Shooting My first LEICA Camera. Leica IIIF 1950s

To support the channel and buy my prints visit the SFLaB Website

Want more content?
Why not become a member!

Become a member of SFLaB and JOIN the YouTube Members area.

About This Video -
Thanks to ARK (Instagrammer) for sending me the Leica IIIF from the very early 1950s I get to shoot my very first Leica!
In this video I share my thoughts and also shoot the Leica IIIF for the first time.

Contact me
THE SFLaB WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

EQUIPMENT USED IN THIS VIDEO

CAMERA -
FILM - JCH Street Pan 400
DEVELOPER - Rodinal 1:25 10 mins
STOP & FIX - Ilford
ENLARGER - DURST M605
PAPER - Kentmere Resin VC Select
DEVELOPER - Ilford
STOP & FIX - Ilford

PRODUCTION GEAR
CANON 6D, GOPRO 7 BLACK, TASCAM DR10L MIC, SENHEISSER SHOTGUN MIC,
NEEWER LED PANELS, GVM COLOUR PANELS, Valoi 360 Film Holder System for scanes, Zeapon Micro 2 Motor Slider,
Editing - FCP, PHOTOSHOP, LIGHTROOM,

ABOUT MY VIDEOS

If my videos inspire, create ideas and help others in film photography and darkroom work then it's worth making them.
I always welcome comments that are useful towards the video subject that will help others understand the process within.
Keep shooting and thanks for watching.

MUSIC CREDITING
YouTube Studio Music

[chrispickett]

I inherited my Dad's IIIf in January and I could not even hold it for weeks, he took pictures of me as a kid with that thing 55 years ago. Despite owning my own Leica R cameras and an M3, this was like the holy grail of cameras for me. I sent it off for a CLA and when it came back I took it out - it blew me away, yes its quirky but Jesus does it take outrageous images - I love it and will use it quite often - enjoy it very much - look forward to watching the vid later

[locker]

The fascinating thing is that after almost 70 years the camera still works, in the point of longevity probably no digital will ever be able to keep up.

[timrpbrown]

I have a iiif with a tack sharp Industar 22. When loading I don't bother trimming, just slide a business card down the back first. Then the film. The card stops the film catching the back pressure plate. Works a treat. Love this camera, the small size being its real advantage.

[anta]

The IIIF is no doubt the most affordable way to join the Leica rangefinder club. I still have it, combined with the 50/3.5 Elmar, it makes a compact, easily pocketable setup. Whenever I want something quicker, sure any SLR will outperform the IIIF. But when I'm in the mood of doing things slower (for glasses users like me, composing through the IIIF's rather small VF is sometimes annoying), it's not that bad :D

[mollyanderson]

I’ve got a Leica IIIf with a Jupiter 8 attached. It’s the first vintage camera I’ve ever owned. I don’t shoot with it often, but I absolutely LOVE it! It’s awesome to new people taking an interest in film & photography! Great video as always!!!

[Blofeld]

What a timing. Only few hours before this video came into my youtube feed I ordered Leica IIC for myself. Not exactly same camera model but still a Barnack Leica.

[BobWilliamsphotographer]

Just purchased one a couple months back and I've been loving it. It's such a conversation starter hanging around one's neck and really disarms people when shooting street. I love / hate how slow the process is focusing and composing but I added a Leica 5cm viewfinder that fell into my lap to the cold shoe and that helps with composition and easier on my eyes once I get focus achieved. Great video and thanks for posting, I hope you shoot yours much more.

[stevebills]

Hope to see a few more videos featuring that camera!

[rickloseyphotography]

just a thought - when Jacob was have trouble lining up the range finder - I shoot several different range finders - Leica and Nikon mostly, but occasionally others ( might have to quit finding range finders LOL ) - BUT- if I am having trouble seeing the twin image merge - it sometimes helps to change the camera's orientation - landscape to portrait and focus (or vice versa)- then return to the desired composition and shoot - I think it might be a matter of the contrast in the image, but whatever causes it - it often works for me

[northstar]

I collect these little beauties I do a YouTube vlog about mine from time to time. Yours is the later Red Dial version (RD) the numbers for syncronising different speed flash bulbs engraved around the shutter control with that collar are red as opposed to the earlier black ones. It was the first Leica to leave the factory with flash sync but it's not unusual to see for sale earlier models like the IIIc that are returned to the factory for an upgrade to the IIIf spec. Or an earlier camera that has been fitted with flash sync alone. Loading one of these, like everything else, gets better with practice. Making the leader longer is so that initially only one set of sprocket holes have to sync up with the sprockets.

[rvannooij]

I have a LOT of screw-mount Leicas, from the early 'hockey stick' ones to the final iteration, the IIIg.
My personal favorite is the IIIc, which doesn't have the flash synchronization cluttering up the camera top so much.

I really appreciate the craftsmanship that went into these cameras. Sure, they don't turn you into a superior photographer, but they certainly are great tools.
Also, I've been loading them like you do for ages. Guiding the film into position through the open shutter. Some folks still freak out when you say you load your camera that way.

Anyway, thanks for the interesting video. Keep'em coming.

[zachsowersfilmandphoto]

"Not expecting any jaw droping photography" goes on to drop that absolutly gorgeous compositoon with the light pole and the handrail. Great little review!

[andrewrothman]

I have a Leica IIIf Red Dial with self timer. The little lever around the rewind knob is a diopter adjustment that magnifies the view through the rangefinder, making focus easier. I also load film your way, just making sure to trip the shutter in time mode so tge curtain stays open. Great camera, but with my aging eyes I prefer the Canon IVSB, which has a combined rangefinder and viewfinder in one window.

[yktube]

Video @ 3:05 - "I found some guy on YouTube" - Well then, that's a trusted source. - Please be advised, if one doesn't perform this extremely important procedure (trimming the film leader to the correct length), then confidence is high that the pressure plate 'sharp edged' return springs will slice bits of film that directly enter the shutter. Leica obviously went to the trouble of installing 6 precision parts for this important dictate/signage. - Finally, easily 75% of the LTM units I get in for service, HAVE film debris jamming or dragging the shutter mechanism. This is directly attributed to folks being lazy about this important loading requirement...

[tommorgan]

I have a 1933 Leica iii. The reason for cutting the film for loading is to prevent cutting or catching the shutter curtain. Measure and cut the film leader to the correct length and practice loading, it will soon become second nature. Replacing the curtain would be rather expensive.

[b_wtangible_moments]

I was looking forward to this video. I really enjoy using my 1955 Leica iif, basically a iiif without slower shutter speeds, which I find 25th of a second is just find for my purposes. Loading gets easier after a few rolls. A bit of a tip, I usually count the film sprocket holes till you get 22, then cut from there.You should be cutting away 14 film holes from the already trimmed leader. After that extend the film 2 more holes. Making it total 24 then load into camera and slightly turn rewind knob so its taught. There you go.Welcome to the Leica Club and Fantastic Prints. 🍻

[ColinHarvey]

I have a IIIC. Love it - lovely camera to use, very intuitive when you know how to use, amazing results and lens, small and relatively light, superb engineering and build quality. Really can’t fault it and one of my favourite cameras to use

[aristoioannidis]

Hey Roger. You and Jacob certainly had lots of fun. Congratulations with the Leica 111F. Thanks for a great update.

[studiosnch]

I have a IIIf Red Dial Self-timer and owned a IIf as well. Both are superb cameras that I used throughout my years living abroad, so I could that these cameras have sentimental value. The quirkiness has become a ritual for me, and knowing how to properly use them is like a secret handshake that only the Leicapeople know well... hehehe.

[normandong]

Leica III cameras are well known for their great image and durability. Knew an old friend who bought his IIIf in the early 1950s and stuck with it for decades. His main lens was the Elmar 50mm f3.5 and he shot mainly Kodachrome 64, which is still the gold standard for stable and life-like color. Takes a bit of practice to use and load any of the Leica III cameras, but if you slow down, it will be fine. Can remember how my friend would host a dinner and show us his slides of travel in Europe and even Macchu Picchu in Peru. Have an M3 which I love for its precision and good images, and I won't ever part with it. Nice of you to share your experiences & photos from a Leica III. Well done❤❤😊