I always knew the M line was more advanced, but I keep finding myself drawn to the Barnack models. I just bought a 1953 iiif without the timer, but with a 5cm Summicron and I have had a blast using it. I told myself I would never cave to the Leica hype, but now I get it
I shot with one for a couple weeks. I was surprised how easy it was to focus and frame a shot. Very smooth to shoot and the small body git well in my hands.
Nice review on the Leica IIIf. There are third party film trimming templates that are reasonably priced. The original Leica film trimming template is hard to find and costs $$$$. If you use the old Barnack Leicas best to trim the leaders and not try the other methods to load untrimmed leaders. Think how much it will cost to repair your shutter or base plate if you screw up….just not worth it. As I recall as one commenter stated yes the trim leaders were longer back in the 50-60’s but not sure if they were that long as required although the IIIf and IIIg were still being manufactured. Also before Kodak started placing film into the 135 cassette ppl had to roll their own from movie film stock. Leica sold their own reloadable cassette which if you can find are $$. Enjoy your IIIf, I have the older IIIa 1935 which is a different shooting experience than shooting with an M. Love both
I forgot to mention in my earlier text that I had may IIIa and Summar serviced at YYeCamera whose rates are very reasonable. His service is excellent. Most older Barnack Leicas will need a CLA. He also works on the mechanical Leica M’s. As I recall he doesn’t repair M6 light meters nor does he work on digital models…..but I would visit his website to confirm.
Dear Larry Langarrd.Sir you have a very good memory. I think your right. I do think when they say to trim film they mean it! The bits of film get into the shutter and that would be costly repair. So ive been lead to believe. If i had a leica i would trim film with x acto knife and sand edges of film with 400 awt. Wet or dry or possibly 600 awt. Wet or dry sand paper to knock down those snags on the film. Maybe overkill but taking camera to repareman very unhappy occurance. I agree those leaders were longer in those days. You cant see the film plane in those early Leicas so why gamble their prcision on sloppy film reload?
It seems to me that 35mm film in the 1960’s had the leader trimmed like the diagram on the bottom of your IIIf, so back then you wouldn’t have to trim the leader yourself. Or is my memory faulty?
Leica wants 20 film perforation holes trimmed. About 4 inches. The roll of Kodak Gold file I am looking at only has a trimmed length of 8 perforation holes. Leica wants 4" trimmed, Kodak has 1.5" trimmed.
I learned a while ago just slip a bisiness card into film plane of leica then add the film. Hopefully this thwarts the snagums! Use at own risk. I still say sand those frayed film edges! Lest thy fray rise up and.smite thee!😅
I always knew the M line was more advanced, but I keep finding myself drawn to the Barnack models. I just bought a 1953 iiif without the timer, but with a 5cm Summicron and I have had a blast using it. I told myself I would never cave to the Leica hype, but now I get it
I shot with one for a couple weeks. I was surprised how easy it was to focus and frame a shot. Very smooth to shoot and the small body git well in my hands.
Most greatful! Youve been a big help reg.flash sync. Thank you.
Awesome overview of the IIIf. Great info. Thanks.
Thanks for watching.
Nice review on the Leica IIIf. There are third party film trimming templates that are reasonably priced. The original Leica film trimming template is hard to find and costs $$$$.
If you use the old Barnack Leicas best to trim the leaders and not try the other methods to load untrimmed leaders. Think how much it will cost to repair your shutter or base plate if you screw up….just not worth it.
As I recall as one commenter stated yes the trim leaders were longer back in the 50-60’s but not sure if they were that long as required although the IIIf and IIIg were still being manufactured.
Also before Kodak started placing film into the 135 cassette ppl had to roll their own from movie film stock. Leica sold their own reloadable cassette which if you can find are $$.
Enjoy your IIIf, I have the older IIIa 1935 which is a different shooting experience than shooting with an M. Love both
I recommend a PhotonBox trimmer. A lot less expensive and works fine for both Barnack's and trimming film for slrs.
I forgot to mention in my earlier text that I had may IIIa and Summar serviced at YYeCamera whose rates are very reasonable. His service is excellent. Most older Barnack Leicas will need a CLA.
He also works on the mechanical Leica M’s. As I recall he doesn’t repair M6 light meters nor does he work on digital models…..but I would visit his website to confirm.
Dear Larry Langarrd.Sir you have a very good memory. I think your right. I do think when they say to trim film they mean it! The bits of film get into the shutter and that would be costly repair. So ive been lead to believe. If i had a leica i would trim film with x acto knife and sand edges of film with 400 awt. Wet or dry or possibly 600 awt. Wet or dry sand paper to knock down those snags on the film. Maybe overkill but taking camera to repareman very unhappy occurance. I agree those leaders were longer in those days. You cant see the film plane in those early Leicas so why gamble their prcision on sloppy film reload?
It seems to me that 35mm film in the 1960’s had the leader trimmed like the diagram on the bottom of your IIIf, so back then you wouldn’t have to trim the leader yourself. Or is my memory faulty?
Leica wants 20 film perforation holes trimmed. About 4 inches. The roll of Kodak Gold file I am looking at only has a trimmed length of 8 perforation holes.
Leica wants 4" trimmed, Kodak has 1.5" trimmed.
I learned a while ago just slip a bisiness card into film plane of leica then add the film. Hopefully this thwarts the snagums! Use at own risk. I still say sand those frayed film edges! Lest thy fray rise up and.smite thee!😅
I have Leica IIIa model g with flash sync from 1937 with all box and instructions. Sorry for my english. Not native english speaker. Cheers o/
Very cool!
The flash synch was added later. Flash synch didn’t appear until the Leica IIIf