Leica users?

[politick]

Hello friends -

I just purchased my girlfriend an old Leica IIIf for XMas. I know the photography basics, but very little about Leicas, and all the rangefinder vs. SLR and navigating the myriad different models is a bit overwhelming. Basically, I have the body, but no lens/ screwmount, and was just wondering if anyone could give any advice. Don't really want to screw this one up.

Thanks,
Pol

[Schema Thing]

1. Don't see how you could screw this up, if she's into this sort of thing

What did you want to know?

I have a sweet Leitz lens, 180/2.8, but it's not screwmount.

[politick]

3. Well

I just want to get the best lens for the camera. I guess Elmars are the ones best suited for this model. Just wondering if there's anything I need to avoid, mostly.

[mikeiddy]

5. IIIf

I don't think the older leicas take anything but screwmount, and I think the rangefinder is limited to 90 mm. Longer screwmount lenses require an SLR type adapter (visoflex - IIRC)

[politick]

6. YEs

This is screwmount. I've just had trouble finding definitive descriptions of the IIIf online. And manuals are tough to find, too. Plus my local antique camera shoppe just closed. Found out today. The Leicas just seem to be such particular cameras, I want to make certain I'm doing this right.

[mikeiddy]

9. manual

Here is a link to a manual

http://yandr.50megs.com/leica/3f/3f.htm

[politick]

10. wow

thanks!

[mikeiddy]

2. Not sure what your question is, but . . .

I've had leicas for many years - M2 and M4. They are things of beauty, and the optics are unsurpassed. I like the rangefinder leicas better than the SLRs - they are very quick and quiet. You will need lenses - I suggest a 50mm, a 90 mm and a 28 mm - and get leica optics if you can (although my 90 is an old nikkor). Try to get at least f2 in all sizes. Most of the fun of film cameras is doing your own processing - b&w is very easy if you have a darkroom.

[politick]

4. Is it possible

for a camera to be both SLR and range finder? This one seems to have settings for both.

[mikeiddy]

7. google "visoflex"

It is a SLR adapter for leicas. I don't recommend it for general use - visoflex was mostly designed for macros/microscopy, or extreme telephote work. the adapter is bulky and robs the camera of its best features. This camera is quick, easy to use and reletively small, and its best use is general rangefinder photography.

[BrotherBuzz]

8. Seek Carl Zeiss lenses

45 or 50mm, and a 135mm portrait lens are about all you need. The Army issued me two of those cameras many years ago and I grew to like them.

[shrdlu]

11. Google Leica IIIf...

...lots of links...

[Gregorian]

12. Try asking any Leica questions HERE...

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