It’s probably due to yet another lockdown, but I’ve been tweaking my web site recently. Not able to get out and take new photographs and not interested in processing those from my backlog, I have instead chosen to plumb the depths of my WordPress plugins. While checking the footer widgets the other day, my eyes fell on the list of gear I have owned and used through the years. The very first camera mentioned is my little 1940 Leica IIIb. Bought on a whim from eBay many years ago, it is a purchase I have never regretted. It came with a 1938 collapsible Summar f/2 50mm lens, which was used to take the image featured above. (An old hoarding found in Hastings).
The IIIb was the last of the affectionately named “Barnack” cameras. (Oskar Barnack was considered to be the father of 35mm photography, having used his skills as an optical engineer to develop a camera that would take a strip of 35mm cine film). Shutter speeds go all the way from 1 second up to 1/1000th. The camera has no light meter. I either use an ancient hand-held version or follow the “Sunny 16” rule. The basic rule of thumb states that if you have a clear, sunny day and your aperture is f/16, whatever ISO you are using, your shutter speed will be the reciprocal value of that ISO value. So, if your ISO is 200 at f/16, then your shutter speed will be 1/200th. If your ISO is 100, then your shutter speed will be 1/100th. In practice, this works very well.
The hardest part about using this camera is loading the film. There is no hinged back, just a removable bottom plate and before you can even start, the film leader must be extended. This means I have to carry a pair of small scissors around to cut the film to 4 inches before attaching it to the take-up spool. To this day I can remember sitting outside Canterbury cathedral one afternoon, frantically trying to load a fresh roll of Ilford HP5, while tourists watched on, amused at my antics.
The IIIb is a rangefinder, so focusing is done through one window at a magnification of 1.5 and then you move your eye to the viewfinder to compose. It’s not the easiest camera to operate, but once you get used to the quirks, it is a joy to own and use.
Having rediscovered my 1980 OM2n for street photography in London last year, I’m determined to get out with the Leica again. For all that modern technology has to offer, these cameras were built to last and are still capable of producing superb results.
The Leica can be seen in the footer below, along with the Summar and a 1960s Komura 105mm f/3.5 lens. It uses a separate viewfinder to correct parallax and show the new field of view within a bright frame. It came with my purchase and I used it a few years ago to photograph a local War and Peace show.
Steve Cullum
23 Jan 2021Nice looking camera and it would be good to see it used soon 🙂
Zooey
24 Jan 2021I know Steve, I know. I normally do my street photography in the winter, but will have to miss out this year. I’m thinking of doing some seaside locations when we are allowed out again 🙂
Sid
24 Jan 2021A Leica is my dream! But it is so difficult to find a camera in good condition at a reasonable price. I don’t like digital cameras, although they are very functional. I have an old Miranda. With two standard lenses. Do love it so much ❤️
But my photos are still… let’s say… work in progress 😂
Have a wonderful Sunday!
Sid
Zooey
24 Jan 2021I must admit that I got lucky with this camera. The gentleman I bought this from also sent me a free Nikon camera. I bought a lens for that, also from eBay (but not the same seller) and I was scammed. The lens didn’t work and the seller refused to refund my money. Work in progress is good. You are taking photographs and making progress as you go along 🙂