Leica Comparisons, Including a IIIf , M3 and a IIIg

[@vidjoe8320]

Great vid. You have the dream team Leica collection.... and in such great condition. I'm trying to get the 3G and M3.

[@northstar1950]

Mine arn't mint but very respectable considering their ages, good luck with your search :)

[@leslumieres1237]

The most interesting difference between the two is that the lllG has a frame in the viewfinder for the 9cm lenses!

[@metocvideo]

Cameraworks-uk, Alan Starkie, does a really thorough job on overhauling Leica cameras. He has just finished my IIIf and it is on its way back to me. Be prepared to wait, but once you are in the “queue” you can expect about 10 weeks if Alan is busy.

[@northstar1950]

Alan serviced my IIIg recenttly and he currently has the newly aquired IIIc 'stepper' when that returns I will probably send my IIIf to Alan.

[@ZeptonicScientist]

@@northstar1950 Yeah i just got my iiif back about a week ago, Alan did an incredible job and they were kind enough to service my lens aswell :D

[@northstar1950]

He has had one of mine and one of a friends since last spring!

[@funbichons5215]

I’m interested to add Leica iiig to my Leica collections. Can you review and “how to use” the iiig. Great video. Cheers!

[@northstar1950]

Have you any experience with other Leicas?

[@northstar1950]

Thank you, I did do an upload about using screw Leicas really the IIIg is no different to the others in terns of operation.

[@northstar1950]

Only the M3.

[@ianhand5006]

Nice comparison/ review. What film do you shoot and, do you develop your own film? I’m a huge fan of Kodak Tri-X. I use a Fuji X-E1 with an adapted Zuiko 50mm macro lens to “scan” my negatives.

[@northstar1950]

Thanks for your kind comments, I usually use either Ilford FP4 or HP5, I do develop them myself and then scan them using a Canon scanner. Your 'scanner' sounds most interesting.

[@Elimnio]

great video, such a nice collection. Do you wear glasses? Is the (cheaper) iiif good usuable with glasses? Thanks

[@northstar1950]

@@Elimnio thanks for your kind remarks. Yes I do wear glasses, what I tend to do is wear them when using the rangefinder and sometimes remove them for composing as I can then see the frame edges. Other times I will keep them on and guess where the frame edges are. The problem with glasses using any camera is it's difficult to get the eye right in the viewfinder IMHO the IIIG isn't much easier for those who wear glasses. I think there's always a chance of scratching one's glasses too. So I can't really give a definite answer.

[@tuisitala9068]

Good morning, Thank you for an informative video about my 3 favourite Leicas. I am interested in your comment that the 111g has room around the frame line. Is this enough to represent a 35mmm lens? I am in the market to buy one of these cameras and I would be interested in hearing from you in the unlikely event that you may be thinking of selling. Many thanks.

[@northstar1950]

Thanks for your kind remarks, non of my cameras are for sale, regarding the frame line, I think the appropriate finder would be better although the outside of the frame line might be of some help.

[@sharonleibel]

Great comparison video. Thank you! Would it be OK for me to ask where did you find such minty condition bodies?

[@northstar1950]

I suspect they look better on camera than in the 'flesh' so to speak. Some have a few marks here and there but all are very presentable. I wouldn't want one in absolute mint condition, the odd mark is all part of their history. Probably the most 'worn' finish is the IIIa but then again it's the oldest. Most were e-bay buys the exceptions being the IIIf and the IIIa which came from local auctions.

[@sharonleibel]

northstar1950 thanks for the detailed answer. I agree. For some time I looked for “too minty” so to speak, ending being too protective and not using them. And I hate that. It’s for taking photos. Using but not abusing, not babying them either.

[@sharonleibel]

I assume you use them to shoot from time to time? How do you find them in terms of usability versus an M?

[@northstar1950]

@@sharonleibel , please accept my apologies for not answering sooner, I have only just noticed your question. I do use them and the screw thread Leicas are just as useable as the M3. the separate rangefinder and viewfinder windows used one the screw thread ones are fine once you get used to them and the film loading just needs practice.

[@PaulMoorhousehankooks]

I’ve just bought a 111 c from eBay

[@terrywbreedlove]

Is it best to find a stepper Leica. Like maybe the IIIC Stepper ?

[@northstar1950]

The early IIIc was the only model to have the step. It's simply a case of the steppers are rarer but no better or worse.

[@terrywbreedlove]

@@northstar1950 oh I see thank you 😊

[@bigsleepla]

Man, the cleanest Barnacks on the internet!

[@tuisitala9068]

Good morning again. I am interested to find out if the shutter sound is different for each of these cameras. Many thanks.

[@northstar1950]

A good question, from my limited experience the earlier ones seem to have a more clunky sound and the post war ones seem to be more of a 'snick' type sound, as does the M3.

[@SpookyMilkTea]

Is there any differences in image quality for iiif and iiig? Other than the view finder being different? I’m a college student trying to save money and the viewfinder isn’t a big deal for me!

[@northstar1950]

Hello, image quality is all down to how good the lens is. The body won't really make any difference in real terms providing the mechanics are functioning properly. In short the simple answer is 'no' good luck 🤞Added to that the IIIG type are more expensive.

[@sputumtube]

If you're a college student, just buy a Zorki 4 with a Jupiter 50mm f2 lens (or similar) at a tenth of the price (if a rangefinder is required). Concentrate on excellent images rather than expensive equipment. Nobody will remember your expensive camera, but everyone will remember your excellent photograph.

[@frasiec]

I like my iiif better than my m. Smaller and quieter. Fun too.

[@northstar1950]

Indeed the M series do seem big after using one of the screw Leicas.

[@DirekMui]

feel like a afternoon chat over coffee... :)

[@rojer9542]

Saturday morning and I have my mug of coffee. 🙂

[@marktimmins48]

Fab cameras

[@kslee9434]

Retina reflex shutter repair

[@David-hk3ly]

Not seeing the lens is like seeing a pretty lady with the face covered.....

[@northstar1950]

Ah but doesn't that lady then have a sense of mystery? OK I take your point David, I'll try not to do it again.

[@tompaste387]

Never liked the aesthetics of the self-timer on the IIIg

[@northstar1950]

Hi Tom, it's the only one in my collection that has this feature as it came as standard I believe. I think the self timer was an option on the earlier IIIf.

[@tompaste387]

@@northstar1950 Hi, Yes My IIIf has no self-timer, much cleaner lines