Which Vintage Leica should I buy?

Slvrgltn · Oct 19, 2017

It’s been a while since I have been on the site but I’m considering getting a vintage Leica rangefinder camera for black and white film photography. I want something that I can travel with but I shoot mainly landscapes, abstracts, still life and sometimes macro!

So can anyone please recommend a great camera and accessories that will fit my photography style???

You can send me a pm or leave your comment on this thread!
It’s greatly appreciated in advance! I’m looking to buy something in the next few months or sooner depending on what I can find!

BrianVS · Oct 19, 2017

Rangefinder cameras do not lend themselves to Macro work without turning them into SLR's using a Visoflex. But it can be done. If you want to use a wide-angle lens, the M2/M4/M6 line-up accommodates wide-angle lenses better than the M3. If 50mm and longer focal lengths- the M3 finder gives the highest magnification. You can get a 35mm focal length lens with "Goggles" to sit in front of the viewfinder to give a 35mm FOV, or use an external finder.

removed account4 · Oct 19, 2017

get an m3 some lenses and the macrobellows attachment, sounds like fun ...

guangong · Oct 19, 2017

It depends on how light you want to travel. For pocket ability a ltm camera is my first choice. For something slightly larger, one of the Leitz made M3 or M4. For something slightly larger still but with TTL meter, the M5. All of these cameras need external finders for wide angle lenses, but the M3 lacks a 35mm frame in finder. The improvements made on non-Leitz cameras is in lowering manufacturing costs. If you choose a ltm camera you will need a finder for any non 50mm lens, although I sometimes add a 50 mm finder for ease and comfort. All of these are personal decisions and there is no right one for everybody.
You should know that reflex attachments for both ltm and M mount are dirt cheap nowadays.
Whatever your choice, have fun!

Laurent · Oct 19, 2017

For years I thought I was doing marco, had all the equipment (rings, lens, flashgun, SLR camera) but in the end I realized I did not do that much and more importantly taht I did not miss shooting marco...

I chose an M4, which is, at least for me THE 35mm camera. It has all I need, less a lightmeter, but I'd rather use an handheld meter and try to understand lighting thant use a sophisticated in camera meter. So, no surprise, I'd vote for the M4: the camera is only a tool, no bells, no whistles, only two features that are not 100% necessary (frame selector and self time)

If you discover you really want marco, then it's still time to go for a Visoflex and some lenses

Dali · Oct 19, 2017

Slvrgltn said:
It’s been a while since I have been on the site but I’m considering getting a vintage Leica rangefinder camera for black and white film photography. I want something that I can travel with but I shoot mainly landscapes, abstracts, still life and sometimes macro!

So can anyone please recommend a great camera and accessories that will fit my photography style???

You can send me a pm or leave your comment on this thread!
It’s greatly appreciated in advance! I’m looking to buy something in the next few months or sooner depending on what I can find!

Do you have a budget in mind?

Ian Grant · Oct 19, 2017

I went for an M3 many years ago no regrets. Mine came from a Leitz dealer I visited, I told him I wanted a good user camera that didn't need to be cosmetically mint, that saves a lot of money. It had a full CLA before he put it up for sale another bonus. My Summicron came from another Leitz dealer.

Ian

Ko.Fe. · Oct 19, 2017

"landscapes, abstracts, still life and sometimes macro!"
You are posting in the wrong forum. Any rangefinder Leica is not for what. Leica is for life. Not for stills and macro.
It has inaccurate frame lines for framing and closer distance you could get with special attachment for only couple of lenses is just as any SLR lens. Not macro.

This is what Leica is for. Taken with Leica rangefinder from fifties:

If you skip the macro thing, you could get preWar Leica in working condition and and have 21, 35 and 50 lenses with corresponding viewfinders for stills and landscapes. You could even add 90mm lens with viewfinder. But minimal focus distance is going to be one or more than one meter.
It is very small kit. Cute for travel.

Saganich · Oct 19, 2017

Slvrgltn said:
It’s been a while since I have been on the site but I’m considering getting a vintage Leica rangefinder camera for black and white film photography. I want something that I can travel with but I shoot mainly landscapes, abstracts, still life and sometimes macro!

Try to get an M3 with 50 Summicron DR. The DR (Dual Range) isn't macro but excellent for still life and abstract. If you take to the system there are ways to expand into maro without buying another lens since the DR head can be fitted to bellows.

R.Gould · Oct 19, 2017

I got a 3F LTM over a year ago, CLA'ed , and with 35,50, 80 and 135 lenses with crrect viewfinders I find this a and sometimes found stilloutfit, but for macro/still life I would not use a Leica, better with a slr, I use mine for events and seascapes, plus some found still life when out and and about, the LTM cameras was still being made into the fifties, the last being. I believe the 3G, the reaSON FOR A ltm, lenses Etc are cheaper to get and plentyful supplies, especialy if you buy non leica lenses such as Canon LTM, or even the very much more modern Cosina voigtlander lenses,

BAC1967 · Oct 19, 2017

You can do macro with a rangefinder. Get one of the leica III models and a NOOKY and or Focaslide. The NOOKY is more of a closeup attachment and it works great. The Focaslide is a bit cumbersome to use but you can add as many extension tubes as you want to get very close.

Leica IIIc with NOOKY-HESUM. Make sure to get the correct NOOKY for your lens. The NOOKY-HESUM works with the Sumitar lens, there is onother NOOKY for the Elmar lens.

Leica IIIc with a Summitar lens and Nooky-Hesum Closeup Attachment by Bryan Chernick, on Flickr

NOOKY on Leica III with Elmar 5cm lens

Third Night by Bryan Chernick, on Flickr

Leica IIIa with Focaslide. Focus with the ground glass then slide the camera to the lens to make the shot.

Leitz Focaslide by Bryan Chernick, on Flickr

Leica IIIa with Focaslide and extension tubes.

Barnacles by Bryan Chernick, on Flickr

guangong · Oct 19, 2017

Just to add a note and not detract from any of the above comments. LTM lenses can also be used on M mount cameras. The focal length for adapters only keys the appropriate frame lines in viewfinder but can be used with any ltm lens. Except for Soviet ltm mounts, the flange distance was standardized for other ltm cameras and lenses. This opens up a huge choice of after market third party lenses.
The M4 is my favorite M camera. But I do like my eighty two yr old IIIa.

Saganich · Oct 19, 2017

It never occurred to me to put a focaslide on a tripod !

Pioneer · Oct 19, 2017

I use a Leica III with a 50/3.5 Elmar for a bunch of my photography. For close up work I have a small gadget that attaches to the camera and then the Elmar lens attaches to it. Works very well. If I am traveling I pack a small Nikkor 35mm f/2.5 lens that uses the same filters that the Elmar lens does. Finally, I will pack a my little Elmar 90/4 ltm. All of this is very compact and even with two extra viewfinders this fits easily in my small waist pack. Best part is that it is relatively inexpensive (considering that nothing with "Leica" on it is really inexpensive.)

Of course, if I am really serious and not just trying to save a few ounces then I do it right and carry my Pentax K1000 with an M 50/2, a K 35/3.5, and a K 100/4 Macro. Just as light, fewer parts and pieces, and it still fits in my waist pack. If you don't like the meter then leave the battery home.

btaylor · Oct 19, 2017

Ko.Fe. said:
Leica is for life. Not for stills and macro.

Thanks for the tip, Ko.Fe.. I've been using mine all wrong!

That Focaslide is a nifty device. Old movie cameras that used that type of focusing device were called rackovers. Not very convenient compared to a reflex, but accurate.

Ko.Fe. · Oct 19, 2017

btaylor said:
Thanks for the tip, Ko.Fe.. I've been using mine all wrong!

That Focaslide is a nifty device. Old movie cameras that used that type of focusing device were called rackovers. Not very convenient compared to a reflex, but accurate.

Thanks, this Focaslide is new to me. I only used NOOKY on IIf and didn't find it easy to use for walkaround.

OP asked about kit for travel. For stills and macro on travel and stay light I recommend small camera like Nikon FG-20 SLR and Nikkor 55 macro lens. No tripod might be needed, if bw film is pushed.
If tripod to be added, then SLR still wins for landscapes with TS lens. IMO.

summicron1 · Oct 19, 2017

They're pretty much all vintage at this point. Pick up an R4 or 5 cheap, a cupla lenses including a macro, ur done.

RalphLambrecht · Oct 20, 2017

Slvrgltn said:
It’s been a while since I have been on the site but I’m considering getting a vintage Leica rangefinder camera for black and white film photography. I want something that I can travel with but I shoot mainly landscapes, abstracts, still life and sometimes macro!

So can anyone please recommend a great camera and accessories that will fit my photography style???

You can send me a pm or leave your comment on this thread!
It’s greatly appreciated in advance! I’m looking to buy something in the next few months or sooner depending on what I can find!

if you can live without the macro for a while,I'd say M6 if that qualifies as vintage already.

Theo Sulphate · Oct 20, 2017

Perhaps you're already familiar with the Cameraquest site, which has dozens of pages describing dozens of classic cameras, including many pages on M Leicas and screw-mount Leicas.

Here are two pages on buying an M Leica to use, rather than to collect:

https://www.cameraquest.com/mguide.htm

https://www.cameraquest.com/leicamchecklist.htm

Here is a page on screw-mount Leicas for use rather than collecting:

https://www.cameraquest.com/ltmcam.htm

etn · Oct 20, 2017

Indeed an M6/7 or Zeiss Ikon ZM if you want an integrated meter.
Or M2/3/4/4P - the difference is mainly in viewfinder magnifications.
M5 might be worth considering too, it is a bit larger and many do not like it, but it is a great camera.

If you can (or want to) live with a 50mm lens only, in my opinion the ideal combo for what you describe is M3+ Summicron Dual Range (be sure to get the goggles!). The Summicron DR will give you some close-focus capability. (calling it macro is probably stretching it a bit, but might be sufficient depending on the magnification you want to achieve).
It is a great lens with a unique look and probably the best Leica has made in terms of build quality.
Be aware that the DR cannot be mounted on newer bodies such as M5/6/7. It can be mounted on the Zeiss Ikon but the goggles are not compatible. Another caveat is that the front coating is very soft, so ensure that it is not damaged when buying. A UV filter to protect that front lens is highly recommended!

Good luck with your choice and let us know what you decide!

Theo Sulphate · Oct 20, 2017

If you buy a 50/2 DR and want to buy the "eyes" or goggles for it, note that there is a compatibility issue between new and old versions of the lens and new and old versions of the goggles:

https://www.cameraquest.com/m50dr.htm

guangong · Oct 20, 2017

Ko. Fe, I just want to say that your picture captures a very charming moment. A very good shot!

E. von Hoegh · Oct 20, 2017

BAC1967 said:
You can do macro with a rangefinder. Get one of the leica III models and a NOOKY and or Focaslide. The NOOKY is more of a closeup attachment and it works great. The Focaslide is a bit cumbersome to use but you can add as many extension tubes as you want to get very close.

Leica IIIc with NOOKY-HESUM. Make sure to get the correct NOOKY for your lens. The NOOKY-HESUM works with the Sumitar lens, there is onother NOOKY for the Elmar lens.

Leica IIIc with a Summitar lens and Nooky-Hesum Closeup Attachment by Bryan Chernick, on Flickr

NOOKY on Leica III with Elmar 5cm lens

Third Night by Bryan Chernick, on Flickr

Leica IIIa with Focaslide. Focus with the ground glass then slide the camera to the lens to make the shot.

Leitz Focaslide by Bryan Chernick, on Flickr

Leica IIIa with Focaslide and extension tubes.

Barnacles by Bryan Chernick, on Flickr

Focaslide.
I've been thinking of getting one, I have a Canon IIb. With a NOOKY, some extension tubes, and a couple of enlarger lenses it would allow pretty wide ranging macro work and be fun to boot. I have a SpeedOCopy attachment for Contax mount, it's the same basic idea but the camera body and groundglass unit are mounted on hinged flaps. With the standard 50mm lens it gives about a 6"x9" view, there is no focussing device unless you use a 35mm or 85mm lens with built in focussing mount.
The Focaslides seem to sell very reasonably on feepay, I've seen them go as low as $30.

AgX · Oct 20, 2017

BrianVS said:
Rangefinder cameras do not lend themselves to Macro work without turning them into SLR's using a Visoflex. But it can be done.

One can use close-up lenses and a appropriate wire frame at respective distance.
No need for expensive Leitz gadgets.

BrianVS · Oct 20, 2017

AgX said:
One can use close-up lenses and a appropriate wire frame at respective distance.
No need for expensive Leitz gadgets.

There are attachments and supplemental lenses, okay for occasional use. I have most of them.
Close up lenses are a poor substitutes for a true macro lens. A macro lens is going to be optimized for close-up work and gives better flatness-of-field. You can get a Viso-Flex and Bellows for most rangefinder cameras, and special lenses that give good results. The Nikon FM body and 55/3.5 Micro-Nikkor-P that cost me a total of $75 will do a much better job.

Which Vintage Leica should I buy?

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