Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/09/23
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]At 01:48 PM 9/23/98 -0400, you wrote: >I'd like to start carrying around my IIIf more, and I have some questions about its "ease of use." > I use my IIIf regularly and love it, but have given up on any lens other than my 50mm Summitar. The advantage of the IIIf is its compactness -- it is easy to take anyplace. Adding other focal lengths means an external viewer and, unless you are willing to guess, a separate meter. (I have a small Leicameter mounted on top.) Once you go to viewers and multiple lenses, you might as well carry an M2 or 3 which is much easier to use. That being said, I find that the IIIf is a jewel and a real pleasure to carry and use. While film loading can be a bear, I tend to have more problems properly engaging the sprockets than trimming the leader. I use a small scissors or knife and just err on the long side. That brings up a more general point. Much of the discussion on the LUG involves the M6 and the newest lenses. I wonder how many of us use older Leicas with lenses of the same vintage regularly. I use the IIIf and an M3 and my "newest" lens is a DR Summicron of late 60s vintage. While I have no doubts that the newer lenses are much superior in terms of contrast, detail and color rendition, I like the using the older equipment. Now, if collectors would just stop driving up prices :) Steve _________________________________________________________ DO YOU YAHOO!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com