Leica screwmount question

dll927 · 02-03-2004

In reference to some older screwmount Leicas, one sees descriptions given as "black dial" or "red dial". This seems to be true especially with models such as the IIIf. Question: Exactly WHICH dial does this refer to? (My Leica is an M4-2.)

Any help would be appreciated.

pshinkaw · 02-03-2004

The IIIf was made with two types of flash synchronization adjusters. The earlier one was had the delay numbers (milliseconds?) printed in black ink, the later ones were in red ink. A table provided information to match up electronic flash or particular types of flash bulbs to a specific delay. I think the numbers were actually different between the two dial types requiring two separate tables. The later red dial models were also divided between those with self-timers and those without.

-Paul

pshinkaw · 02-03-2004

Sorry to be replying to my own post...

There are some excellent illustrations on Stephen Gandy's website.

http://www.cameraquest.com/3frdst.htm

dll927 · 02-03-2004

Thanks for the help. I follow Gandy's 'diatribes' quite regularly. He may be opinionated, but he's worth the read.

SolaresLarrave · 02-03-2004

Whew! Thanks for the reply! I was quite curious about the answer...