M2 Vs IIIF...?

frank · Mar 28, 2015

Don't be afraid to use the lens focusing scale numbers to pre-focus on things.

Also, even with a 50mm lens and the camera's 50mm viewfinder, an external viewfinder improves the experience (but adds a little to the size, being a bump on top of camera.)

Hatchetman · Mar 28, 2015

spend the next two days with it in your hand. shoot a few rolls. If by then you still are uncomfortable, I don't think you ever will be.

Jerevan · Mar 28, 2015

Yes, I can remember it took me a bit of time and a few rolls of film to get acquainted with the IIIf. Just don't give up too quickly. And don't faff around too much in the beginning trying to get an exact framing - it will come eventually with practice.

John Koehrer · Mar 28, 2015

cliveh said:
What does that stand for?

To be accurate, it means "Rolling on the floor, laughing my ass off"

Since then, I found my ass(bounced into a corner) and managed to tape it back in place.

Deluded? Me? Ever look in a mirror bud?
Oh, May as well go back to 3rd grade. "I'm rubber, you're glue. Whatever you say bounces off me and sticks to you"

pjferrante · Mar 28, 2015

You won't go wrong with either in good condition. ...Wonderful cameras! I own, use, and love using both. No bells and whistles, no meters, no batteries. Just great lenses, accurate focusing, and a reliable shutter. Enjoy! And good luck!

Richard S. (rich815) · Mar 28, 2015

darkosaric said:
This can actually be a good thing - slowing down, more time to think .

Nice weekend ahead!

Exactly.

Richard S. (rich815) · Mar 28, 2015

John Koehrer said:
To be accurate, it means "Rolling on the floor, laughing my ass off"

Since then, I found my ass(bounced into a corner) and managed to tape it back in place.

Deluded? Me? Ever look in a mirror bud?
Oh, May as well go back to 3rd grade. "I'm rubber, you're glue. Whatever you say bounces off me and sticks to you"

Or this one: "Sticks and stones can break my bones but na----Ow!!! Hey!"

cliveh · Mar 28, 2015

John Koehrer said:
"I'm rubber, you're glue. Whatever you say bounces off me and sticks to you"

Have you ever thought about writing song lyrics?

NorwayPhoto · Apr 1, 2015

I have had some great days...and some hours not so great.....Testing the IIF.
First, the camera feels great when you handles it, solid. Made to last.
Loading film, well.....I am getting better and less frustrated when doing so, witch is good.

First, what is the down side`s with the IIF, for me, is the small window for framing, focusing. I do find it a bit small, but that sad, I do find it a BIT easier now than the first time.....the last roll I have had developed show some improving when it comes to focusing, so all is not bad.
Still need some more rolls before I manage it 100%....doing so, I will have fun.
The film loading is another issue, but on the other hand, is it? I do manage, only taking up more time, but I am not in a rush, so, no it is not a drawback.
Other drawbacks? I am sure there is, slow to operate. But, I find that to be a good thing, making me think more before I do shoot another photo.

Upsides? It is a cool camera! Is it working? Is that a Japanese retro made digital camera? Lot of odd questions.
For me, it is what I seek, a nice, well made rangefinder that takes good photos, IF I do my part.

Oh yes, I will get one! 100%.Sadly the one I borrowed for some days are not up for sale.

Thank you all for looking and good tips.

Hatchetman · Apr 1, 2015

Good choice in my opinion! I use the first III model. No flash synch and no 1/1000 speed. Neither of which I would ever use with this camera anyway.

georg16nik · Apr 1, 2015

“small window for framing”... No, you see.. its proportionally correct given the camera form factor and size.
Any 50mm lens, be it ƒ3,5 or even ƒ2 and ƒ1,5 lens focus more precisely on IIF, since after Leica II, the rangefinder optical system received built-in telescope with magnification of 1.5., which is not present in any Leica M.

The M2 rangefinder magnification is 0.72x and most Ms are under 0.9x
Combining VF and RF in single unit and covering more than 50mm is not without drawbacks - viewfinder tint, fogging/de-silvering, balsam separation, cost of replacement by Leica in Germany ~ 500 Euro. ouch

NorwayPhoto said:
I have had some great days...and some hours not so great.....Testing the IIF.
First, the camera feels great when you handles it, solid. Made to last.
Loading film, well.....I am getting better and less frustrated when doing so, witch is good.

First, what is the down side`s with the IIF, for me, is the small window for framing, focusing. I do find it a bit small, but that sad, I do find it a BIT easier now than the first time.....the last roll I have had developed show some improving when it comes to focusing, so all is not bad.
Still need some more rolls before I manage it 100%....doing so, I will have fun.
The film loading is another issue, but on the other hand, is it? I do manage, only taking up more time, but I am not in a rush, so, no it is not a drawback.
Other drawbacks? I am sure there is, slow to operate. But, I find that to be a good thing, making me think more before I do shoot another photo.

Upsides? It is a cool camera! Is it working? Is that a Japanese retro made digital camera? Lot of odd questions.
For me, it is what I seek, a nice, well made rangefinder that takes good photos, IF I do my part.

Oh yes, I will get one! 100%.Sadly the one I borrowed for some days are not up for sale.

Thank you all for looking and good tips.

NorwayPhoto · Apr 3, 2015

Thank you all for the comments, help and tips.
I am also going to be happy without the flash synch and the 1/1000 speed.

trondareo · Apr 3, 2015

I was weighing up those two a couple of years ago, but luckily found an M3 dual wind locally for a reasonable price. I love it! Go for an M3 and never look back!

by the way, although it doesnt have frame lines for wide angle lenses, I have found a Voightlander 28mm ultron to match the limits of the viewfinder.

trondareo · Apr 3, 2015

Oh, and if you are in Trondheim, NorwayPhoto, i can show you around it!

darkosaric · Apr 3, 2015

Trondareo - i love M3 as well, for 50mm is the best, but i think that whole viewfinder is closer to 35mm coverage (or 40mm), 28 mm - i dont think so.

trondareo · Apr 3, 2015

I did a test shot in the mirror, pointing to the limit of vision, ill check it again tomorrow, maybe i am rememberig incorrectly

trondareo · Apr 4, 2015

Sorry, I couldnt find the picture. So my argument is withdrawn!

M2 Vs IIIF...?

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