Leica II with collapsible Elmar: Pocketable?

[Roberto V.]

I've never owned a rangefinder so i wanted to know if the Leica II with a collapsible Elmar 50mm f/3.5 is a pocketable combination. I'd like to use this as a camera to carry around more often since my SLRs are rather big and I have wanted one of these Leicas for a long time.

Thanks,
Rob

 

[Ian Grant]

It is pocketablet not that light, but it's OK, needs a jacket pocket. I have a IIIa & Summar I used to use like taht as a student in the early 70's.

Ian

 

[Mark Antony]

Like Ian says the size certainly means it fits in say an inside jacket pocket, the weight is somewhat more than you'd expect. I had a IIIc with Elmar and loved it to bits, but I think the weight around 500g? would be a problem to some-well made though

 

[Bruce A Cahn]

I used to keep a folding lens and M3 in my pocket. The problem is remembering to pull out the lens.

 

[vedmak]

it is a great combination, none of the other cameras can compare to that in terms of dimensions and quality for a 35mm camera it is as good as it gets, enjoy!

 

[John Lawrence]

You can pop it in your pocket, but as others have said the weight is a factor. I would also add that I find the viewfinders of the early Barnack cameras to be "squinty" and thus use the accessory brightline finder which further adds to both size and weight. However, you may not have this problem.

An alternative worth considering may be the Olympus XA series of cameras? They are small and light enough to carry with you, have a built in light meter and offer good performance and value for money.

 

[elekm]

Also, make sure that you use a lens cap. Over time, pulling it out of your pocket and pushing it back into your pocket will irreversibly scuff the front element of the lens, especially if it's an older uncoated lens.

 

[2F/2F]

They are immensely pocketable. When I can't get anything else in some place, I have always been able to get my Barnack cameras in. (I have a IIIa and a IIIc.) They have allowed me to shoot a lot of things that I would not otherwise shoot (including my favorite photo that I have ever taken), simply because they are so convenient to carry everywhere every day (if you wish). I have them with me a lot as a go-to carry-around camera, where I would otherwise have brought no camera at all. Weight is absolutely no issue. I don't understand that concern in the least bit. Get one. Use it. You will get great stuff. There is no camera I have ever used that packs so much control and image quality into a more convenient package.

P.S. I carry a business card with me at all times to speed up film loading. I place the card over the sprockets when reloading so that the film slips all the way down without having to caress the leader over the sprockets or taking the lens off.

 

[Roberto V.]

Nice. That's what i expected, a heavy camera but still pocketable. Weight doesn't really matter much as soon as i can carry it around in my pocket. Thanks for the advice, i think i will get one in January or February.

 

[Xmas]

Nice. That's what i expected, a heavy camera but still pocketable. Weight doesn't really matter much as soon as i can carry it around in my pocket. Thanks for the advice, i think i will get one in January or February.

They are pocketable, but you do neeed a lens cap any generic plastic push on cap will do, a filter is desirable and the lietz filters are the same push on size as the lens.
You will also need the lens hood, again a simple generic cap that fits the lens or the filter should fit the standard Lietz hood, as a hood cap.
The aperature setting ring allows slightly easier changing of aperature, without removing the filter and hood, reduces the risk of dropping the filter or hood.
I carry mine is a very small bag with filter. hood and cap in place, they are too heavy for other than a heavy coat pocket e.g. in winter when you want (need) to keep the camera above ambient.

But your mileage may vary

Noel

 

[mablo]

FSU cameras Zorki-1 and FED-1 are exact copies of Leica II so if someone wants to evaluate barnack type of cameras it might be a good idea to find a clean Zorki-1 or FED-1 with an Industar-22 lens (a copy of Elmar) for around 50$/EUR/£ before rushing to buy a Leica II for around ten times as much.

 

[davela]

This is a fine combination. It will fit in a large jacket pocket, and it's pretty small and easy to carry anywhere. Leica quality stands above most of the copies, including many (but not all) of the best Japanese efforts and all the Russian efforts.

 

[sangetsu]

I carry a Leica III with a collapsed Summitar in my pants or coat pockets routinely. The Elmar is even more compact, and is a good lens.

I also agree that the FED1 or Zorki-1 cameras are good. The Industar and FED lenses give up nothing in picture quality compared to an original Elmar. It might even be a good idea to use one of these old Russian lenses on your Leica (I often do), if you do ding it up or scratch it, you can easily find a replacement on Ebay for $20 or so.

 

[Bateleur]

A great camera combination for the photographer on the go, especially the advise regarding the lens cap, perhaps a UV filter may offer some additional protection too.