Leica LTM Leica IIIf red dial - need info

[BrunoK]

Another from my dad's collection.

A Leica IIIF red dial DRP Wetzlar sn 637xxx
with collapsible lens: Ernst Leitz Wetzlar Summitar f = 5 cm 1:2 No 849xxx with Leica metal lens cap.

It looks as though it came out of the box a few months ago.

Before I even think of trying to test the shutter, I think I need to find an online copy of owners manual, English preferably.

Anything by way of warning, as in DON"T DO THIS! , or information would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks in advance

 

[sircarl]

The manual is available here. (Not for the RD version, but the only difference is the self-timer.)

http://yandr.50megs.com/leica/3f/3f.htm

 

[BrunoK]

Many thanks sircarl.

 

[payasam]

The delay settings for flash are also different.

 

[rbiemer]

Another source for a manual:
http://www.butkus.org/chinon/leica/leica_if_iif_iiif/leica_if_iif_iiif.htm.
Rob

 

[richard_l]

I have a IIf Red Dial, and I don't use flash. The main things I have to remember are (1) advance the film before changing the shutter speed, and (2) depress the shutter button while shifting the rewind lever to the rewind position. Neither of these will harm the camera if you fail to do them, but they can prevent the loss of some film due to accidental improper exposure.

I think you have a couple other things to think about specific to the slow shutter speed control on the IIIf.

Richard

 

[BrunoK]

Thanks one and all.




There's more study homework when you're in your sixties then when you were sixteen.

 

[John Shriver]

The important warning: don't try and clean the lens. The lens was coated with an anti-reflection coating at the factory that's insanely soft, the use of any pressure when cleaning will wipe it off. Also, the front glass under the coating is also very soft, although not as soft as the coating. Any dirt on it will contain very hard abrasive particles.

Totally different issue cleaning a older coated Leica lens compared to lenses from about anyone else. (Leica was out-maneuvered by other peoples' patents on coating techniques for many years, so they had very soft lens coatings.)

 

[BrunoK]

John Shriver,

Well that's absolutely essential knowledge. Glad I posted this thread.
Much thanks