. When cutting you can get sharp edges. When advancing film it can tear easier. I cut film a couple times now and I ruined one because it kept ripping. Strict adherence to "that's just the way it's always been done" is the death of progress. When these cameras were made the leader was already long. Since the advent of barn doors the leader got smaller. New things for new times.
Never mind the Barnacks, here's Matt Osborne!
Haha nice! :) Thanks!
Im using a Fed NKVD type D Pre war - leica II russian copy And Im very happy with it . I’m planning to buy a Leica Iii b -body in mint condition. Dose it worth paying for ? Or should I stick just with the Russian one .
Hey Eddie! Nice. I think Leica are worth it yes, check it is working as well as looking mint. It will last you for life.
The shutter problem you mentioned at 2:50 should be easy to fix, all you need to do is make sure it is cleaned and lubed properly, then adjust the screw on the underside for the shutter (the flower thingy and the tiny screw that holds it together).
The problem is the second curtain is "racing" and closing faster than the first, causing it to prematurely close before the first one finishes. Usually the fix is either make the first curtain move quicker or the second curtain slower.
The way you do it is remove the tiny screw, then twist the curtain screw counterclockwise to tighten the spring (make it faster). The one on the front side of the camera (closer to the lens) is first curtain, the back is second curtain.
To test, stand in front of a bright wall and do exposure without the lens (with the back of the camera open), see when the shutter opens it will blink in front of your eyes, the goal is to make it equally bright left and right. When there is a problem like yours, it should also show up.
You really only need to do this adjustment on the fastest speed, the rest should follow because they open wider anyway so this is less likely of a problem.
Thanks so much Rizki. I since had it CLAd and now it’s like new. The iif and the ic that needed a new shutter.
The small holes in you fabric shutter curtains are very likely caused buy the sun being allowed to shine directly onto them while the lens was focused at infinity which will burn a hole in them never carry these cameras without a lens cap on the lens in bright sun light
Thanks Trevor! There are 3 types of holes, burns (see my M3 video), and degradation of the cloth over the years causes masses of hard to see pin holes all across the shutter. I had the latter in the ic but it now has a nice new shutter. (It’s difficult to inspect Barnack shutters vs M bodies as no back door.
My first Leica was a demo IIIf model I bought circa 2000 from Adorama. I got a Summitar from ebay to use with it. First time out with it I took it to a crawfish boil. Got the film processed and found spots all over the images. The camera was like new however the shutter curtain had dried up and deteriorated! I called Adorama and they repaired it for me. Had it with me everywhere I went until I bought my first M mount. Here's a photo from that first roll. www.flickr.com/photos/82608380@N06/50951697432/in/dateposted-public/
Nice! Yes my Leica ic was the same so I had to send away for new curtain. It's good they did that for you.
Fom what I know, the russian LTM cameras have slightly different rangefinder (designed for slifghly different focal length). Did you have any problem using leica lenses? I had to get the rangefnder adjustment on my zorki 3 to the end of the travel to have it kind of accurate with a leica summar.
Hi yes I know there are reports of this but in real world I have had no issues. Yes the flange distance is said to be different. All mine work without any problems.
sorry, nonsense. Or, better, urban legend....
@@borisruzicka3199 thanks Boris, so do you agree they they should not be interchangeable or disagree? They work fine for me but I know the theory people write too.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Absolutely disagree Matt. They are interchangeable. The only problem is (sometimes) quality and accuracy on the "russian side".
@@borisruzicka3199 great thanks.Yes that it my experience too. I only have - Soviet lens that is way off, the rest are all fine 👍🏻
Classic cameras, fun to shoot, but not a daily user. Try a Canon P!
Thanks Peter, I tried the Canon 7 and sold it within a few weeks. (See that video). I still need to try the P one day.
do you personally feel that the leica III no doubt stealthy, but cumbersome for street? I feel the operation is somewhat slow given the fast moving environment..
I think for moving subjects the VF is slow with a wider lens but if you zone focus they will be faster than AF digital. (for 1 shot)
just got a Leica iiif mint condition red dial last 2 day
Ah lovely! I may still get a iiif at some point. To add to the collection! .. with self timer version.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom cool
My Mamiya hands are to big for a Barnack Leica . A Contax / Kiev is allready on the small size ....
Ah yes I was thinking Kiev 4a, Contax, Zorki 4, Nikon S2.. Leica M
Or just buy one and get it restored/serviced/CLA’ed? The other model suggestions are good ideas though.
Thanks Colin, yes good common sense..but my repair guy can take 3 months so I need other bodies to use when one goes for repair. That’s my excuse I guess! :)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom yes, I’m expecting to send my iiib off soon - I’m not expecting to see it back until the summer!
@@ColinHarvey78 I fear the same for mine!! 😆🙈
Where do you send your Leicas to get CLA'd?
The guy I used to use stopped taking new work so I now send to Camserve in the UK. Nice guys there.
The only problem i have with film cameras really is it is extremely difficult now to find film for them, unless you perhaps buy film bulk online. Gone are the days when you can walk into any shop anywhere and there is a bunch of film in a cooler. Plus the cost of developing and printing.
For me it is the ever increasing price which is worrying. In the UK we can buy online easily but I know for some countries this is less easy.
I have heard that wet suit repair glue can be used to repair pinholes.
Physiocrat Which then flakes off and gets all over inside the camera. 🤦🏻♂️
@@TSXAgility thanks pity it does not work. There probably is something of the sort that could be safety painted on.
Thanks for your thoughts
@@TSXAgility thanks 👍🏻
@John ok thanks John!
How much does a CLA cost for a Leica iii?
Depends on where you send it and what needs fixing. If just gummed up it's cheaper than a new shutter. I'd say budget £200
How much does it cost to have a iii CLA'ed?
Hi John, I think £150 ish but get some quotes
Getting to the shutter to remove the film takes 10 minutes....just an FYI, and is not very difficult.
Thanks Adrian! My Ic and iif have both now had a CLA so are ready for action.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom My leica iiif just came in today, the seller said he replaced the curtain, so here's to hoping it doesn't give me the dreaded scratched film.
How much worth this model in a great condition?
Difficult to say. See eBay for appoximate prices
Hi Matt, very intresting but also very sad for your broken Leica's. INFO : www.oldcam.be auction ends 27th Jan = on page 6 there is an offer of a nice Leica iiia , and more intresting material in this candy store on the other pages. YES, I would like to hear and see more from your Russian Fed2. On Ebay there are a lot of Zorki's offered, but what is the difference between the 1C and the 2C ? Greetings, thanks for sharing all your info with us all, Take Care ! Roger.
Thank you Roger. I replied but it looks like it didn't save. Sorry about that. Thanks for the info. I probably don't need another iiia but I will check thanks! :) Yes I will do videos for the Soviet cameras once i've shot a few more rolls. Lockdown is delays some videos but they will come! Thanks Matt
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom No problem, Matt, I had the same experience, therefore I repeated my first reaction. Thanks alot !
I would not recommend a Leica Barnack. I don’t think it even puts one in the Leica group. Unless one has a M model. I don’t have a Leica. I used a Leica IIIf, they are a pain to load film and you have to use two viewfinders to focus and compose. My feelings are, if you want a Leica go for a Leica M model.
Thanks, yes for speed work the Ms are better but for a small pocket travel camera the Barnacks are great. I use both + R bodies
nicca type-5 anyone?
Is that the swing back Nicca?
Beware of he most beautiful girl at school, a Porsche and a Leica.
All my problems start in the Sixties when I hold them.
At school my mates and teachers got jealous.
The whole street got jealous.
The photoclub got jealous.
Haha, I have Leica instead of a house so I don’t think people are jealous. They prefer a big tv & nice house
I thought this is gonna be a Leica iii video 😬
I can't remember what I show in this video but see here for hopefully everything you need - mrleica.com/barnack-leica-comparison/
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom thanks! Haha I was expecting a full rundown of Leica iii on this but you were saying about the iif. You really love that camera 😂🤣
@@deadpool6072 ah sorry, the full run down is on another vid and in the linked post. Yes still using the iiF!
Take it apart and clean it bro refurbish it
I'm better at photos than DIY but no fear all cameras are now back in action, some with new curtains etc. (See my recent videos)
Leica III and IIIa have piss poor viewfinders. No experience of the others.
Get the G if you want a bigger finder..or an M I guess. All the others are the same size as the iiia but a few other differences.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I have an M2 - much better camera.
@@raybeaumont7670 yes I have, nice for 35mm. M3 is better for 50mm, iii cameras better for running (with elmar 3.5).. or use an external vf and they are great too
Could be opinion... The viewfinder could be poor (i don´t think so). But the rangefinder on Barnacks ist the best rangefinfer ever. Better, then any rangefinder on any M body because of magnification.
@@borisruzicka3199 I'll stick to the M2, thanks!
Hi Matt, very intresting and very sad for your broken Leica's ! INFO: www.oldcam.be on page 6 there is a nice Leica iiia in the auction end date 27th Jan. YES, I would like to hear and see more from the Fed2. On Ebay there are Zorki's 1C and 2C offered. Is there an important difference ? Greetings, thanks for sharing your info's with us all, Take Care, Roger.
Hi Roger thank you! I know less about the Zorki 2 but the 1c is a great Leica clone. Thanks for the link and your wishes.
Fed2.. ok on my list 👍🏻😊
Now you have even less excuse to review your Canon L3.
Ha thanks Adam, very true! After lockdown I will I promise.. need to get out and about with it.
Does anybody know a fellow who used to TLA Leica Barnack's in the USA circa about 2006? He TLA'd my 58xxxx s/n IIIf. His surname I believe was Chinese. Cannot remember his name, wonder if he is still providing that service.
Sorry I don't
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I would expect he's retired by now. But if anybody remembers his name would be great to remember. He did a great job with my IIIf.