l bought a Leica lllB a few years ago. it was a wonderful camera to handle. small, unobtrusive and solidly built. It suffered a minor problem with the shutter, it was already 50 years old in the mid eighties. This was soon 'fixed' by a specialist Leica repairer after which it worked perfectly there after. Compered to cameras of the day they were a bit quirky to use, however once mastered they were a joy to use....
i love some of these model-posed-with-camera shots. like some of them kinda push the bounds of believability that it could be natural, and then you have 0:24
Wow you certainly know your stuff and I was able to take a lot of it in even with you rapid clear delivery, I have 3 of the usual Russian viewfinder cameras already and love them but want to go a little more modern and easier to use, so I have been looking at some of the Canons with the 1.8 lens and the rotating viewfinder wheel you recommended, so you helped me make up my mind and not choose one of your favourite Leica’s, thanks. Have you ever thought of going on Mastermind you should surely win with your all round knowledge of Leica’s. Regards Richard
Your videos are very helpful regarding any and all things Leica! After all my research decided on buying a freshly CLAd Leica iiig as well as a SBOOI viewfinder. Very excited to see how this compares to my other 5 film cameras! Thanks for all the videos.
Hi Stephen, very nice choice! You picked the best of the Leica iii cameras :) Great with 50s and 90s (9cm f4 Elmar is great to own and good value). Enjoy! :)
Very thorough review of Leica III series of 35mm cameras. Yes, other lens makers can work quite well on an older Leica camera. A bit of surprise to see the Industar / Soviet Era gear perform well, because one doesn't associate better consumer goods w the Soviet Era. Perhaps some of this material can be condensed in a short book. Great info and helpful to Leica III users. ❤😊
Thank you for making this video, Matt. I am thinking about investing in a IIIg camera, but I wonder if the older lenses are still good, though I am sure one can find them on eBay. Sometimes it just takes some luck and patience to find an older lens in fine condition and gives a clear/contrast picture. I am not surprised that an ‘excellent’ condition IIIg camera still sells for around $1,000 + up. Thanks also for relieving us shooters about getting hung up on buying only Leitz lenses for the III series-and consider Voigtlander and Canon lenses. Well done.❤😊
If you love Barnack style cameras, you should look at those made by Canon. The Canon IVSB or IVSB2 are said by some to be the equal or better quality than Leica. I have a IVSB2 and love it. Combined rangefinder and viewfinder. It has all of the look and feel of a Barnack Leica at a much better price. I have owned M and screwmount Leicas and this Canon is every bit as good and better in some ways such as the viewfinder/rangefinder. I always enjoy your videos, especially those related to vintage Barnack cameras and their lenses.
Thanks Don! I have the Canon L3. I've not yet used the IVSB/2. I do love the Barnack size and look. See my latest videos to see a few more. I'll check those Canon models too so thanks!
I use a mid-50's IIF with either a f/3.5 or an f/2.8 Elmar. I don't need the slow speeds as always work hand-held, and they are generally cheaper to buy.
Most of it I knew/know except the Nikkor adapter and Nikkor S lenses, and it's always a great refresher to see what others have to say about the Barnack cameras. I have three of them, IIIa, IIIc, and a If red dial. I mostly use the If with a 35mm f/3.5 Elmar and a Leica 35mm finder when I want to shoot film with a quality compact camera. Otherwise, if shooting film, it will be the M6 and 35mm f/2 Summicron 3rd gen lens. I've had all my Leica film cameras CLA'd to include my Leica SL. The exception is the R5 and R3, the latter still new in the box. The R5 just keeps working and working... Great video Matt! Thank you, Don
I wish Leica would make their 28 Summaron a LTM mount make a great combo! I have the 40 Heliar on my 3. I’m getting great photos with it. Leica needs to wake up. Nice video. You forgot to mention the expensive Konicas except the ones from the fifties.
Beautiful. The lens advice with Canon and Jupiter is spot on. I have some of each and like them a lot. I use them on M cameras and they work great. My '57 J8 KMZ is superb. But the 2" Amotal is the winner. Keep up posting. I know it is hard but I and so many others appreciate what you do.
Thanks for the great tips! I'm new to these rangefinder cameras but it would seem that a lot of these tips could apply to an old Canon rangefinder like the VT de luxe which I'm learning how to use. Cheers.
When I got my Leica M-2, I did not have a lens yet for it but I did have a Jupiter-3. I can confirm, focus was crap. I believe it is the flange distance as you mention in the video. Happy ending though, I then bought an Elmar, a Summerit, and a Summicron. All vintage. :-)
Apparently it's not just the flange distance... supposedly Leitz and Zeiss designed their "50mm" lenses to slightly different actual focal lengths (something like 51.9mm and 52.4mm) which in turn meant the focusing mounts need to move a slightly different distance as you focus closer. When the Soviets got their camera industry going after the Hitler war, they very sensibly standardized both their Contax-mount and Leica-mount lenses to the Zeiss value. But that meant a Soviet LTM lens that focused perfectly on a Fed or Zorki would not focus quite correctly on a real Leica -- you could shim it to be correct at one distance, but it wouldn't be correct at other distances. Supposedly there are shops that can fix this by adjusting the lens-group spacing, if you've got an exotic wide-aperture Soviet lens and are determined to use it on a Leica with rangefinder focusing. The expert on this stuff is a guy named Brian Sweeney; a search should turn up some of his published articles on the topic...
I bought a Pixco Nik-M39 in order to use my Nikkor wide angle lenses on my Leica iiia. Unfortunately the M39 thread is not the same as the Leica L39 ltm thread and would not screw into my Leica iiia more than 1/2 turn. The same goes for the Fotodiox Nik-M39 adapter. Forcing it in would strip the threads. The only adapter that has worked for me was the Nik-Lei from Cameraquest about15 years ago. I have not seen it advertised since. It seems odd that there is not one vender that sells the true Nikon F to Leica ltm adapter.
There is a M42 to LTM adapter. I ordered one and will let you know if it works. This is the Kipon Pentax M42 Screw Mount Lens to Leica L39 Camera Lens Adapter. Goes for $34.95. No adapters found so far for Canon FD to LTM adapters.@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom
Matt, you were right! The Pixco Nik-M39 adapter does work on Leica LTM cameras. I was overly cautious using it on my Leica iiia when I felt a little resistance. Then I tried it on a much safer subject, the L39 lens holder for my Omega enlarger. It worked. With this result I tried it on my Leica again and found that it does work though a little tight in spots. However, the Fotodiox Nik-M39 adapter defiantly doesn't work for the Leica. Another great option is the Kipon M42-L39 adapter which allows you to use M42 lenses on your LTM Leica or Canon.
Hey! What a useful video! Could you help me to find out why my sbooi shoe mout viewfinder cannot fit a Leica iiif? It could be used on Leica m3, but cannot put it on my Leica iiif😢
Hi Matt, I have a 3f with a 50cm 3.5 Elmar lens. I've seen users push their lens into the body. How is this done or am I just being too gentle with it?
One thing you don't mention is that it's really only the Elmar (or Fed/Industar) lenses that don't partially block the viewfinder. I've got the beautiful Color-Skopar 50, but get annoyed by the blockage. My IIIf + RS Elmar is just a dream to shoot (both recently serviced)! Thanks!
Hi Mark, RS Elmar..very nice! I have the Skopar (see video), it's one of the smallest LTM 50. I never notice any blockage but you can easily get spoilt by the tiny Elmar :) Bigger lenses like the Canon 50mm f1.4 do cause more blockage.
One option you could mention for light weight or cost savings is the Leica II. They seem to be the overlooked middle ground for collectors. The 3s and 1s are popular, but the 2s get overlooked. True, you don't get the full selection of shutter speeds of the 3s, but this also means they're more likely to still be in good repair as they have a simpler mechanism. I managed to get mine (with its Elmar 5cm) for under $300 usd earlier this year, and I still see their prices as under the radar of the other models.
The original Leica II (Model D in USA) has a couple of drawbacks; the RF window is 1x, rather than 1.5x （less accurate) and lacks diopter adjustment. Also no lugs for camera strap, so stuck with an ancient neverready case or a wrist strap attached to tripod screw. Your recommendation is much more applicable to a IIc or IIf…
@@shoefantasia1412 All true, but if you're on a budget there are real bargains there to find. Because the II or (D) lacks either the usability improvements of later models, or the "cool" factor of the 1s, bargains can be found (except for the black and nickel ones, which go for silly money).
I’m interested in a Zorki 4k & have Nikon S lenses & Voigtlander M39. What of the clones or affordables have the better more reliable rangefinder & coupling? How about Nikon S/S2 or the Canon L3? Oh, flash sync is important
Hi Matt, for viewfinders have a look at Light Lens Lab at least for a direct equivalent of the Leica 35mm SLBOO finder. I recently got one because of the price and general poor condition of the genuine Leica SLBOO on the second hand market and it is brilliant, as I also understand are their new Leica copy lenses.
Thanks Steve, i've not seen these until now. Great that there are more companies making these types of items (I recommend the Leica X1 36mm VF as you get it discounted being a 36mm yet beautiful quality. I have it).
Great tips! Wish I knew them before I got a iiif. Luckily I happened in to a kit that works for me, and absolutely love the screw mount Leica cameras. I use a Summitar and a Summaron each with external SBOOI/SBLOO finders. I feel the in-body 50mm finder, though small is good enough (I’m a glasses wearer), and it’s wider than 50 (though not quite 35mm even if my eye is close). If I forget the external viewfinders the in-body one is good enough though. Thanks for sharing!!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thanks Matt. To get that “full, wider than 50 but not quite 35mm view,” I have to put my glasses up on top of my head though 🤷🏽♂️. It works in a pinch if I forget the 35mm external finder, or want to slim the camera down and I know I will get a little more than what I’m seeing. Perfect? Nope, but it’s just another option. Loved this video. Thanks again!
This is what the IIIa manual says on the topic: "The field of view gives the exact size of the photographic image at 9--12 ft.; at infinity rather more is on the negative, and at 3--6 ft. rather less."
The shutter sounds loalud and hollow compare to my M3. Pro: beautiful design, compact size, light weight Con: loud shutter. (matters if you are a street photographer with 50mm lens)
Thanks! About 12 months ago so i'm running behind with it, sorry! (Still has film in I need to finish).. you'll see it mentioned briefly in last night's video.. again me trying to finish the film!
Hi Matt Thanks for the very informative video! Have you got any tips on easily identifying these series of cameras between models when shopping or unexpectedly coming across one of them at markets etc Many thanks and all the very best, Ron
Hi Ronald, no VF/RF is a ic/if or if it is bigger the ig. Patch on the front is normally a iiif or iiic without slow speeds so called the iif etc. Later ones have combined finder, older ones have 2 windows on the back, G is easy as has bigger window on the front. It's a big topic so perhaps buy a book so you can spot them/ look them up.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Hi Matt Thanks for your quick and comprehensive reply Actually I think it would make a great video…… hint hint Your looking fit and happy Kindest regards Ron
As a collector and user my ten cameras all have Leitz lenses, some of the lenses would benefit from cleaning but still work fine. The reason I like them is they tend to have quite low contrast and that's what I find is attractive not that I have anything against high contrasts but I like the vintage look. I have a really nice F2 Summar which is prone to flaring, as all uncoated lenses do but used with care give a great vintage look. It's horses for courses.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom The issue I find with Soviet turret finders is that on my Leica iiib and indeed on my Zorki 1 the eyepiece pokes uncomfortably into my forehead when I'm trying to use the rangefinder. It sticks out so far that it actually makes getting your eye close enough to the rangefinder window very tricky.
Additional tips not mentioned here: a) External viewfinder related: Get the Voigtlander 21/25 one because it provides border to border outside the seen frame lines a nearly 12 mm field of view for free. b) The Leica screw-mount cameras are the only Leica rangefinder cameras which allow double and multiple exposure on the same frame with a very simple method.
@@Skipsul Yes, this is not well documented but works very well if done in this order: 1. Take 1st exposure as usual. 2. Keep shutter release button pressed while turning the shutter speed dial back counter-clockwise until it stops and shows the formerly used shutter time. Do NOT lift the speed dial! 3. Take 2nd exposure on the same frame. The procedure can be repeated unlimitedly for as many exposures on the same frame as you like. No Leica M camera can do the same - only the Leica LTM cameras can.
@@Skipsul Google it for a quick answer, I’ve got quite a few cameras /systems so I forget from body to body. I only found out when doing it with Leica R bodies.
also matt, the D models, esp. the MD's where designed this simple, for one reason, they were the old "photo-copiers", BEFORE xerox invented the paper one!, these go onto a copy stand, or to a microscope attachment and are used for this, or copy work, also you can adapt these to telescopes, and hence NO need for a viewfinder, the microscope/telescope is pre-focused with the 'normal' viewing eyepiece, then the adaptor prism assembly is designed to be in-sync with the focus, or is screw adjusted (calibrated) for the job at hand, just remember to open the blind to let light through the adaptor to the camera!!
Great channel! Great informations! Keep up the good work. I have a question. I bought a iiif, sent it to CLA and developed 2 rolls recently. There are many frames turned out to be half frame after I developed. What might be the reason you believe? Am I loading the film wrongly or some shutter speeds are not correct? Thanks
Thank you. Yes this is common with these older Leica. See one of my other Leica iii videos. It's a shutter issue so the CLA didn't fix it/ was not done properly. (If left black or right black). If top or bottom is black that is not the shutter.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I did a test. Yes it is a shutter problem. 1/1000 and 1/500 are problematic. I am sending it to CLA again. Thank you for your comment.
V Series Canons (L1/L2/L3/VL/VL-2/VT/VT deluxe (three versions) are all wonderful cameras with a 35mm lens, But if you do not wear glasses the Canon P has LIFE SIZE view and parallax correcting frame lines for 35-50-100. If you are right eyed you can shoot with your left eye open and see the frame line superimposed on reality.
Hey Adam, great to see to here. Thanks for the usual top info. I just posted a Canon lens video, you must have sensed it! :) ..I still need to finish film in my L body.
And if are left eyed alot can be said for using a trigger-wound body (Canon VT, VT deluxe, VI-T ) to keep the camera at your eye whilst shooting rapidly and NOT poke out your right eye with the film advance lever….
Hi Matt do you have a link for the adapter l39 to nikon F glasses, I didn't know it was possible but I would liket to try for F menses on my L3. Thx in advance.
Hi Phil, I couldn't find on Amazon(s) and there was only 1 listed on eBay which someone probably bought. See the screenshot in the video of what to look out for if more list in the future.
Can I add three comments - viewfinders...... try the Russian 5-turret v/f, .........the ttA exposure meter is awful hard to read in sunlight, ....... and as a guide a Contax CLA in done here in England just cost me £240 a few weeks back, but a U.S. company wanted up to $1,000 for a complete strip down and clean of all the mechanism. (A lens Leica lens CLA cost me £100).
Thanks Dan, I now have a turret finder, yes really nice piece. I don’t mind the TTA meter. CLA price sounds about right, maybe a bit high but all prices are up.
Also, how much bigger and brighter is the viewfinder of the iiig compared to the iiif? I have the iiif and have been thinking of upgrading to the iiig for the larger viewfinder. Is it really a big difference?
Hi! I wondered if anyone would stop that little teaser clip! :D I will be reviewing yes. Need to shoot it some more before I can give an answer. Size is amazing!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom - Oh yeah, we don't miss anything! ;-) I have the 20mm SLII, 28mm SLIIn, 40mm SLIIn, and the 58mm SLIIn. I'm thinking about adding the 90mm to the kit. I'm looking forward to your review!
great tips, but one other, (not to state the elephant in the room), but ALWAYS check the LENS CAP!!, as this is NOT a through the lens system, but a range finder, so you don't get this last 'fail-safe' chance to see if the cap is on or not!!
The Canon lenses are amazing. Tip 4: A barnack holder is holding a piece of history and 35mm at its infancy. So if you think you need something more exotic, you'll never be pleased.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Ohhhh... I have two. I own a IIIb and a IIIa. I work at a WWII museum in Indiana and so when I researched and found that my IIIb was a Leitz Freedom Train camera, I ended up donating that to the museum. But since it still works, they let me get it out from time to time and shoot events when they want something in film. I actually like the A more than the B. The two separate viewfinders are actually good because I was getting headaches straining on the single. It was like a bifocal and was just something I didn't catch onto.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I cannot emphasis how important that last tip is. Now for once, my impatience paid off. I got a leica IIIb. However, not wanting to wait the extra few weeks to developed a roll of film in the lab, I taught myself how to develop it. Come to find out, the shutter curtain had some serious issues. So I was able to send that off to a cla befoer I shot more rolls. Thus minimizing the damage to my wallet from bad photos. :P of the three leica's I own, I only had one that was outright alright without a service
My pre-WWII Elmar, especially when stopped down, is remarkably sharp at least on B&W film (I've only put 1 roll of color through the camera, so cannot comment much on that yet). You mentioned Canon and Nikon lenses, and of course Contax and the Soviet lenses, but how are the other Leica-clone lenses? Seems most of the Japanese camera companies got their start on LTM cameras, and I've been trying (unsuccessfully) to find info on the performance of Minolta LTM lenses, or for other rather forgotten companies, as these can sometimes be a bit less dear than the Canon glass.
No! Get a zorki or fed soviet clone from an early production year! Or even better a Kiev 4! Wich is a contax ii, exactly built by the same machines but in USSR, after wwii aperations, USSR mad zeiss ikon build them a production plant to make contax cameras renamed Kiev, made in Kiev by the same crew, exact same quality and USSR clone lenses made with German formulas, you can pick a Kiev 4 easily for 60 bucks yet for the exact same product just contax with the same quality (provided Kiev camera was early production before machines wore out), it definetly has a better viewfinder than the leica 3, 15% more magnification, huge base length, there's nothing this camera does not surpass the leica 3
Thanks Luca! You know I love my Kiev 4(and others), I have Zorki, FEDs (video to come soonish).. clones.. Leica are much smoother to operate but I can get excellent images from my Kievs (and others).
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l bought a Leica lllB a few years ago. it was a wonderful camera to handle. small, unobtrusive and solidly built. It suffered a minor problem with the shutter, it was already 50 years old in the mid eighties. This was soon 'fixed' by a specialist Leica repairer after which it worked perfectly there after. Compered to cameras of the day they were a bit quirky to use, however once mastered they were a joy to use....
Great story! Yes I still enjoy using mine today.
Thanks!
Thanks David!
Fun one Matt! The Leica III is so cool looking. I want one based on the looks of the body alone!!
You should definitely get a nice one to add to your collection Vic, if need help message me!
Hi Matt!
Keks also builds an attachable lightmeter, that works great!!!!
Greatings, Stephan
Thanks Stephan! I have their twin hotshoe adapter too.
i love some of these model-posed-with-camera shots. like some of them kinda push the bounds of believability that it could be natural, and then you have 0:24
Ha thanks! Yes i'll publish a book one day, girls with cameras!
great video. Thank you very much for this. Cannot wait to watch the other videos.
Thank you! I think i've done 400+ videos now. Newer ones are probably better but the info is similar.
Wow you certainly know your stuff and I was able to take a lot of it in even with you rapid clear delivery,
I have 3 of the usual Russian viewfinder cameras already and love them but want to go a little more modern and easier to use, so I have been looking at some of the Canons with the 1.8 lens and the rotating viewfinder wheel you recommended, so you helped me make up my mind and not choose one of your favourite Leica’s, thanks.
Have you ever thought of going on Mastermind you should surely win with your all round knowledge of Leica’s. Regards Richard
Thanks Richard, haha, I know a lot about a very small topic but not much on anything else!
Thank you very much for review. Today I bought my first Leica 3F camera
Congrats! I bought a Leica ii yesterday. New video to come
This video is sooooo amazing. Thank you so much!
Ha thank you! I love these cameras! (See tonigh's video - best cameras of 2022!) :)
Your videos are very helpful regarding any and all things Leica! After all my research decided on buying a freshly CLAd Leica iiig as well as a SBOOI viewfinder. Very excited to see how this compares to my other 5 film cameras! Thanks for all the videos.
Hi Stephen, very nice choice! You picked the best of the Leica iii cameras :) Great with 50s and 90s (9cm f4 Elmar is great to own and good value). Enjoy! :)
Very thorough review of Leica III series of 35mm cameras. Yes, other lens makers can work quite well on an older Leica camera. A bit of surprise to see the Industar / Soviet Era gear perform well, because one doesn't associate better consumer goods w the Soviet Era. Perhaps some of this material can be condensed in a short book. Great info and helpful to Leica III users. ❤😊
Thanks Norman, glad you found it useful. There’s more info on MrLeica.com too
Thank you for making this video, Matt. I am thinking about investing in a IIIg camera, but I wonder if the older lenses are still good, though I am sure one can find them on eBay. Sometimes it just takes some luck and patience to find an older lens in fine condition and gives a clear/contrast picture. I am not surprised that an ‘excellent’ condition IIIg camera still sells for around $1,000 + up. Thanks also for relieving us shooters about getting hung up on buying only Leitz lenses for the III series-and consider Voigtlander and Canon lenses. Well done.❤😊
Thanks Norman, yes if can find a clean copy old lenses have more character but if you want sharper modern LTM are better. Lots of great options!
I have a Leica IIIf and definitely love the Canon 50 on it ... never feel comfortable with collapsable lenses!!!
Agreed. I get Collapsible Dysfunction anxiety ...
Thanks Brian, nice!
Haha i'm sure it's a real thing :)
If you love Barnack style cameras, you should look at those made by Canon. The Canon IVSB or IVSB2 are said by some to be the equal or better quality than Leica. I have a IVSB2 and love it. Combined rangefinder and viewfinder. It has all of the look and feel of a Barnack Leica at a much better price. I have owned M and screwmount Leicas and this Canon is every bit as good and better in some ways such as the viewfinder/rangefinder.
I always enjoy your videos, especially those related to vintage Barnack cameras and their lenses.
Thanks Don! I have the Canon L3. I've not yet used the IVSB/2. I do love the Barnack size and look. See my latest videos to see a few more. I'll check those Canon models too so thanks!
I use a mid-50's IIF with either a f/3.5 or an f/2.8 Elmar. I don't need the slow speeds as always work hand-held, and they are generally cheaper to buy.
Yes I love my iiF (using iiig at the moment for the bigger finder with a 40mm lens)
Great tips, there's one more camera with L39 mount I'd like to add to the list, It's called "Yasuhara T981". Not bad really.
Thanks! I don't know that one
Hey Matt i finnally gather Summar and Leica IIIa model g ;3 Thank's to your video ;) Now time for m2 or m3 in working order :3
Congrats! I do love the old Leica cameras!
Most of it I knew/know except the Nikkor adapter and Nikkor S lenses, and it's always a great refresher to see what others have to say about the Barnack cameras. I have three of them, IIIa, IIIc, and a If red dial. I mostly use the If with a 35mm f/3.5 Elmar and a Leica 35mm finder when I want to shoot film with a quality compact camera. Otherwise, if shooting film, it will be the M6 and 35mm f/2 Summicron 3rd gen lens. I've had all my Leica film cameras CLA'd to include my Leica SL. The exception is the R5 and R3, the latter still new in the box. The R5 just keeps working and working...
Great video Matt! Thank you,
Don
Thanks Don!
I wish Leica would make their 28 Summaron a LTM mount make a great combo! I have the 40 Heliar on my 3. I’m getting great photos with it. Leica needs to wake up. Nice video. You forgot to mention the expensive Konicas except the ones from the fifties.
Thanks William, yes agreed we need more new LTM lenses! Thanks regarding Konicas
Canon 28/3.5 or 28/2.8 are alot faster, better and less expensive.
@@shoefantasia1412 Canon lens review to follow!
Beautiful. The lens advice with Canon and Jupiter is spot on. I have some of each and like them a lot. I use them on M cameras and they work great. My '57 J8 KMZ is superb. But the 2" Amotal is the winner. Keep up posting. I know it is hard but I and so many others appreciate what you do.
Thanks Zoltan and thanks yes appreciated!
Thanks for the great tips! I'm new to these rangefinder cameras but it would seem that a lot of these tips could apply to an old Canon rangefinder like the VT de luxe which I'm learning how to use. Cheers.
Thanks. Yes absolutely! I still need to do a video for my Canon L3 (I did one for the Model 7)
When I got my Leica M-2, I did not have a lens yet for it but I did have a Jupiter-3. I can confirm, focus was crap. I believe it is the flange distance as you mention in the video. Happy ending though, I then bought an Elmar, a Summerit, and a Summicron. All vintage. :-)
Apparently it's not just the flange distance... supposedly Leitz and Zeiss designed their "50mm" lenses to slightly different actual focal lengths (something like 51.9mm and 52.4mm) which in turn meant the focusing mounts need to move a slightly different distance as you focus closer. When the Soviets got their camera industry going after the Hitler war, they very sensibly standardized both their Contax-mount and Leica-mount lenses to the Zeiss value. But that meant a Soviet LTM lens that focused perfectly on a Fed or Zorki would not focus quite correctly on a real Leica -- you could shim it to be correct at one distance, but it wouldn't be correct at other distances. Supposedly there are shops that can fix this by adjusting the lens-group spacing, if you've got an exotic wide-aperture Soviet lens and are determined to use it on a Leica with rangefinder focusing. The expert on this stuff is a guy named Brian Sweeney; a search should turn up some of his published articles on the topic...
Thanks Barry, I had the same issue with the J3 on my M9!
Thanks JL, great info! Yes I find the 50 3.5s no problem on any body but not the faster J3 as mentioned here.
Thanks for mentioning the Russian wides: The Russar 20mm and the Orion-15 28mm.
No problem!
* ruZzian
I bought a Pixco Nik-M39 in order to use my Nikkor wide angle lenses on my Leica iiia. Unfortunately the M39 thread is not the same as the Leica L39 ltm thread and would not screw into my Leica iiia more than 1/2 turn. The same goes for the Fotodiox Nik-M39 adapter. Forcing it in would strip the threads. The only adapter that has worked for me was the Nik-Lei from Cameraquest about15 years ago. I have not seen it advertised since. It seems odd that there is not one vender that sells the true Nikon F to Leica ltm adapter.
Thanks, hmm maybe I got lucky as my M39 one fits my various L39 cameras. I’ve used it for a while and had no issues. Yes it is a tighter fit.
There is a M42 to LTM adapter. I ordered one and will let you know if it works. This is the Kipon Pentax M42 Screw Mount Lens to Leica L39 Camera Lens Adapter. Goes for $34.95. No adapters found so far for Canon FD to LTM adapters.@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom
Matt, you were right! The Pixco Nik-M39 adapter does work on Leica LTM cameras. I was overly cautious using it on my Leica iiia when I felt a little resistance. Then I tried it on a much safer subject, the L39 lens holder for my Omega enlarger. It worked. With this result I tried it on my Leica again and found that it does work though a little tight in spots. However, the Fotodiox Nik-M39 adapter defiantly doesn't work for the Leica. Another great option is the Kipon M42-L39 adapter which allows you to use M42 lenses on your LTM Leica or Canon.
Hey! What a useful video! Could you help me to find out why my sbooi shoe mout viewfinder cannot fit a Leica iiif? It could be used on Leica m3, but cannot put it on my Leica iiif😢
Thanks, yes some older cameras are a tighter fit. I have the same issue with some finders not fitting Leica iii cameras.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I fixed it by using a pair of pliers, but I almost broke the base of the viewfinder and was trying to strengthen it😮💨
Great advice, as always!👍
Thanks Lucy!
Hi Matt,
I have a 3f with a 50cm 3.5 Elmar lens. I've seen users push their lens into the body. How is this done or am I just being too gentle with it?
Hi, twist to de-couple then push in (make sure click it back out before you shoot!)
One thing you don't mention is that it's really only the Elmar (or Fed/Industar) lenses that don't partially block the viewfinder. I've got the beautiful Color-Skopar 50, but get annoyed by the blockage. My IIIf + RS Elmar is just a dream to shoot (both recently serviced)! Thanks!
Hi Mark, RS Elmar..very nice! I have the Skopar (see video), it's one of the smallest LTM 50. I never notice any blockage but you can easily get spoilt by the tiny Elmar :) Bigger lenses like the Canon 50mm f1.4 do cause more blockage.
One option you could mention for light weight or cost savings is the Leica II. They seem to be the overlooked middle ground for collectors. The 3s and 1s are popular, but the 2s get overlooked. True, you don't get the full selection of shutter speeds of the 3s, but this also means they're more likely to still be in good repair as they have a simpler mechanism. I managed to get mine (with its Elmar 5cm) for under $300 usd earlier this year, and I still see their prices as under the radar of the other models.
Thanks James, great tip!
The original Leica II (Model D in USA) has a couple of drawbacks; the RF window is 1x, rather than 1.5x （less accurate) and lacks diopter adjustment. Also no lugs for camera strap, so stuck with an ancient neverready case or a wrist strap attached to tripod screw.
Your recommendation is much more applicable to a IIc or IIf…
@@shoefantasia1412 thanks, yes I normally recommend C & F but great info on the D thanks.
@@shoefantasia1412 All true, but if you're on a budget there are real bargains there to find. Because the II or (D) lacks either the usability improvements of later models, or the "cool" factor of the 1s, bargains can be found (except for the black and nickel ones, which go for silly money).
I’m interested in a Zorki 4k & have Nikon S lenses & Voigtlander M39.
What of the clones or affordables have the better more reliable rangefinder & coupling? How about Nikon S/S2 or the Canon L3? Oh, flash sync is important
Nikon S are nice but RF is dim so harder to see. L3 is better for focusing. I’ve not used my Zorki enough to know that one.
Hi Matt, for viewfinders have a look at Light Lens Lab at least for a direct equivalent of the Leica 35mm SLBOO finder. I recently got one because of the price and general poor condition of the genuine Leica SLBOO on the second hand market and it is brilliant, as I also understand are their new Leica copy lenses.
Thanks Steve, i've not seen these until now. Great that there are more companies making these types of items (I recommend the Leica X1 36mm VF as you get it discounted being a 36mm yet beautiful quality. I have it).
Great tips! Wish I knew them before I got a iiif. Luckily I happened in to a kit that works for me, and absolutely love the screw mount Leica cameras. I use a Summitar and a Summaron each with external SBOOI/SBLOO finders. I feel the in-body 50mm finder, though small is good enough (I’m a glasses wearer), and it’s wider than 50 (though not quite 35mm even if my eye is close). If I forget the external viewfinders the in-body one is good enough though. Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks Justin and yes great tip for glasses wearers! (I only wear mine for driving)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thanks Matt. To get that “full, wider than 50 but not quite 35mm view,” I have to put my glasses up on top of my head though 🤷🏽♂️. It works in a pinch if I forget the 35mm external finder, or want to slim the camera down and I know I will get a little more than what I’m seeing. Perfect? Nope, but it’s just another option. Loved this video. Thanks again!
@@justinconnaher8868 thanks Justin!
This is what the IIIa manual says on the topic:
"The field of view gives the exact size of the photographic image at 9--12 ft.; at infinity rather more is on the negative, and at 3--6 ft. rather less."
Hi I will try and get M10 when the price go down and maybe a old M5 maybe? But I thank you for all your good information, keep up the good work.
Thanks and nice.. maybe i'll trade my M240 for a cheap M10 if prices come down enough.
The shutter sounds loalud and hollow compare to my M3. Pro: beautiful design, compact size, light weight Con: loud shutter. (matters if you are a street photographer with 50mm lens)
They vary a little depending on the age of the camera and servicing etc. My 1931 Standard sounds different to the later Leica iii cameras for example.
Nice review Matt. When should we be expecting your Canon L3 review?
Thanks! About 12 months ago so i'm running behind with it, sorry! (Still has film in I need to finish).. you'll see it mentioned briefly in last night's video.. again me trying to finish the film!
Hey Matt, do you have a video going over the comparisons of the different Barnak Leicas?
Yes but better is the blog post. Visit MrLeica.com and search Leica iii on homepage, look for title listing all the models. Videos linked there too.
Hi Matt
Thanks for the very informative video!
Have you got any tips on easily identifying these series of cameras between models when shopping or unexpectedly coming across one of them at markets etc
Many thanks and all the very best, Ron
Hi Ronald, no VF/RF is a ic/if or if it is bigger the ig. Patch on the front is normally a iiif or iiic without slow speeds so called the iif etc. Later ones have combined finder, older ones have 2 windows on the back, G is easy as has bigger window on the front. It's a big topic so perhaps buy a book so you can spot them/ look them up.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Hi Matt
Thanks for your quick and comprehensive reply
Actually I think it would make a great video…… hint hint
Your looking fit and happy
Kindest regards Ron
@@ronaldsand3000 see my other Leica iii videos and blog posts. It’s probably covered already in those.
As a collector and user my ten cameras all have Leitz lenses, some of the lenses would benefit from cleaning but still work fine. The reason I like them is they tend to have quite low contrast and that's what I find is attractive not that I have anything against high contrasts but I like the vintage look. I have a really nice F2 Summar which is prone to flaring, as all uncoated lenses do but used with care give a great vintage look. It's horses for courses.
Thanks, Yes agreed the old lenses often give a nice low contrast look.
I like the 5 cm F2 Summar as well. Great for portraits.
An other possibility for viewfinder’s are the multi focal viewfinder by Kiev or Leica (Leica being more expensive) the ones with the rotating lenses
Ah yes turret finders! Thanks. Yes good value I just didn't get them as they are quite big (but overall smaller if using lots of different lenses).
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom The issue I find with Soviet turret finders is that on my Leica iiib and indeed on my Zorki 1 the eyepiece pokes uncomfortably into my forehead when I'm trying to use the rangefinder. It sticks out so far that it actually makes getting your eye close enough to the rangefinder window very tricky.
What is a Leica 3 F worth and where the made in the mid 50’s?Have three lenses with it.All Leica Wexlar.
Check eBay in your area for average value. Will depend on condition. See the detailed Leica iii blog post for the year each model was made.
Additional tips not mentioned here: a) External viewfinder related: Get the Voigtlander 21/25 one because it provides border to border outside the seen frame lines a nearly 12 mm field of view for free. b) The Leica screw-mount cameras are the only Leica rangefinder cameras which allow double and multiple exposure on the same frame with a very simple method.
Thanks MB, great tips and yes on multi-exposure too. Also the 21/25 is nicer than the 25mm VF as it has framelines vs not.
How do you do the multiple exposure on these?
@@Skipsul Yes, this is not well documented but works very well if done in this order: 1. Take 1st exposure as usual. 2. Keep shutter release button pressed while turning the shutter speed dial back counter-clockwise until it stops and shows the formerly used shutter time. Do NOT lift the speed dial! 3. Take 2nd exposure on the same frame. The procedure can be repeated unlimitedly for as many exposures on the same frame as you like. No Leica M camera can do the same - only the Leica LTM cameras can.
@@MB-or8js Thanks! I had no idea. I will definitely have to give this a try.
@@Skipsul Google it for a quick answer, I’ve got quite a few cameras /systems so I forget from body to body. I only found out when doing it with Leica R bodies.
also matt, the D models, esp. the MD's where designed this simple, for one reason, they were the old "photo-copiers", BEFORE xerox invented the paper one!, these go onto a copy stand, or to a microscope attachment and are used for this, or copy work, also you can adapt these to telescopes, and hence NO need for a viewfinder, the microscope/telescope is pre-focused with the 'normal' viewing eyepiece, then the adaptor prism assembly is designed to be in-sync with the focus, or is screw adjusted (calibrated) for the job at hand, just remember to open the blind to let light through the adaptor to the camera!!
Thanks Andy, I’ve nearly bought the MD cameras a few times!
Great channel! Great informations! Keep up the good work. I have a question. I bought a iiif, sent it to CLA and developed 2 rolls recently. There are many frames turned out to be half frame after I developed. What might be the reason you believe? Am I loading the film wrongly or some shutter speeds are not correct? Thanks
Thank you. Yes this is common with these older Leica. See one of my other Leica iii videos. It's a shutter issue so the CLA didn't fix it/ was not done properly. (If left black or right black). If top or bottom is black that is not the shutter.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I did a test. Yes it is a shutter problem. 1/1000 and 1/500 are problematic. I am sending it to CLA again. Thank you for your comment.
I keep saying this but try the Canon Serenar f1.9 it's a bargain for what you get + beautifully made, I'm using this on a leica IIIf.
Thanks! If I see a clean copy cheap i'll check it out
V Series Canons (L1/L2/L3/VL/VL-2/VT/VT deluxe (three versions) are all wonderful cameras with a 35mm lens, But if you do not wear glasses the Canon P has LIFE SIZE view and parallax correcting frame lines for 35-50-100. If you are right eyed you can shoot with your left eye open and see the frame line superimposed on reality.
Hey Adam, great to see to here. Thanks for the usual top info. I just posted a Canon lens video, you must have sensed it! :) ..I still need to finish film in my L body.
And if are left eyed alot can be said for using a trigger-wound body (Canon VT, VT deluxe, VI-T ) to keep the camera at your eye whilst shooting rapidly and NOT poke out your right eye with the film advance lever….
@@shoefantasia1412 great tip!
Hi Matt do you have a link for the adapter l39 to nikon F glasses, I didn't know it was possible but I would liket to try for F menses on my L3. Thx in advance.
Hi Phil, I couldn't find on Amazon(s) and there was only 1 listed on eBay which someone probably bought. See the screenshot in the video of what to look out for if more list in the future.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom oki if I FIND one I will give it
Amazing
Thanks!
I have a iic, but I can’t find the shutter curtain material…any leads?
Sorry I don’t. I repair person did mine but I don’t know if he had old stock he used.
00:05 Natty Serial No.712226 Six on the right, three 2s = 6 and the 7-1 = 6!
Good spot!! :)
I understand that Leica does not stock parts for the Barnack models. So I am not sure how repairable they are?
Good repair guys seem to repair and replace everything. Mine have had new shutters etc
Beautiful 3rd party 35mm external viewfinder : Zeiss FDA-V1K. Very expensive, but worth it if you find it second hand.
Thanks for the tip! I wanted the 28/35mm micro finder but silly expensive!
Can I add three comments - viewfinders...... try the Russian 5-turret v/f, .........the ttA exposure meter is awful hard to read in sunlight, ....... and as a guide a Contax CLA in done here in England just cost me £240 a few weeks back, but a U.S. company wanted up to $1,000 for a complete strip down and clean of all the mechanism. (A lens Leica lens CLA cost me £100).
Thanks Dan, I now have a turret finder, yes really nice piece. I don’t mind the TTA meter. CLA price sounds about right, maybe a bit high but all prices are up.
Hey Matt! Thought I'd ask if you know about the KMZ Horizont/Horizon or Widelux panoramic cameras.. curious if you've used them. :)
Hi i've not used them but know of them. I guy I used to teach at my 1:1 workshops in Zurich had a Widelux
Hey Matt. How do you like that Voigtlander 90mm SLIIs in Nikon mount? Will you be doing a review on it?
Also, how much bigger and brighter is the viewfinder of the iiig compared to the iiif? I have the iiif and have been thinking of upgrading to the iiig for the larger viewfinder. Is it really a big difference?
Hi! I wondered if anyone would stop that little teaser clip! :D I will be reviewing yes. Need to shoot it some more before I can give an answer. Size is amazing!
See the video cover showing both cameras side by side in the video. I would say at a guess 50%+ bigger. A lot!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom - Oh yeah, we don't miss anything! ;-) I have the 20mm SLII, 28mm SLIIn, 40mm SLIIn, and the 58mm SLIIn. I'm thinking about adding the 90mm to the kit. I'm looking forward to your review!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom - Thanks Matt.
A Reveni lightmeter would fit a lot better on a IIIf. It is digital but works very well.
Thanks Erich! Noted.
great tips, but one other, (not to state the elephant in the room), but ALWAYS check the LENS CAP!!, as this is NOT a through the lens system, but a range finder, so you don't get this last 'fail-safe' chance to see if the cap is on or not!!
Yes! Great tip Andy :)
Is the lllG worth the extra money?Over lllc
Hi David, yes if you use 90mm a lot and want parallax correction.
The Canon lenses are amazing.
Tip 4: A barnack holder is holding a piece of history and 35mm at its infancy. So if you think you need something more exotic, you'll never be pleased.
Thanks Andy, yes I love my Barnack cameras! (search Leica Standard to see the one I use the most)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Ohhhh...
I have two. I own a IIIb and a IIIa. I work at a WWII museum in Indiana and so when I researched and found that my IIIb was a Leitz Freedom Train camera, I ended up donating that to the museum. But since it still works, they let me get it out from time to time and shoot events when they want something in film.
I actually like the A more than the B. The two separate viewfinders are actually good because I was getting headaches straining on the single. It was like a bifocal and was just something I didn't catch onto.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I cannot emphasis how important that last tip is. Now for once, my impatience paid off.
I got a leica IIIb. However, not wanting to wait the extra few weeks to developed a roll of film in the lab, I taught myself how to develop it. Come to find out, the shutter curtain had some serious issues. So I was able to send that off to a cla befoer I shot more rolls. Thus minimizing the damage to my wallet from bad photos. :P
of the three leica's I own, I only had one that was outright alright without a service
Do you have any hacks for loading a Leica IIIF?
I do it the safe normal method but google for a hack without cutting
Matt, what is your preferred black and white film when using vintage glass?
I like higher contrast and fine grain so I like TMax 400 but I use cheaper films too
ADOX KB 14
ORWO NP10
Gevapan 27
Fortepan 80
My pre-WWII Elmar, especially when stopped down, is remarkably sharp at least on B&W film (I've only put 1 roll of color through the camera, so cannot comment much on that yet). You mentioned Canon and Nikon lenses, and of course Contax and the Soviet lenses, but how are the other Leica-clone lenses? Seems most of the Japanese camera companies got their start on LTM cameras, and I've been trying (unsuccessfully) to find info on the performance of Minolta LTM lenses, or for other rather forgotten companies, as these can sometimes be a bit less dear than the Canon glass.
Thanks James. I’ve not tried Minolta LTM but Canon and Nikon are usually both excellent.
Could've called this video everything you need to know about Leica III 👍🏻 where's the bonus tips though 🙈😅
Ah thanks Thomas, I’m trying to keep you guessing! :P
No! Get a zorki or fed soviet clone from an early production year! Or even better a Kiev 4! Wich is a contax ii, exactly built by the same machines but in USSR, after wwii aperations, USSR mad zeiss ikon build them a production plant to make contax cameras renamed Kiev, made in Kiev by the same crew, exact same quality and USSR clone lenses made with German formulas, you can pick a Kiev 4 easily for 60 bucks yet for the exact same product just contax with the same quality (provided Kiev camera was early production before machines wore out), it definetly has a better viewfinder than the leica 3, 15% more magnification, huge base length, there's nothing this camera does not surpass the leica 3
Thanks Luca! You know I love my Kiev 4(and others), I have Zorki, FEDs (video to come soonish).. clones.. Leica are much smoother to operate but I can get excellent images from my Kievs (and others).
Kiev's made in 50s -60s are great
I sold my canon 50mm f1.8... Instant regret.
Oh no, yes easily done! I sold a good Sonnar ZM copy
I have a Herd , of L 39 CANON , including the 0.95
Nice Chris!
50/0.95 is NOT L39. It is a custom mount for Canon 7/7s/7sZ.