IIIF Overhaul and general Qs

The Kook · 06-25-2005

I would like some opinions on where to get my newly aquired IIIF serviced. It is in need of at least one curtain and I want everything dialed in as this will be a freuent used camera. I have heard that DAG is very reputable, any experiences with them? Any suggestions? Also, I would like some advise on a telephoto and wide angle lens for my IIIF. I am a beginner with the rangefinders and any advise is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Nikon Bob · 06-25-2005

I have used DAG for screwmount Leicas for CLA and beamsplitter replacement and they are now working. You could also try here http://www.nemeng.com/leica/007e.shtml . If you use any lens other than a 50mm you will need a seperate finder for the focal length you want to use or a turret type finder that covers several focal lengths. As to which extra lenses to get I would say that that is a personal choice. If you can try some different focal lengths out before buying you should be able to tell which ones are for you.

Bob

VictorM. · 06-25-2005

With a IIIf, you'll want to stay with the classics: 90/4 Elmar and 35/3.5 Summaron. You should also consider the older Canon lenses: 85/2 Serenar and 35/2.8 Serenar. And don't overlook the 28/3.5 Serenar (although it's getting a bit pricey). There's so many others, it's difficult to make a list. You will need finders, of course. The Canon finders are often included with the lenses and are nothing special. The Leica finders are way overpriced, but those brightline finders are nice.

Graybeard · 06-26-2005

DAG has a fine reputation for his work, is certainly competent to overhaul your camera, and seems to have the best availability of replacement parts, particularly mirrors and prisms. John Maddox, a Leica screw mount specialist, seems to be as highly though of as DAG. Sherry Krauter doesn't wok on Barnack Leicas.

I would avoid Kindermann in Ontario if you live outside of Canada. The way they ship completed work, you will wind up paying a $30 customs brokerage fee to UPS (for a shipment which has no customs duty) in order to get your own camera back. I've also had problems with the quality of their work.

VictorM. · 06-26-2005

I've also had quality problems with Kindermann. Disappointing after reading all of the high praise online. They also charge a lot. After an expensive Kindermann cla, I'm going to send my IIIf to DAG for a new beam splitter and some fine tuning that Kindermann seemed uninterested in doing. Did I mention they're expensive? In their favour, they are fast.