Leica IIIf Review
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- čas přidán 1. 06. 2018
- In this episode, Greg and I review the legendary Leica IIIf which is famous for being one of the highest iterations of Oskar Barnack's original Leica screw mount camera design. The camera was built between 1950 and 1957. In this period, around 184.000 cameras have been produced.
We took Greg's Leica IIIf out on an extensive photo walk around the vineyards and smaller towns around Würzburg. In addition, we drew a quick comparison to the Leica M3 which was simultaneously sold starting in 1954.
Equipment used:
Leica IIIf
35mm f/3.5 Elmar
50mm f/2.8 Elmar
Films used:
Ilford FP4+ (scanned and developed by Greg)
Agfa Precisia 100 (scanned and developed by www.meinfilmlab.de)
If you'd like to get in touch or see some early behind the scenes footage, find me on Instagram: / analog_insights
I love your reviews and videos . They are beautiful pieces of filmmaking, with excellent, informative content. And really well presented.
Thank you so much for your kind words and feedback, Andrew. This really means a lot to us! :)
Analog Insights I'm interested in getting this camera but do the viewfinder accessory really necessary? because I found a used IIIf with 35mm lens but with no viewfinder accessory.
Kos 291 , you will need an external viewfinder (there are also some available for a single lens) as the integrated viewfinder shows only the frame for 50mm.
Best regards, Greg
I'm a recently retired photojournalist who -- thanks to your excellent video -- resurrected my old and far-too-long neglected IIIF and 5 cm Elmar. In doing so, I rediscovered the simple, heartening joys of shooting film with a purely mechanical camera. I have just returned from a tour of the Baltic states, Germany and Russia with a bagful of exposed Tri-X rolls as souvenirs. There are no masterpieces among the frames, but many shots that I will treasure. Many thanks, Max, for a re-introduction to the "real" photography that drew me into my career.
Watching you guys interact with the camera is like a dance, every time Greg took a shot he smiles when he moves the camera away from his eye. Pure joy! That is what photography should be!
When I was in the British Army in Iserlohn. Germany in 1957-58 in the Canadian Maple Leaf Store they were selling NEW IIIF with 50mm f3.5 Elmar for £45 each ! I had bought a pre-war Contax III with 50mm f1.5 Sonnar in Berlin for £35 so could not afford to get the new Leica as well ----
PS -- Please send some of that wonderful SUNSHINE here to BRENTWOOD Essex England ---
Thanks Max and Greg. A review of my favourite camera. I have a IIIf RD which is paired with a Canon 50mm f1.4...known as the 'poor mans Summilux'. A fantastic combination and it brings together Leica engineering quality with some very high quality optics from Japan.
I love using my IIIF. Most times I don't even bother focusing, I find the Leica 50mm lens to be one of the easiest to understand how to zone focus. Set to F8 and zone focus and its the perfect street camera. Great review!
As a 111f owner I heartily endorse your comments. Quality pays, and I find when using the Leica it makes the most of my moderate abilities.
Almost 70 years and it still works like a champ. These were made back when German engineering actually *meant* something
I have a few Canon R/F cameras, fully functional and also nearly 70 years old, but this time with Japanese engineering!
@@TheLemonadedrinker Not unless they sent their factories in China..
My all time favorite camera. I have the M3, but something about this little gem makes me carry it along most of the time.
I have one of the early Black Dial versions, from the first production run in Wetzlar, according to the serial number. It is indeed a wonderful machine - compact, solidly built, and easy to maintain. Mine suffered some shutter problems soon after I bought it, but with a bit of oil and a few turns of the shutter tensioners, she's back to running like a clock. The earlier ones actually have a 30-1 slow speed dial instead of 25-1. Also, shimming the base plate is necessary because 35mm spools in those days were a bit longer than they are today, so the sprocket holes will impinge on the frame if no countermeasure is used. There's a Leica part you can buy, but since I'm a cheapskate I just made a simple shim out of the center spool from a used 35mm canister.
Taking one of these cameras apart really reveals the intelligent simplicity of its ultra compact design. The exact placement of each dial, switch, and button is optimized for mechanical efficiency. The only point against it is that it's a bit of a chore to load, but then again so are many cameras that are well worth using anyway.
Another curiosity you find when disassembling a Black Dial IIIf is that the very earliest versions have the mounting points for the self timer inside, even though the self timer wasn't introduced until the Red Dial. Absolutely no Black Dial Self Timer IIIf cameras were produced. However, it turns out that a customer could send in their Black Dial to be upgraded with a self timer. It just didn't come as standard on new IIIf cameras at first.
For me Leica is synonymous with the pinnacle of photography. My experience with Leica began in the mid seventies with the M3. Although I subsequently had Nikon, Pentax, and Olympus camera’s my true love will always be Leica.
This review drove me to sell my M4-P in favour of an old IIIC which had been sitting in the window of a second hand store that I have been walking past and staring at for the last 2 years.
Best decision ever.
I am lucky to have purchased a IIIf (black dial) complete kit from a co-worker back in 1986! He purchased it in Germany during service in 1955. Came with an incredible 50mm f 2.0 Summitar, original 5cm viewfinder, lens shade and four Leitz filters and a era leather bag! I had it cleaned serviced and lubed and works today like if it was new! What a piece of perfection...I consider myself lucky....I also have an M7 and both have a piece of my heart!!!
An excellent review. I like the way you interleave the history of the camera, and information about its operation, with footage of you and Greg using the camera in the field, and also the way you show the final photo immediately after showing you/Greg taking the photo!
Thanks very much for this and other great reviews! I started using SLR's in the '70's, became curious about LTM's in the '90's and purchased a IIIc with 50mm Elmar f3.5. It's very addictive! Even with an assortment of analog and digital cameras, I'm increasingly drawn to thinking through each frame with a IIIf and old Gossen. There's a lot to be said for being immersed in the process instead of falling back on automation and rushing through. Like you mentioned, the IIIf is timeless, perfect form/function and just feels right. Our younger son is at Uni Freiburg and when I visit, my companion will be the old IIIf!
I found a IIIf at a charity shop a few years ago, for just $29, with 50mm Summicron f2. Paid Youxin Ye $180 for a full CLA on both. It's in remarkable condition for a 65 year old camera and is a joy to use. Nice video guys. Thanks for uploading. Cheers.
What a great story. Congratulations and always fun with that gem.
Cheers, Greg
lucky
you
Thank you for a wonderful review. Around 1970 when I got out of college and started working, I bought a IIIf black dial with an f/2 50mm Sumitar. I didn't have a light meter, so I used the sunny 16 rule (in bright sunshine, at f/16, set the shutter speed to the ASA film speed ) It was good enough back then even for color slide film. I enjoyed the IIIf for a number of years. Your review brought back many find memories.
I love the light and airy feel that these old Leica cameras and their glass produce. I really need to pick up one at some point
My grandpa had one of these, equipped with a 3.5cm, a 5cm and a 9cm lens. He kept using it until the early 1990s which is why I (aged "only" 49) had the opportunity to shoot quite some rolls of film with it in the past. Unfortunately we are not able to find it anywhere today even though it has never left our family. I really liked it, but it has its perks, i.e. parallax errors at short focusing distances, especially with the 9cm lens. And of course it is a very slow kind of photography, but that is not really an issue, once you get used to it. So is shooting with my Pentacon six TL and I love it. I'm a die-hard SLR man (70s and early 80s PENTAX all the way... 😂), but I must admit that I have a soft spot for rangefinders...
I have two these mechanical marvels; a 1952 black dial version and a 1955 red dial with self timer (delay mechanism). I love the feel and handling of the IIIf.
Great review! Love my IIIF RD with collapsible 5cm f/2 Summitar. Got rid of my M3 because I preferred the more compact and lighter IIIF.
I recently aquired a Leica IIIf more or less as a substitute for a Leica M4 that is away for repair which will take several months, unfortunateyl. But the IIIf pleasantly surprised me! What a beautiful little camera and much easier to work with than I expected. Focussing under lowlight-conditions needs some getting used to (adjust the diopter!) as does putting film into it (leave no rough edges on leader!) but the overall experience is so rewarding that you quickly forget about it's quirks. But now I have a new problem: I have to order more film! :)
Fantastic review yet again from you of a fantastic and impressive old school Leica. Thank you for the work that you do and the insights you share.
Camera bliss using these beautiful vintage cameras. So nice to see photographers taking pictures without looking at the back of their camera every time for digital replays. One of my favorite lenses for the LTM Leicas is the small 90mm telephoto with its 10+ aperture blades.
The Leica 90mm Elmar F4 is a gem and is very affordable. Many come with coated lenses. Be sure to use a hood.
I've just bought one, Max, thanks in part to your review, and it really is a piece of art. Keep up the good work!
Wow, great review. I've always loved the look of this camera, but after watching your video I'm really interested in shooting with it. Love the concept of the dual viewfinders. Really enjoy your videos. Thanks Max, Jules and Greg.
Thank you so much for your kind feedback. Really appreciate it! :)
Hello Ted. Thank you for your comment and it is a big honour to get recognized by such a well known youtuber.
Best regards, Greg
Love this channel, so happy to find it. Vielen dank für die arbeit das ihr alle leistet um uns diese videos zu zeigen :)
Thanks so much for your kind comment and feedback. And even the German add-on! Keep it coming. :)
I just saw your video, it is great! I also own the Leica IIIf Red Dial with the Leica Elmar 50mm f/3.5 lens. My body and lens was CLA’ed. These are great cameras and the images are sharp. Another huge advantage of the Leica rangefinders is that they are still serviceable as opposed to many other rangefinder cameras. There is an advantage to Leica.
Great review. Now I love my iiif even more!
This is film so beautifully made and produced. Wow.
Fantastic review, really enjoyed this video. Well done.
I enjoy your reviews. This one in particular because I have owned 2 Leica iiic's for some time now. One of which was converted sometime in the past to a iiic. And I recently acquired a very nice iiic. Keep videos coming . Very informative.
Just snagged an RD IIIf with Elmar 3.5 - being delivered tomorrow! Can't wait and it'll be a great partner to my Konica IIIA.
A really wonderful review, with great production values.
Excellent review. You are so informative and engaging with what you show and say. Thank you!
So pleasing to view your videos, you are so accurate with your information, a rare thing on photo channels
I appreciate this video a lot since I just bought a Leica IIIf (body only). Will test it out using a non-Leica lens whether it works first and foremost; but as I heard you advise, I may have to have it CLA'd first maybe to get the best potential of it. Your video and the research you put into it makes me appreciate the value of this model compared to the other Leicas. Love the sample pictures. Thanks!
8:28 , I have you commend you here for your knowledge and flawless presentation of it. Great vid, enjoyed it so much, knowing that these images came from a 1950s Leica setup is just extraordinary. I had to pause the images to enjoy them, especially LOVE the B/W images - STUNNING! I have the 35mm f3.5 summaron, after using it I found the Belmar 35mm f3.5 a better lens in terms of aesthetics and not tripping the aperture dial each time you focus using the ring alone. Love the form factor of the 35mm elmar. very sharp lenses indeed and real jewels
Great video! I love my iiic with the 5cm Elmar. A perfect camera.
Thanks for this video. It convinced me to finally pull the trigger on a iiif with an Elmar 50mm 3.5. I’m blown away by the size. After getting it CLA’d, I think it will be my go to film camera for quite a while. I was hesitant about the two small windows, but for most situations it isn’t a problem.
I am a perfect Leica screw mount Barnack shooter. These work ideally for my needs and desires.
Enjoyed the video. I have a 1949 iiic converted to a iii and a 1950 iiic. Really enjoy shooting these two cameras.
Nicely done as usual, Max. Nice video and shots of the vineyards and villages. A Bocksbeutel on the Main...
Thank you for this very interesting and nicely produced review. I was given a Leica III with its Elmar lens for Christmas 2000. It was owned from new by the aunt of a friend of mine. I had the lens coated soon afterwards and the camera works perfectly at 87years of age. Although I have several other cameras, the III is an excellent travel camera as it is so compact and discreet. The image quality of modern Leica lenses is different, not necessarily more delightful.
Your channel is by far my favorite on CZcams for Analog photography. If you are interested, would be happy to lend you my analog cameras and lenses for your review. I have more than 150 cameras both 35mm and Medium Format, all kinds and more than 200 lenses from all makes.
Wow, thanks a lot for your kind comment and please excuse my late response. Sure, just reach out to me via my website or Instagram and we might be able to arrange something. As of today, we (Jules, Greg and I) collectively still have a large number of cameras which we haven't reviewed and would like to show on the channel. But in some point in time, I am certainly interested. :)
Your reviews about great pieces of gear are almost like love letters. Great job as usual. Looking forward to the next one.
Awww, thanks so much. This means a lot to me. Quite fitting comparison. I gotta give you that. :)
Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
Just got hold of an early 50mm Elmar f3.5 lens- images glow for a nice effect, reminiscent of Greg's yellow chair shot - interesting charachter in these early lenses.
Excellent review and a joy to watch
Graham Bridgeman-Clarke Thank you so much for your kind feedback.
Great review, you guys do a very good job. I like to see the photos right after you have taken them in the video, very cool!
Excellent as always.
Thanks so much! Really appreciate it. :)
Maxx what's up? I've been looking at this camera for a while but didn't know enough about it. What makes your format of producing these videos so effective is this. Even though it's a long detailed video you constantly dance from talkin commentary To final images from the camera and to showing the camera being used in real-world situations. This style virtually eliminates the viewer getting bored or losing interest while at the same time getting all the important details of the camera across in an entertaining way. As you produce CZcams videos you're always looking for ways to improve but I think youve settled on the perfect format for your channel and I hope you don't change it. respect
Raychristofer Awww, thanks so much for pointing this out. Glad to hear that it seems to work and is entertaining enough. I used to work as a video reporter and learned there how to narrate such videos in an entertaining fashion.
All your points are well taken! it is a perfect camera.
What a lovely review, I suppose the ultimate screw thread Leica would be the IIIG, I did have a look through the improved but still separate viewfinder of one of these a friend has a few weeks back. My own collection, which I use all, includes a IIIF.
Such a great video, I needed to watch it again. Thanks, gentlemen.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks.
Wonderful video, thank you! Excellent detailed information, images, and production.
Very, very interesting program. I have an exact genuine excellent copy of one of these Leicas which I have loaned to a relative. Wonderful presentation and photographs. Thank you so much. RS. Canada.
I've been shooting Nikon for many years and more recently picked up a Fuji X-T4 and loved the form factor and colors that Fuji gives me. Looking through my grandparents old photo albums I was always amazed at the shots my grandfather captured back in the 1930's in pre-war Germany - I believe he used a Leica I or a Leica II. In my youth my father gave me a Minolta X-570 which I loved at the time so I had the experience of using Film back then. Last week I started looking around at Leica I's and II's but after seeing this review I decided to get a Leica IIIf - I just purchased it less than an hour ago and I'm really looking forward to getting out in the field with it and learning how to use it. Thanks again for putting out this review.
Just a quick update - the Leica IIIf is now my favorite camera that I own. I recently had it CLA'd by Youxin Ye - he did a great job and everything now works correctly. So far I've shot 4 rolls of film. Kodak Tri-max 400, Kodak Portra 400, Ilford Delta 100, and Kodak Ektar 100. I picked up a Canon 35mm f2.8, Voightlander 28mm f2.8, Nikkor 50mm f2, and an Elmar 9cm f4. This camera brings me complete joy when I'm out using it. I picked up an inexpensive ttartisans light-meter along with an old soviet KMZ viewfinder which serves all my needs. I also picked up an LTM to Fuji converter so that I can use the vintage lenses on the Fuji mirror-less x-mount cameras. Having this IIIf has blown open a whole new dimension to my photography and added so much to my repertoire. Thank you again.
Thanks for a great and informative video. I'm looking around for a IIIf to go with my IIIc/summitar from the 1940s.
I have two of these cameras with a screw mount Sumicron 50mm. It is really a fast camera to use as you pre focus the lens. The lens is very sharp and easy to use. I believe Henri Cartier Bresson used this camera for much of his work. Very informative and nice work!
I absolutely love your stuff, i have a Minolta XD-11, a Nikon F4, and an Olympus OM-2SP...
Really interesting. I had a lot of fun with my iiic, and playing with different lenses and the viewfinder. I was amazed at the results you could get with it. Now I've got an M2, I just keep it for 50mm, but interesting points about the advantages over the M cameras.
Well research and very informative!
A great review. I recently sold my M2 and now have a Zorki 1. I took it in holiday and found that I far prefer it to the M2 for the reasons you stated, even with the Zorki.
never ever sell a Leica
Masterpiece cameras. One of the best ever created.
Five years have passed since this review, and looking through the comments I noticed that nobody has asked about the Leica 3G. Is this even better?
Always giving great review! I have an R4s and looking forward to a Barnack model! Thanks!
I have a IIIa and I love it. I have an M6 too but there is something indeed about the III.
I enjoy your videos and reviews. I find them useful and learn much from them. I also am inspired and relaxed when I watch them. Love old Leica's, dream of owning one.
Thanks. Glad to hear you enjoy our little videos.
Cosina Voigtlander makes a variable viewfinder that covers major focal lengths with framelines. Very nice.
hi from Mexico! OMG!!! Price then = $3500 today!!! wow°°° that's mindblowingly expensive!! (back then). Thanks for the history of these beautiful cameras!!! I am looking at buying one soon via auction.
Great review, respect! It reinforced my desire to buy one, which will be here in two days’ time (with the iconic Summitar 2.0/50 + barndoor lightshade)...
Great to see this channel. IIIf is one of my favorites. I like to call screw mount Leicas jewelry, because that's how they are made! I'm subscribing..
Good review. I have been using two IIIf since 1968 and they are still two of my favourites even though subsequent M cameras have been added. Regarding your need from the external viewfinder in the accessory shoe, if the correct lens-hood for the Elmar is used, the ITOOY, the supplementary viewfinder is not necessary.
Inspirational as always, you gentlemen are such a class act.
Aww, thank you. Very much appreciate it!
I'm actively looking to purchase a IIIf ST after watching this video. Well done.
Really good pics here.
Love the approach of the video and Greg has a very cool shades too
And cap. He's got style.
Hi, another excellent video about a beloved camera. I had a M6 in the near past with some lenses and a Voigtlander R2M. Everything sold now because of the economical crisis here😑. I ve stayed with the Russian rangefinders and lenses. I still have only the multiple view Leitz finder which you didn't use it. You haven't mentioned it at all but you were using the Soviet zeiss copy turret finder which is better for 50mm and longer focal lengths. Congratulations, keep on going.
I’ve really been yearning to get my hands on one of these or even an earlier wartime or prewar version. I’m moving a larger city and would love to do some classic street photography.
rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=2&pub=5575378759&campid=5338273189&customid=&icep_item=274061265904&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg&toolid=11111
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.
I use Leica IIIa and Summicron 50mm also very beautiful one. Thank you very much for your reviews. ;))
Love the channel, thank you❤
Love your video. The iiif is such a fun camera to use!
Thanks so much for your comment. Glad you liked our little video. And yes, it is an amazing camera. :)
Thank you, that was very insightful and informative.
Thanks so much. You're welcome. :)
Wonderful video, and quite informative Max. Makes me want to somehow get into the Leica world all the more. Keep the great videos coming :)
Thanks so much for your comment, Tim. Sure, will do! :)
Great video, Max! I've always been curious about these little Barnack cameras. I have a few M cameras and sometimes they feel a bit more than I want to carry. I've always wondered if the IIIf/g would be a fun alternative.
Really enjoyed this review . Liked and subscribed.
Nice video. A word of warning - those triangular strap rings are the worst for this kind of camera - they can wear away the brass lugs quickly
I like that guy's camera box.
Sehr schön :) Habe selbst die Leica IIIc und es ist ein erhebendes Gefühl, die Cam zu bedienen.
After shooting a few Ms, the IIIF feels a bit funky:
1. Of course VF and RF windows are separated. So you have to switch back and forth while composing.
2. Changing shutter speed before cocking the shutter is discouraged, because it'll damage your shutter.
3. You can't use M-mount lenses. Only screw mount/M39/LTM lenses, which are usually old.
On the bright side:
1. IIIF is more compact & lighter than any M
2. It's the most affordable way to jump into Leica rangefinder system.
3. Plenty of excellent but affordable lenses available: Canon, Nikkor, Fuji etc etc
The IIIF is a fine camera as long as you're OK with its limitations. Great review, BTW.
Loved your video. A few notes: 1. Olympus was inspired by the iiif to create the M-1; almost identical in body size and ergonomics. 2. Vertical shots can easily be done with thumb on the release; it feels natural either way. Incidentally, best technique is to use the flat of the finger firing the shutter, not the tip. The ring around the release actually encourages that. 3. And - this is matter of taste - I only shoot B&W film in mine. Later Leitz M lenses have multi-coating for better color.
Hello Paul. Also the later screw mount lenses I am using have a multi coating and show excellent results also on color films
i've been using a leica IIF now for about 3 months. At first i thought it to be a mistake but after getting used to the dials I find it to be better to use then any of my other cameras, including my leica M2 or M5 in one major respect, the focusing is always spot on with that magnifying focus viewer that comes with the camera. Also the IIIF slows you down. I feel like it gives me a chance to set the photo up and meditate on exactly what I am trying to achieve. Allow the conscious and unconscious mind to work together which in my opinion, the only real way to create most art forms with any real impact of the artists personality.
I ended up with an urge to shoot some film on the country side. Smooth, this great video. Love the soundtrack, too!
Sounds perfect. That's exactly the kind of effect these videos should have. Glad to hear you enjoyed the music as well. Thanks for your comment! :)
Analog Insights, and, altough I was busy most of this afternoon, I manage half hour to shoot the final frames of an HP5 roll. The country side was the subject. Cheers.
Sometime I use Canon Serenar lenses. Not as good as the L Glass but interesting. A very good video as usual. So good I had to come back for 2nds.
I did doubt that this was a 111f..... But looking into the serial number it is. It's a 1111f with a delay mechanism.. 1 of 16000 manufactured in 1954. Beautiful cameras :-) And an excellent review :-)
Are the ones with the delay mechanism rare(ish)? I believe I have a leica IIIf here with a delay mechanism. But the serial number is telling me that it's a reworked Leica II
Thanks for this review. Any Video on the 73mm lens?
Yes, getting used to the separate focusing and framing windows takes some time, but I was surprised to find I was quite comfortable with it in just an afternoon. Do I prefer it to an integrated design like a more modern rangefinder, probably not, but it works very well, although the tiny little windows can be a bit fiddly, especially for those who must wear glasses to use a camera.
TheAgeOfAnalog Can you share your experience in using that camera as well. I was thinking about getting one but the requirement like additional accessories for other lenses outside the 50mm and a light meter can be quite intimidating for me.
Kos 291 I really like my IIIF RD. I use it primarily with a 35mm F2.5 with external finder. The operation is slightly slower than the M cameras, such as twisting the shutter advance, cutting the film leader, etc. But it’s a fun and unique camera to use!
The IIIf is best suited for zone focus and sunny 16 metering. Once you get comfortable with those concepts, you might not want to pick up any other manual film camera! Budget for a CLA (yyecamera.com) and you should be under $500 total for a Leica camera.
i very often come back to this video again and again because of my fascination with this camera, it makes me dream of owning one one day, and it doesn't help that it's one of the "cheapest" Leica you can get
I think I’ve watched this video 4-5 times. I have been shooting my IIIf RD this week with film in a filca cassette.