Old Leica Kit

[StoneNYC]

a coupled rangefinder means the rangefinder -- the optics that measure the distance -- are built into the camera and linked to the lens, so as you focus the lens you match the patches in the rangefinder. The rangefinder window on screw mount leicas is separate from the viewing window. On M-series leicas it is built into the viewing window.

an UNcoupled rangefinder is a rangefinder that is separate from the camera. You us it to find the distance, set that distance on the lens and take the picture.

A parallax corrected viewfinder is one in which the frame lines in the viewfinder adjust for whether the object being shot is closer or farther away. Generally, higher quality rangefinder cameras with coupled rangefinders that are build into the viewing window, such as M- leicas, have these. I think the IIIg does too, but don't quote me.

Gotcha, so then ... For example my Zeiss Ikon Contina Matic II has a viewing window, but no measurement ability for focussing you simply are able to turn the front lens element to the correct distance only by measuring with a ruler or guessing distance. So is this not really a rangefinder? What is this called since it has no range-finding ability. Is it just a viewing window camera?


~Stone

Mamiya: 7 II, RZ67 Pro II / Canon: 1V, AE-1, 5DmkII / Kodak: No 1 Pocket Autographic, No 1A Pocket Autographic | Sent w/ iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[rwreich]

I will try to take some pictures next time I go over there. I've been working on an email in which I try recap some of what I've learned here.

On this model, the viewing window with the framelines is separate from the rangefinder focusing window, though they are next to each other and not too inconvenient.

 

[Richard S. (rich815)]

On this model, the viewing window with the framelines is separate from the rangefinder focusing window, though they are next to each other and not too inconvenient.

Yes, that was a good idea they did that, as opposed to not next to each other. ;-)

 

[rwreich]

Cheeky, Rich;-)

 

[Spicy]

As far as I know, there is no Leica III with projected framelines that has non-unified windows. If you have two windows (separate RF and VF windows), it does not have projected framelines.

 

[rwreich]

As far as I know, there is no Leica III with projected framelines that has non-unified windows. If you have two windows (separate RF and VF windows), it does not have projected framelines.

Spicy, I'm not really trying to argue with you... But I'm pretty sure I saw framelines in the viewfinder. I'm not sure what else it could have been.

 

[brucemuir]

If it does need shutter work I'll second the Youxin Ye recommendation.
He can even get a resilvered mirror to get the rangefinder back in usuable shape.

Just google his name as I don't have his contact info handy.
Super dude and usually doesn't have the backup most of the others do.

Essex (in NJ) is another good one but I'd call them first as there is info that Hurricane Sandy messed with them.

 

[rwreich]

Thanks, Bruce! I am passing all of this along - I really appreciate the info!

If it does need shutter work I'll second the Youxin Ye recommendation.
He can even get a resilvered mirror to get the rangefinder back in usuable shape.

Just google his name as I don't have his contact info handy.
Super dude and usually doesn't have the backup most of the others do.

Essex (in NJ) is another good one but I'd call them first as there is info that Hurricane Sandy messed with them.

 

[Filzkoeter]

Spicy, I'm not really trying to argue with you... But I'm pretty sure I saw framelines in the viewfinder. I'm not sure what else it could have been.

It's true, the IIIG has got framelines _and_ two finder windows

 

[IloveTLRs]

I would strongly recommend finding someone other than Youxin to service such a precious camera.

 

[rwreich]

You don't necessarily need to go into details here, but did you have a bad first-hand experience? Several others have offered recommendations, so I'm curious to know why you might disagree. You can PM me if you'd like.

I would strongly recommend finding someone other than Youxin to service such a precious camera.