Is this worth doing?

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I have the opportunity to acquire a Leica 1f in what seems to be perfect working order. The camera lacks both viewfinder and rangefinder; it has,instead, two accessory shoes mounted side by side. I thought I might equip this camera with a 50mm SM Elmar and the appropriate viewfinder if I can find them used. Since I started using the Rollie 35 as my carry-around-camera, I've found that I'm quite accurate with scale focusing though perhaps the DOF on a 50mm might be pushing the limit. I thought it might make an interesting little pocket camera. On the other hand, I could just buy a good used M6 on ebay. Any opinions? John

-- John Myers (mymacv@aol.com), November 19, 2001

Answers

The Leica If is a perfect body for a 12mm, 15mm, or 21mm Voigtlander lenses.

If you wanted to scale focus there's a very compact 35mm Voigtlander lens as well. That would make a great carry around camera.

I'd say go for it.

Cheers!

-- Tony Oresteen (aoresteen@mindspring.com), November 19, 2001.


So you are having trouble deciding between a 60 year old doorstop and the finest rangefinder available to mere mortals?!? The feel good factor is certain there when one acquires such a fine vintage machine touched by the hands of Barnack. However on a practical day to day level the novelty runs out rather quickly. These things look good as a conversation piece, keep your pile of papers neat even next to an open breezy window and can even keep your car from rolling down the drive. These fine attributes aside since you have the resources for a good used M6 then you should get that instead. The Bessa-T which has the M mount is also a very good low cost alternative. And you can even use the best rangefinder lenses which coincidentally are in M mount. Have fun!

-- ray tai (razerx@netvigator.com), November 19, 2001.

Wow, Ray! Other than that, what do you think?

-- Dave Jenkins (djphoto@vol.com), November 20, 2001.

I have gone down the same road myself and just wanted to give honest, personal advice. I definately would not recommend using the 50mm with the If but Voigtlander wides are probably better choices as Tony said. With VC wides you get the separate viewfinder included with the lens purchase, whereas the 50mm will require yet another purchase of a accessory finder. These cute little vintage things may be relatively cheap but if you add up all the bits of this and that then a used M6 might have been better choice for the money. I love vintage LTM lenses but the bodies are a different story. The Bessa-R is definately a better choice for LTM usage.

By the way Dave I am still enjoying your wonderful book Rock City Barns. Thanks again.

-- ray tai (razerx@netvigator.com), November 20, 2001.


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