Why you should use only FILCA or IXMOO rolls for you Leica STM

Hello fellows.

Since a couple years ago I have a strong passion for Leica STM (Screw Thread Mount) cameras. As you probably know, Leica STM cameras were made by Leitz from 1925 (first Leica 35 mm camera with a fixed 50mm Elmar lens) to 1957 (Leica IIIg, interchangeable lens). I own several Leica STM cameras, from Leica II (1932) to Leica IIIg (1956), and I use them regularly: these are great cameras, and a lot of fun to use. That said, my first experiences with these cameras were partially ruined ‘cause, developing my films, I experienced frames like those below (made by my Leica II):

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Obviously, there was something wrong, in fact the frame keeps partially the holes of the film. Why? Well, if you take a look at the Leica Manual book (in this case, 1938 edition), you may see that Leitz made his own rolls, known as FILCA and then IXMOO rolls:

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These “Leica rolls”, made by brass and aluminum alloy, are slightly different from the “normal” rolls we use today, as you may see below:

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and I soon realized that Leica STM cameras were designed for these kind of rolls. In fact, if you use the FILCA or IXMOO rolls, you will obtain frames perfectly positioned between the film holes, like this one (made with my Leica IIIg):

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Obviously, to use FILCA or IXMOO rolls, you need to charge them by film using a film winder like this one:

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Now, I use just film reel for my 35 mm cameras, and for my Leica STM cameras I use only FILCA or IXMOO rolls, in order to have frames perfectly positioned:

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Well, hope my experience will aid someone having the same problem with his Leica STM camera

My kindest regards,
Alfredo Doricchi[/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url]

Or just use a washer to lift the standard cartridge - problem solved.
Anyway those sprocket holes has their own charm, you can see the phenomenon on many iconic photos, by HCB or Elliott Erwitt for example.

Here is a solution: add 1 or 2 thin nylon or teflon washers to the plug that pushes the modern film cartridge up into the body of the camera. I had to enlarge the diameter of the holes to fit around the screw. See the attached picture.

Nitroplate, Kodachromeguy: thanks for your contribution Brilliant and easy solutions if a FILCA or IXMOO roll it's not available or you don't want to use it for any reasons.

Alfredo Doricchi said:

Nitroplate, Kodachromeguy: thanks for your contribution Brilliant and easy solutions if a FILCA or IXMOO roll it's not available or you don't want to use it for any reasons.

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The FILCA's and IXMOO's are great sturdy cassettes. I own several and enjoy them as part of the "ritual" of using my old Barnack cameras. Unfortunately they have become rather expensive, especially the IXMOO which is the only one that can also be used in M cameras.
Besides, there is some added inconvenience if you use film cameras of other brands, then you can't mix and match cassettes.

I've both types of Leica Cassettes and both worked fine in the IIIC I had, but when it came to modern cassettes, I keep a heavy wire cone shaped spring, about .5" tall to push the film holder up into position.

It was an easy fix and I kept that spring, when I had to sell that Leica.

LTM newbie here - was gifted a IIIc that just came back from service.

So are these washer-based solutions needed with store-bought preloaded film cassettes (Ilford, Kodak, etc.) or are they for home bulk-loaders only? Any suggestions as to the approximate washer thickness needed?

Thanks.

Steve Goldstein said:

LTM newbie here - was gifted a IIIc that just came back from service.

So are these washer-based solutions needed with store-bought preloaded film cassettes (Ilford, Kodak, etc.) or are they for home bulk-loaders only? Any suggestions as to the approximate washer thickness needed?

Thanks.

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Fix the problem if you find you have the problem. Many, many people manage to use ordinary manufacturer cassettes without the sprocket holes showing, it usually isn't an intrinsic problem if the film is loaded correctly. On the other hand I'm not denying it can happen, as mentioned above there are plenty of photos by Bresson that show sprocket holes.

It is quite the same with the Zeiss Contax 2. But, iirc, even with the Zeiss cassettes the image is running slightly into the sprocket holes. At least in my hands. The cassettes seem to be genuine, but I wonder if all the spools inside are.

I don't know about the Leicas, but for the Contax the other advantage is the better mechanical fit. It has a roller for the film where tpye 135 Kodak cassettes have the protruding mouth. The cassette is getting squeezed against that roller when closing th re camera, which works but isn't really ideal.

The shim trick is not necessary with the IIIf or IIIg. They have an extension in the base that pushes the film up into place.