Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/12/13
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]I really like my IIIf. As others have noted, IIIg's are usually priced too high, unless you can find a beater. F/stops: I traded in my continental stopped Elmar 50/3.5 (f/9, 12.5, etc.) for a similar version that has modern f/stop numbers, and I'm much happier now for that. I just grew tired of always translating f/stops into another scheme. Lenses: You either buy 1) 1950's or earlier Leitz, 2) Other Mfgr like Nikon or Canon, 3) Modern Leica LTM lenses from Japan (reputedly 1.5x the asking price of M-mount! Ouch!), or 4) New Voightlander 15, 25, 35, 50, or 75 lenses. Personnaly, I'll probably get a 50/1.5 Nokton Aspherical for my IIIF soon. It is the equal of the last generation Summicron, and I can use it easily on both an M and a LTM body. I have a 25/4 Skopar and I'm already eyeing the 75/2.5 Color Heliar. (God this tears up my pocketbook!) Knob wind issues: My IIIf winds pretty easy, but I really would like something else sometimes. I'm saving my pennies for one of Tom's Barnak Rapidwinders which will be introduced sometime in early 2000. I'd buy a Leicavit, but I don't want to fork out the bucks. Skip At 12/13/99 11:55 AM -0500, you wrote: >Eric, > >Screw mount lenses are cheap. Unless the lens is a collector, the useful >lenses will be no more than $300-400, usually less. However, no fast lenses >other than the 50mm f1.5. You'll have to make do with f3.5 or f4 for the 35 >and 90s. The IIIg is a very expensive SM camera and a pretty one will cost >more than an M3. > >If you are going to use the camera, any SM is very pleasant to use. I enjoy >using my IIIa even more than using my M6. The separate view and focus takes >some getting used to however. The big plus for an SM is weight and size. >My IIIa goes easily in a pants pocket and a IIIa with three lenses fits into >the smallest of fannypacks. A few minor things about SM cameras: they are >harder to use with gloves on than my M6, knob wind isn't all that bad, >especially if you are left-eyed like me and have to bring the camera from >your face to wind anyway, the non-modern f stops drive me bonkers (f18, >f6.3!!!). > > >Jonathan Lee >-----Original Message----- >From: Eric Ho [mailto:eric.ho@computer.org] >Sent: Monday, December 13, 1999 11:19 AM >To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us >Subject: [Leica] M3 or IIIg > > >I already own an M6 and am now considering adding an M3 or IIIg to my >collection (Christmas gift). Does anyone have any recommendation? Pros and >Cons? I was told by a dealer that Leica is coming up with some newly >designed screw mount lens. It make the IIIg very attractive to me... Not >sure how "expensive" these screw mount lens are though! > >Cheers, >eh - ----------------------------------------------- Skip Williams Westfield, NJ skipwilliams@pobox.com - -----------------------------------------------