RE: [Leica] Leica Screw cameras & lenses

["Steve Unsworth" <steve.unsworth@bigfoot.com>]

Like yourself I had (and still have) an auto everything camera - in my case
a Pentax. Then I bought a IIIc, then a Voigtlander 25mm lens, then an M2,
then a 35 Summilux, then an MR meter, then a 90mm Elmar. Currently I'm
trying to persuade myself I need an M6.

It's a dangerous path your proposing to go down :-)

Steve

(fellow UK lugger)
- -----Original Message-----
From: owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
[mailto:owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us]On Behalf Of Denis
Boisclair
Sent: 01 July 2000 16:05
To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
Subject: [Leica] Leica Screw cameras & lenses


  I have only just joined the group - so if I've got anything wrong with
this posting -  my apologies!

Strange as it may seem, I have a Canon EOS single lens reflex 'automatic
everything' camera(plus an f3.5/4.5 28-105mm zoom lens) which in many ways
is a joy to use!! Excellent results are almost assured most of the time and
the automation leaves time to concentrate on composing the picture.

I have been using cameras for many more years than I would like to
mention(!!) dating back to completely manual models, with a separate
rangefinder and Weston Master exposure meter. - how primitive! In those
days it was my ambition to own a Leica - when I could afford it.......!
Then the Japanese invaded the camera market with cameras which were so good
- - particularly with the early SLRs like the Pentax S1A - and such value for
money - that the expense of a Leica hardly seemed justified.

I can't really explain why after all these years I now have an urge to
realise my youthful ambition to own a Leica - and in particular one so
technically out of date as a IIIc....! However, I like the appearance of
this type - rather in the same way that a steam locomotive looks more
appealing than the smoother lines of a diesel railway engine. The 'M'
series and Leicaflex don't look so interesting - or so distinctive.

I would like to ask :

(i) o you consider the IIIc as a good choice of camera body as a
collectable/useable Leica icon .

(ii)after purchase would it be a good idea to have it checked over by a
Leica repairer, even though the dealer gives a guarantee?

(ii) which  50mm lens (preferrably collapsible) would you recommend as one
which would  give very good results(sharpness/contrast) with colour film. A
Leica specialist dealer has suggested the Elmar f2.8 or Summar f2.0.......

(iii) is it best to buy the clip-on Voigtlander exposure meter or a hand
held meter

Thanks in anticipation -

Denis Boisclair
(Northwich, Cheshire, England)