I'm After A Barnack

[raid]

Originally Posted by denizg7

i really wanna try a barnack model..

the thing with them is you have to buy one to try one because no one rents the, and I don''t feel like spending 600 on something if in case i don't like it at all.

to me though they look better than any M.

raid with external viewfinder , how would you go on about focusing with a leica standard , use zone focusing and guess? since no rangefinder patch..

i know usually there are two seperate windows for both to be matched

The very old Leicas had no RF capability. It is zone focusing.

[raid]

Originally Posted by denizg7

Hey Raid,

Does the image output of a LEica Barnack model and a Soviet copy ever become similarly matched?

Can someone send me a picture comparision between a barnack model and a soviet copy of it?

thanks

Images are not affected by camera type. A well functioning FSU camera works as well as a well functioning Leica. It is the lens that matters.

[Roger Hicks]

Originally Posted by Vincent.G

Hi Roger! Looks like you already had your fun with that long list of Barnacks you owned.

Actually all the cameras I have are used to take pictures. Just that different cameras makes me want to take different pictures.

Dear Vincent,

Highlight: True enough. But 40 years ago, they were cheaper and (of course) 40+ years newer, so more reliable. There were also MANY more screw Leicas lurking in camera stores, including some very rare stuff: I bought a unique fat barrel Elmar (* and 'a' in the serial number) for GBP 11:10s in about 1970; a Stereoly and viewer for GB 25 in about '72; and other goodies over the years such as a grey Luftwaffe IIIc, a IIIg, a tri-lens turret and a black paint M3. Most, I sold at a profit: sometimes, quite a handsome profit, such as swapping the tri-lens turret (GBP 100 in maybe 1980) for a new 90/2 Summicron.

But none of this had much to do with taking pictures. I got better pictures, more consistently, with non-collector Ms, so I got rid of my screw collection. In fact, I think one of the reasons I've improved at all is that I spent less and less time playing with old cameras and as a result was able to concentrate more on photography.

Cheers,

R.

[Vincent.G]

There is an opportunity to get a user IIIf RD + CLA and a good Summar lens all for US $500.

Is there anything crucial I have left out e.g. an external VF? Since there is no 50mm framelines, is it necessary to get an external VF? Or is it enough to use the VF of the camera for shooting a 50mm lens? Sorry for this silly question.

[helenhill]

No External VF is necessary ...you have your focusing Window & your Composing Window which is for a 50

I even shoot a 35 lens on my Barnack with no trouble
even though it's a 50 pov

[FrankS]

Originally Posted by helenhill

No External VF is necessary ...you have your focusing Window & your Composing Window which is for a 50

I even shoot a 35 lens on my Barnack with no trouble
even though it's a 50 pov

BUT, an external viewfinder for 50mm is SO much bigger/more comfortable to use than the camera's viewfinder which is somewhat squinty. VERY worthwhile IMO.

[Vincent.G]

Originally Posted by helenhill

No External VF is necessary ...you have your focusing Window & your Composing Window which is for a 50

I even shoot a 35 lens on my Barnack with no trouble
even though it's a 50 pov

Thanks Helen!

I Love Your Shots with the Summar!

[helenhill]

Well Frank you may be right...
But it's too Big & bulky for me ...ruins the Barnack experience
It Keeps me on my Toes working between the two windows

Thanks Vincent...the summar is GREAT on the Barnack
Now I'm experimenting with my 35 color skopar

[Frontman]

Originally Posted by newspaperguy

Add my agreement to Frontman's comment. I've owned numerous Barnack Leicas over the years... and have sold them all.

I have held onto my little Zorki 1d, a clone of the early Leica II. Mine has functioned perfectly for years. I have added a CV finder to use with the 35mm J-12 lens that I love.

You can see it here:http://www.rangefinderforum.com/phot...3&ppuser=20714

You can find similar cameras - serviced and ready to go at Oleg'sfor about $100, and that's with a 50mm lens... Look for a Fed !, or a Zorki 1. His site is: www.okvintagecamera.com/

Oleg is one of the "good guys" in the Ukraine. I've dealt with him for over 10 years.

I have dealt with Oleg, and have only positive experiences with him. I have also had service my Contax II, he did a superb job, and for a fraction of what everyone else charges. If you get a camera from him, you can be sure it will work well.

[Vincent.G]

Originally Posted by helenhill

Well Frank you may be right...
But it's too Big & bulky for me ...ruins the Barnack experience
It Keeps me on my Toes working between the two windows

Thanks Vincent...the summar is GREAT on the Barnack
Now I'm experimenting with my 35 color skopar

That was partly my concern if I have to attached an external VF - might be a tad bulky but I am not sure.

Would there be a problem using the Barnack VF if I wear glasses?

[helenhill]

Hmmmm, not sure Vincent
the window is small
All depends on how your glasses lay on the window and your sense of Vision
Can work though because I have done it with sunglasses.

[raid]

I find that a Barnack is cute and elegant looking, but it is not a practical camera for photogrphy, compared to an M6 or similar.

[helenhill]

Originally Posted by raid

I find that a Barnack is cute and elegant looking, but it is not a practical camera for photography, compared to an M6 or similar.

well call it what You will...Cute, Elegant for Sure
But for me it DELIVERS Big Time Raid
as good as my M Body...


chasing the Pied Piper.... by helenhill_HH, on Flickr

[helenhill]

The Play of Shadow & Light ...God & The Homeless by helenhill_HH, on Flickr

[helenhill]

one's Belongings.... by helenhill_HH, on Flickr

[raid]

Hi Helen,
I meant to say that if you wear glasses, then it may be less practical than an M. Your images are lovely.

[Vincent.G]

Lovely photos, Helen!
All with the Summar. This lens is Stellar!
Well I think I will only know when I use one.

[Vincent.G]

Yay! RFF is full of wonderful people.

A Kind Longstanding RFF member saw my thread and is shipping his IIIf with Elmar 50/3.5 to me to let me try!

It should reach me in a week.

[zauhar]

Vincent, another vote for the external 50mm viewfinder.

See how you like the loaner IIIf first. You are right, there are wonderful people on RFF!


Randy

[Calzone]

Originally Posted by raid

I find that a Barnack is cute and elegant looking, but it is not a practical camera for photogrphy, compared to an M6 or similar.

Raid,

I agree with you on both points, but sometimes having less or smaller is liberating and inspiring.

I found that when shooting with a wide like a 28 or 35 utilizing zone focusing exclusively a Barnack is all you need.

Cal

[raid]

Originally Posted by Calzone

Raid,

I agree with you on both points, but sometimes having less or smaller is liberating and inspiring.

I found that when shooting with a wide like a 28 or 35 utilizing zone focusing exclusively a Barnack is all you need.

Cal

Hi Cal,
I often use the Standard Leica with a 19mm or 21mm lens and external finder. I find the M cameras more practical. Actually, I find the Canon F1N SLR even more practical!

[Calzone]

Originally Posted by raid

Hi Cal,
I often use the Standard Leica with a 19mm or 21mm lens and external finder. I find the M cameras more practical. Actually, I find the Canon F1N SLR even more practical!

I love your Leica Standard. Drool.

I understand. Mucho cameras are fun.

Cal

[Vincent.G]

Originally Posted by raid

I often use the Standard Leica with a 19mm or 21mm lens and external finder. I find the M cameras more practical. Actually, I find the Canon F1N SLR even more practical!

Raid,
Your comment made me think really hard of my potential acquisition of a Barnack.
Somehow an inner voice tells me I can use that US$500 budget of mine to acquire a second M body as a backup to my M4.
I will see how it goes when my loaner kit reach me.

[roundg]

Originally Posted by Vincent.G

Raid,
Your comment made me think really hard of my potential acquisition of a Barnack.
Somehow an inner voice tells me I can use that US$500 budget of mine to acquire a second M body as a backup to my M4.
I will see how it goes when my loaner kit reach me.

Unless you plan to use the Barnack for its compact size that is a II or III with a elmar 50/3.5 or 35/3.5, a M body is always a much better choice for shooting. A M is the same size as my IIIG with Leicavit.

But.....the Barnack is so pretty.

[Vincent.G]

Originally Posted by roundg

Unless you plan to use the Barnack for its compact size that is a II or III with a elmar 50/3.5 or 35/3.5, a M body is always a much better choice for shooting. A M is the same size as my IIIG with Leicavit.

But.....the Barnack is so pretty.

Hi Robin

I Don't Need a Barnack right now... But I Want One!
I need to find out if the VF is too squinty for me because I wear glasses.
I'm so Grateful that a Generous and Kind RFF member is shipping his Barnack kit to me to try out before I buy one.