Produced by Leitz Wetznar in 1950, the Leica IIIf is a 35mm film camera equipped with a rangefinder and designed to use screw mount lenses. The IIIf is a variant of the Leica III line of cameras, which date back to 1933; this particular variant is noteworthy because it features the addition of flash synchronization, which made it easier to use than earlier versions. The Leica IIIf is fully manual and, as such, taking pictures with it involves a more complicated process than that found with modern cameras.
Instructions
1. Set the reversing lever (located above the shutter release button) to the "A" position. Turn the winding knob (located to the right of the shutter release button) clockwise until it stops. Press the shutter button then turn the winding knob clockwise a second time. Raise the locking handle on the camera's baseplate and set it to the "OPEN" position (on some cameras, this position may be labeled "AUF"). Remove the baseplate and extract the take-up spool from the camera.
2. Insert the leading end of the film into the clamping spring on the take-up spool, such that the perforated edge is flush with the knobbed end of the spool. Pull out enough film until you begin to see perforations on both edges of the film. Insert the take-up spool and film canister into the camera, knobbed ends facing the bottom of the device. Replace the baseplate and set the locking handle to the "CLOSED" (or "ZU") position.
3. Turn the rewinding knob (on the side of the camera opposite the winding knob) clockwise until you feel resistance. Press the shutter release button and turn the winding knob. Turn the exposure counter (located beneath the winding knob) counterclockwise to the "0" setting. Press the shutter release button and turn the winding knob once more.
4. Remove the lens cap and pull out the camera lens. Turn the lens clockwise until it stops. Adjust the lens aperture (via a lever at end of the camera lens or a ring around its base) until it is at the desired setting; if you are unsure of what setting to use, a setting of "5.6" or "8" will be suitable in most situations.
5. Lift the edge of the winding knob. If you are using black-and-white film, turn the edge clockwise until the number that corresponds to your film speed appears on top of the winding knob; if you are using color film, turn the edge counterclockwise until you see the letters "ASA" and "WESTON" on top of the knob.
6. Set the slow shutter speed dial (located on front of the camera) to "25." Lift the fast shutter speed dial (located to the left of the shutter button) and set it to the desired shutter speed; if you are uncertain which speed to use, set the dial to "50" or "75." Release the dial and it will spring back into place.
7. Hold the camera in both hands, tuck your elbows against your body and spread your feet apart; this stance will help stabilize the camera while you shoot. Lift the camera to your eye and examine your subject through the viewfinder. Press the knob at the end of the focusing lever (located next to the camera lens); move the lever until the image is in focus). Press the shutter release button to take the picture. Turn the winding knob and continue taking pictures until you run out of film.
8. Set the reversing lever to the "R" position. Lift the rewinding knob and turn it clockwise until you feel resistance; turn the knob two more times to finish rewinding the film. Raise the locking handle on the bottom of the camera and set it to the "OPEN" or "AUF" position. Remove the camera's baseplate and extract the film canister. Replace the baseplate and set the locking handle to the "CLOSED" or "ZU" position.
Tags: winding knob, clockwise until, release button, shutter release, shutter release button, locking handle