Basics of Shooting a Screwmount Leica

The (very) basics of shooting a Screwmount (Barnack) Leica IIIc, taken for a friend who just got her first Leica :)

[@canalsentir]

Hi from Mexico! Thank you for that!! You've explained very well how to operate an old Leica! I might actually buy one soon!

[@RobertKaydoo]

Leica and Hasselblad: mechanical works of art. Peace.

[@canalsentir]

yes i think so also! They are very nice!

[@northstar1950]

An old post I know but did you know this IIIC s what sometimes gets referred to as a 'stepper'? The little lever that releases the wind mechanism for rewinding is mounted on a step, on the postwar IIIC the step was omitted and the top plate was flat. I assume this is a 40s build.

[@Otokichi786]

Looking at the camera serial number, this is a World War II-era Leica IIIb. (The D.R.P. designation nails it; postwar, it's "D.B.P.") That 50mm Summar has been extended and collapsed quite a number of times over the years.

[@Kihei_Ukulele]

hi cool video, can you only set the shutter speed AFTER advancing the film? thanks. i find it confusing as to which one indicates the speed, before advancing or after

[@northstar1950]

They are a joy to use and just look at. Far more challenging than a modern camera but that's all the more interest and fun.

[@mrict2002]

Always wanted to know how these collapsible lenses focus and thanks to your good explanation. My newly bought 50mm Industar on a L39-NEX adapter and Sony NEX mount, will not come out of lock, unless unscrew the adapter mount, half way from camera body. Guess I need to dig a hole where lock is located, over the adapter.

[@Antwort2und40]

That would work. Better to modify the adapter than the lens! :)

[@jzeraba]

Id like to see some samples of photographs taken with this camera. Anyone?

[@Anludo]

I just brought in my second film. It's a c-41 B/W film though (which sucks according to film afficionados in some forum I read in). I do have a couple of color images that turned out good and sharp, but I do not have them digitalized. If you or others interested I can post some of the B/W images somewhere when I get them next week.

[@Peppermint1]

You will find pictures online, but almost all 'good looking' ones are edited with Adobe. So it's difficult to know if the picture quality is because of the lens or because of the editing..

[@Antwort2und40]

You're welcome, thanks for watching and commenting!

[@IainHC1]

Thank you. Ive just got my 1st Leica and its a 111c. You have just taught me a lot about it!! Again, thank you :-)

[@Valleedbrume]

Do you have any info on the Leica DBP Nr.814 156 Just bought one

[@fadedsun303]

I've found a Leica iiic on Craigslist selling for $400 used. Do you think this camera is a good place to start when learning range finder cameras? I can tell this is a good deal on a Leica camera, so I don't want to pass it up.

[@Antwort2und40]

We've all made mistakes like that--I improperly loaded mine one day, on a vacation, and missed an entire day of shots as the leader slipped :/ That's why I created this video, to save others the pain (and shame!) :)

[@canalsentir]

Thanks Nate!

[@HajiTerikatKetat]

Tq Nate. I bought similar Leica camera like yours, but im not really know how to use it. Thank you for ur video and You Tube too.....

[@farhadfadayi7389]

Thanks for review. I bought the same camera just right now from ebay.

[@FlusBiss]

Very useful video! thanks! Unfortunately I don't understand very well spoken English. I have a question. How do I use the slower shutter speed?

[@Antwort2und40]

You're welcome, thanks for watching and responding!

[@ToddB987]

Great review.. Do you like the camera? Does it shoot clear images?

[@davidyager2579]

I have one and they are a delight.

[@dbonfa555]

PLEASE READ THIS ONE!! I'm having so much trouble with loading my Leica. Actually it's a replica: it's a 1936 Berlin Olympics replica of Leica. But it looks like just as yours. I really need help! Would you mind uploading a video of how to load it? Otherwise I'll end up breaking it :(

[@RickGTI2019]

I recently came into a IIIc, with a 5cm lens. Both are in need of cleaning and repair. Can you recommend anyone that’s good with these older Leica’s ?

[@Antwort2und40]

Try Youxin Ye, of Yye Camera. He’s reasonable and knows these old cameras well. Good luck!

[@RickGTI2019]

@@Antwort2und40 thanks, he did my M6. I wasn’t sure if he did the older ones.

[@HelloWorld-zg3gs]

Is it possible to damage the mechanism by turning the knobs on one of these cameras? Mine won't wind properly and I'm wondering if I caused the issue.

[@Antwort2und40]

HelloWorld check the simple stuff before you assume the worst. Is the shutter cocked? Release it. Do you have film in the camera? Make sure it's not off track or jammed. These are very old cameras, anything is possible with regard to their condition; but start simple first.

[@HelloWorld-zg3gs]

Well I can't get the shutter to fire. That's the problem. There is no film in the camera. The rewind knob is fully depressed, the rewind lever set to A, the knob on the front set to 30, and the shutter speed dial set to whatever. The winding knob just keeps going around and around, seemingly half-catching time and time again. But occasionally, after winding or after setting shutter speed, the dial will "catch on" and turn the shutter speed in unison with its own turning. In this case, the shutter button, when depressed, will sometimes click or half click (feels like something is stuck), and the shutter speed dial will move just a little, but not as much as it seems like it should according to videos online.

[@Antwort2und40]

Your camera needs a service. I've had very good results at a fair price from Youxin Ye. Good luck!

[@HelloWorld-zg3gs]

Nate Jedinak Is it possible that I could I have caused damage to the camera, or is this a normal thing for an old camera? Is it even possible to cause damage to the camera, perhaps by turning the shutter speed knob before winding and without lifting up on it first?

[@Antwort2und40]

This isn't a normal thing for a Leica--get it serviced if you want to use it.

[@AGL93311]

Actually that is a wartime IIIc, note the stepped rewind switch.

[@bhop0073]

Adam Lang yup, '41/'42 according to the serial number

[@nicolewhelan216]

Thanks for this--the old manuals I found all were extensive about loading the film but not much on actually using the camera! This was incredibly helpful :-)

[@OldCameras]

Excellent video!

[@Gladiatore3287]

In this camera how do you know what shutter speed, and f stop to use if you want to get the right exposure??

[@komodoweran]

you use a external light meter or just guess it with the sunny 16 rule. after a while you "feel" it:)

[@treehugger3615]

Which model is this?

[@jan3019]

Nate what are the lens compatible with iiif? Any m39 lenses like elmar, fed,industar? And any idea if the summaron 35mm compatible with iiif? Thanks in advance!

[@Antwort2und40]

Yes, all Leica Screwmount lenses; the 35mm summaron is a fabulous lens, and the IIIf will of course be able to use it. Note, though, that there is no facility to frame any focal length other than ~50mm, you will need to use an external finder (attached to the hotshoe) to frame after focusing. I did this to great effect with the Summaron 3.5, Great lens!!

[@nutralizer01]

pretty concise and right down to the point. I luv Barnack so much for its classical look and touch This was very informative. But is that an elmar? i'm afraid, it's a bit hazy inside maybe needs to be cleaned.

[@Antwort2und40]

It was a Summar, as I mentioned in the video. It's beyond clearing as it was eaten by fungus. But still, takes wonderful, atmospheric photographs. On that camera, I mostly used a mint Summitar, which was fabulous.

[@Brause_Market]

These cams are so so cool ; )

[@MrInternetDude]

how much will it cost me to buy one?

[@abdomedia7509]

MrInternetDude i know one man want to sell one

[@Kerimov.health]

How mach this leica???

[@Mr.ReanuKeeves]

What a beautiful camera.

[@willthethrill521]

Wonderful tutorial :)

[@troyshereforu]

I came across a Leica III for $140, is that a good price to pay for this camera, I do not really know a lot about these cameras but, it has the leather cover and appears to be in good shape. what bad things should I look for in this camera before buying???? Any help would be grateful.

[@Antwort2und40]

It really depends upon how functional the camera is; you could check the shutter speeds (by ear or by recording), and check the shutter itself to make sure it doesn't have holes in it. Most of these camera will need a good CLA from a Leica mech; it's not a lot of money as long as you don't have any shutter problems. Good luck!

[@grahamweinroth2024]

What ASA film is used does anyone know?

[@Antwort2und40]

Graham Weinroth you may use any ASA you wish... you set the exposure, after all :)

[@abigailsockeye1586]

From a time when men were men and cameras were cameras, and the women walked bow legged.

[@billbailey8628]

Lol... is this for shooting people who move in slow motion?

[@frasiec]

You don’t have to set your shutter speed after every frame, do you?

[@Antwort2und40]

frank sieckmann You only need to set the shutter speed if you want the exposure to change. Otherwise, you can leave it as set.

[@SVIone]

Thanks a lot for this tutorial. I really appreciate it.

[@TheEmillimE]

Thanks, this has been so useful!

[@crispy1688]

Excellent instructions, thanks!!

[@davepastern]

that looks like a IIIC edit: uggh just noticed your description lol!

[@Antwort2und40]

No worries. Yes, it was a nice IIIc. I'm happy people are still finding value in this video that I filmed off the cuff many, many years ago! Enjoy your Leica(s) :)

[@davepastern]

@@Antwort2und40 I'm completely new to Leicas. Just bought a IIIf. Can't afford a Leica lens so having to slum it with alternatives (Canon f1.8 LTM).

[@Antwort2und40]

Thanks, unfortunately I don't own it anymore :(

[@zippy045805]

Interesting, thanks.

[@20350813elpsycongroo]

nice camera.

[@tikkathreebarrels]

Oh and this is where and how you load the film....

[@张昊宇-p2e]

bayonet is M mount not screw mount

[@Antwort2und40]

Right. This is not a bayonet mount camera ;)

[@antiquetrailhunter4095]

I suffered watching this video how many scratches you made to the camera in that table omg

[@moner02]

helpful

[@photologe8492]

This video was so much help- and useful for me, as I bougt my Leica in January 2015 and started my acticity in photography. Many many thanks! For all interested in shooting with Leica, please visit my Channel and watch a little compilation of my photos taken in 2015 with Leica IIIc and a set of diverse LTM-lenses. Im open for critics, suggestion or tips, and - as still-learning beginner - Im thankful for any feedback. In advance many thanks for visiting and watching!

[@SVIone]

He said IIIc.

[@小林直重-q7y]

My leika3c NO380322!

[@Antwort2und40]

Very cool! Great cameras, and I miss mine. I sold this camera years ago, so I no longer own it.

[@HustleHue]

i got this one for free :)

[@jaysee9655]

Put something under the camera, they didn’t have KZbinrs back then.

[@Antwort2und40]

You're welcome, thanks for watching and commenting!

[@eskilvreb861]

What price does these usually go for?