Barnack Leicas

cliveh · Jun 18, 2023

polka said:
I am the real snob : I have 3 Angenieux (french and reputed) lenses for my Leica II and III :
35mm/3.5, 50mm/1.8 and 100mm/2.5. All three couple with the telemeter.

What is the spec for the 50mm 1.8 Angenieux like? Can I borrow it for a couple of months?

George Collier · Jun 22, 2023

Just so I can follow along here - I've been using Leica M's off and on since the late 60's starting with M2 and M3 (both stroke options) and now M4's. I don't remember hearing the term "Barnack Leica" until this thread. I did a quick search for this and found a lot of comparative info, but what is the Barnack Leica, without getting into quality preferences, etc? What defines it (them?)

mshchem · Jun 22, 2023

I'm not a Leica expert. I always thought it meant screw mount

Mogens · Jun 22, 2023

George Collier said:
Just so I can follow along here - I've been using Leica M's off and on since the late 60's starting with M2 and M3 (both stroke options) and now M4's. I don't remember hearing the term "Barnack Leica" until this thread. I did a quick search for this and found a lot of comparative info, but what is the Barnack Leica, without getting into quality preferences, etc? What defines it (them?)

They’re the Leicas that were designed by Oskar Barnack starting in the 20s and 30s. In other words, all of the Leica cameras prior to the M3, plus the IIIg.

Edit: Ah, I'm wrong! Please see below.

Don_ih · Jun 22, 2023

"Barnack" Leicas are those prior to the larger body design of the IIIc.

chriscrawfordphoto · Jun 22, 2023

Don Heisz said:
"Barnack" Leicas are those prior to the larger body design of the IIIc.

Most people use the term to mean any screwmount Leica.

Don_ih · Jun 22, 2023

The term "screwmount Leica" refers to screwmount Leicas. "Barnack Leicas" are a subset. Collectors don't refer to Leica IIIC, F, or G as Barnacks.

mshchem · Jun 22, 2023

Don Heisz said:
The term "screwmount Leica" refers to screwmount Leicas. "Barnack Leicas" are a subset. Collectors don't refer to Leica IIIC, F, or G as Barnacks.

I have a 1933 Leica, IIRC, is a model D, 500th top speed, black enamel, rangefinder. I think it's also referred to as a Leica II? Leica stuff is a whole world onto itself. Mind boggling. The early cameras are perfectly proportioned.

Don_ih · Jun 23, 2023

mshchem said:
I have a 1933 Leica, IIRC, is a model D, 500th top speed, black enamel, rangefinder. I think it's also referred to as a Leica II? Leica stuff is a whole world onto itself. Mind boggling. The early cameras are perfectly proportioned.

If it has no slow speed dial, it's a Leica II - the camera all the Feds and Zorkis originally copied. I have a similarly old one, but mine was originally a Leica I, converted in the factor to a III - the serial number on the top plate is also on the original top of the camera, under the top plate.

mshchem · Jun 23, 2023

Don Heisz said:
If it has no slow speed dial, it's a Leica II - the camera all the Feds and Zorkis originally copied. I have a similarly old one, but mine was originally a Leica I, converted in the factor to a III - the serial number on the top plate is also on the original top of the camera, under the top plate.

Mine is s/n 79257. Everything works great, I found a service sticker inside from 1975, looks like it was gone through, maybe had new shutter curtains. I have an ancient Summar on it. I love these old cameras, I just wish it had strap lugs!

r_a_feldman · Jun 25, 2023

Don Heisz said:
The term "screwmount Leica" refers to screwmount Leicas. "Barnack Leicas" are a subset. Collectors don't refer to Leica IIIC, F, or G as Barnacks.

That may have been the definition, but a quick Google search indicates that the term is now used for any LTM camera prior to the M series. Sorry, but the horse is already out of the barn.

Don_ih · Jun 25, 2023

Yes, the democratization of knowledge has been in full swing since the inception of the WWW and Wikipedia. We have reached the state where, if the majority believes something, that's what counts as true.
Bodes well for future witch trials.

Barnack Leicas

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