Film cameras
Leica GuideLeica Models I to IIIGLeica M2 and M3 Reference guide
Reference guide for Leica GuideLeica Models I to IIIGLeica M2 and M3. 85 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
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- Leica
- Model / document
- Leica GuideLeica Models I to IIIGLeica M2 and M3
- Document type
- Reference guide
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 85
- File size
- 4.6 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
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Page 3 · Read text
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LEICA LENSES AND VIEW-FINDERS (conttnued) Page
Current Leica Lenses 44
Leico lenses Compored 48
The Reflex Housing 49
Close-Up Work with Reflex Housing 50
Obsolete and Discontinued Leica Lenses 5t
The Viewfinders for the Leica 52
Obsolete Finders 54
Leica Lens Hoods 56
THE TECHNIQUE OF FOCUS 57
Depth of Field 57
Control of Depth of Field 57
Limits of Depth of Field 58
The Hyperfocal Distance ... 60
Zone Focusing 60
Moving Subjects 6I
Depth of Field Tablei 6t
Hyperfocol Distonce (Continentol Apertures) ... 62
HyperfocolDistonce (lnternotionol Apertures) ... 64
Depth of Field for 2.1 cm. Super Angulon 8I
Depth of Field for 2.8 cm. f 6.3 Hektor Lens ... 82
Depth of Field for 3.5 cm. f 3.5 Elmor (Continentol Apertures) 83
Depth of Field for 3.5 cm. Summoron ond Elmor (lnternotionol
Apertures) 84
Depth of Field for oll 5 cm. Leico fenses (Continentol Apertures) 85
Depth of Field for oll 5 cm. Leica Lenses (lnternotionol Apertures) 86
Depth of Field for 7.3 cm. Hektor f l.g Lens ... 87
Depth of Field for 9 cm. Elmor f 4 (Continentol Apertures) ... 88
Depth of Field for 9 cm. Elmor f 4 (lnternotionol Apertures) 89
Depth of Field for 10.5 cm. Elmar f 6.3 Lens ... 90
Depth of Field for 13.5 cm. Hektor ond Elmor f 4.5 (Continentot
Apertures) 9t
Depth of Field for t,3.5 cm. Hektor f 4.5 (tnternotional Apertures) 92
Depth of Field for 20 cm. Telyt f 4.5 Lens 93
THE TECHNIQUE OF EXPOSURE 95
Exposure Toble for Doylight 96
The Leica MC and M Meters 97View original page 3Page 4 · Read text
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Some three-quorter million Leico comeros hove left the Leitz
works in Germony during the lost thirty-five yeors, ond ore used
for every type of photo{raphy. Seyenreen y6ors ogo, when this
book, the first of the Comero 6uides, oppeored,- instructionol
literature for the Leico wos very scorce. There wos in foct
consideroble need for o book like this.
This need hos not diminished, os proved by the number of
editions published. ln completely revising rhis guide to include
the lotest models ond equipment, the presentoiion still follows
the successful pottern estoblished with the frst edition.
Although o book on o certoin "brand of merchondise" this is
an unbiosed publication. Nowhere wos the outhor compelled to
skirt delicote points. All odvice given is direct, outspo'ken ond,
when necessory, blunt.
We ore nat golng to pretend thot the Lelco ls "the unlversol
comero." No comero hos eyer been one, neither ts tt ltkely to be
invented ln.the future. Few experts, however, would quarrel
with the clolm thot the Lelco-thonks to the unpoiolleled
ronge of its-occessorles-ls the most yersoti,e photogrophtc
instrument of the doy.
The Lelco hos mony odvontoges ond few limttottons, but to moke use of oll lts odvontoges ond to overcome the limtto-
tions regulres o speclo/ised technlque. fhis technigue ls more
th_on o motter of correct hondltng. lt ls essenttolly o guestion
of purposeful oppltcotlon of the -Letca prtnctple ond tie Letco
equipment to photogrophlc subJects of vortous rypes.
All ospects of toktng Letca p,crures were covered, but the
lntrlcote problems of processing Letco films-tdenticol with
those of processing 35 mm. film{ ln generol-had to be left to
other publicotlons. Neither did spoce ollow us to discuss
scientifc photogrophy with the Lelco.
It goes wlthout saylng thot o publtcotton of thts type connot
reploce generol text-books on photogrophy or on speiio/ photo-
grophic subJects wlthin such smoll o spoce. Still, every effort
hos been made to present o reodoble book, useful cyen to the
uninitioted.View original page 4Page 5 · Read text
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] THE TEICA CAMERA
The Leica body measures 5$x2f x lf in. (13$x6{x 3 cm.).
The standard lens (collapsed) projects * in. (12 mm.) from the body. The Leica weighs 15 oz. (425 g.), a loaded film
chamber 2 oz. (55 g.). lt is one of the smallest and lightest
cameras of its type. lts body is die-cast, and covered with
hard vulcanized rubber (early models are { in. shorter).
The negative material employed is standard 35 mm. cine-
film giving up to 36 exposures (or even more with a special
model) on a single load of film.
All models have a self-capping focal plane shutter made
from rubberized cloth, which has proved its perfect dura-
bility under all conditions from tropical heat to arctic cold.
Even the shutters of the very first Leica models-built some
35 years ago-still work faultlessly. The author may mention
that his first Leica, No.273, has done 30 years of excellent
and dependable service on the European Continent, in
Africa and in the coldest parts of America as well.
Film- and shutter-winding mechanism are coupled, so
that unintentional double exposures are impossible.
An optical direct vislon viewfinder indicates the image.
The rangefinder is (from Model ll on) built in. One single
operation measures the distances between camera and object
and focuses the lens.
A depth of field indicator is on each lens, giving immedi-
ately the depth of field with the lens set at any distance.
The standard 2 in. (5 cm.) Leica lens is interchangeable
(except on the very first model) and a full range of special
lenses is available affording the widest variation on focal
length, aperture and scope.
The Leica models marked o on pp. 6, 8 and 9 are no longer in pro-
duction.
Leica Models I to IIIg
o LEICA I (1925) answers the general description so far given in the
previous paragraphs. The shutter has speeds of l/20, l/30, 1140. 1160,
f /100, f /200, l/500 sec. and "2" for time exposures. Two variations
tView original page 5Page 7 · Read text
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THE LEICA MODELS
The.first row. (.from bottom ro top) rraces
the Leica models without rangefinjer, the
middle row wirh rangefinder-but no ilow
speeds, the third row the models with
rangefinder and slow speeds.View original page 7Page 8 · Read text
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of the Leica I are available. ln one the lens is interchangeable, whereas
in the other it is not' Unlike the models described later, built-in range-
finder, coupled range-finding and focusing, slow speeds.(.1 sec t9-.8 inclusive) aie mlssing. A seplrate rangefinder cal be used (see p.. 1.25).
I All metil parts are-black inamelled or nickel'plated. A few Leica
models had a Compur instead of focal plane shutter.
o LETCA STANDARD (1933). Similar to leico l, but mechanically improved and with lntdrchangeable lens;- the metal parts are black
enimelled and satin-chrome finished or fully satln-chrome finished.
oLEICA lc (1949) is similar to Leica Standard, but the body is {.in.
longer (as llic) arid the viewfinder is detachable bright line reflecting
finder.
o LEICA lf (1952) is similar to lc but flash synchronized.
O LEICA lg (1959), similar to Leica lf but flash synchronization is auto-
matic and without the f-series' synchro-dial. The shutter is speeded
from I to l/1000 sec.
o LEICA ll (1932) incorporates a built-in rangefinder which. is coupled
with the lens, but in other resPects is slmilar to Lelca Standard.
o LEICA llc (19a9) is similar to Leico ll' but the body is I in. longe'
(as lllc). Shutter speeds start with l/30 sec.
O LEICA llf (1951) is similar to llc, but flash synchronized. On the later
models (1954) th6 shutter speeds go uP to l/1000 sec.
O LEICA lll (1933) has in addition to the built-in rangefinder, coupled
with th" leni, slow shutterspeeds: I sec., l, *'*.besides the normal
speeds (from | 120 to t/500), "T" for very long time exPosures. A magni-
fier is built into the rangefinder, giving l.5xmagnification.
O LEICA llla (1935). Similar to Model lll, but the shutter is speeded
up to l/1000 sic. (instead of l/500 as in leico lll).
o LEICA 250 (1934). For special purposes r.equ!_1n-g more than 36 &porrrur in orie loading_. The film ihamber.tal<es 33.ft. (.10 t.) of film, giving 250 exposures. Otherwise it is similar to Leica llla'
asPects all. similar This is (1938). LEICA lllb .to o ^in.practically one twin in eye-pieces and viewfinder its rangefinder hai llla, but Lalca
rlght openlng.
a LEICA lllc (1940). Similar to the lllb, but the body is.l- in. longer and is
one solid caiting'needing different models of standard attachments, -The film counter advances by one division8 Juch as Rapid Winder.View original page 8Page 9 · Read text
www.butkus.us instead of a whole revolution. The shutter runs on roller bearings. Slow speeds are from I to l/30 sec. and "T". o LEICA lllf (1950). Similar to Leico lllc but with internal flash synchro- nization with adjustable delay, and film indicator in the transport knob. Shutter speeds on models since 1952 are l, l12, l15, lll0, l/15, 1125, 1150, 1175, l/100, 11200,U500 and l/1000 sec. The latest version (1954) incorporates delayed-action release. LE|CA lllg (1957). Similar to the 1954 Leica IIlf, but with a reflected frame finder showing an almost natural size image. The 5 cm. field of view is indicated by a brilliant line frame, while corner marks show the field of the 9 cm. lens. The viewfinder incorporates automatic parallax correction over the whole focusing range. Shutter speeds are l, ll7, l14, ll8, l/15, l/30, 1160, lll25, 11250, l/500, and l/1000 sec. Flash synchronization is automatic and does not use a synchronizing dial. The film indicator is on the camera back. LEICA 72 (1954). A special model assembled in Canada, taking 72 exposures l8 x 24 mm., and designed mainly for micro-film copying. Otherwise it resembles the Leica llla. lt has been produced in small numbers only. The Leica M Cameras The Leica M models are additional to the normal range and are radically different in design. The Leico M3, introduced in 1954, has a range- and view- finder combined in one eye-piece giving a particularly bright image. The rangefinder works on both the split image and coincidence principle. The viewfinder shows the image in almost natural size and has automatic parallaxcompensation. The viewing frames automatically show the correct view- finder field when the 5 cm.,9 cm., or 13.5 cm. lenses are fitted. A rapid winding lever transports the film in one stroke (or two strokes on pre-1959 models). The film track is enlarged and combined with a large pressure plate making for increased flatness of the film. The hinged-on back simpli- fies loading, and gives access for cleaning. The film counter resets itself automatically when the take-up spool is removed from the camerafor loading.View original page 9
Page 11 · Read text
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THE LEICA lg AND lllg
iillitiiil ililllilill ililllllil il1ililil1 illllilill ililillillt S/
Fto iJl'--I
T?
t?
L3
Il-- tl ffis@
The main controls and features of
the Leica lg and lllg are:
Lens: L3, aperture ring; L5, inter-
changeable lens mount; L7, col-
lapsible lens barrel.
Focusing: F l, focusing lever;F2,
distance scale; F3, depth of field
scale; F4, rangefinder windows; F6, rangefinder eyepiece; Fl0, i- tl rangefinder eyepiece magnifier.
(F4, 6 and 10, Leica lllg only).
Shutter: 52, shutter release; 58,
fast speed dial; 59, flash socket;
Sll, slow speed dial; Sl3, delayed
action lever.
Yiewfinder: Vl, viewfinder win-
dow (separate finder in accessory
shoe.on Leica lg); V2, viewfinder eyePrece. Bll
Film ond tonsqort: Tl, film trans-
port and shutter tensioning knob; 1|lT4, film counter; T7, rewind s8
knob; T8, reverse lever.Body: B8, accessory shoe (two on *-- T?
Leica lg); Bll, carrying eyelet. TI
Speciol feotures: (Leica lllg only)
Zl, illuminating window for
viewfinder frame. 13
LEFT:TOP Leica lllg against I in. T4 grid. scale t2
TOP RIGHT: Top view of Leica sll llle with Elmar lens extended.
UPPER CENTRE RIGHT: Front
view of Leica lllg. 88- s2CENTRE RIGHT: Rear view of
top of Leica lllg. TI
LOWER CENTRE RIGHT: Front
v iew of top of Leica lg.
LOWER RIGHT: Rear view of top
sf Leica lg.View original page 11Page 12 · Read text
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All shutter speeds are on one dial, and can be set by click
stop before or after tensioning the shutter. Neither the
shutterdial nor the rewind knob rotate during film transport.
The shutter is synchronized for both electronic flash and
flash bu lbs.
The lenses are in a quick-change bayonet mount; lenses
with screw mount can be used by means of an adaptor. The
M lenses are fitted with clock-stops.
A delayed-action release for self-portraits is built in with
adjustable delay from 5 to l0 seconds. The standard (Compur
t)rpe) cable release is used.
Since April 1956 a lever to the left of the lens (viewed from
above) of the Leica M3 sets the viewfinder field indepen-
dently. This permits the photographer to pre-select the
most suitable lens.
A special model, the Leica MP, is fitted with a built-in
Leicavit type of rapid winder for still greater speed of action,
but no self-timer.
The Leico M2, introduced in 1958, is of the same design
has as the M3. The viewfinder, giving a $ life-size image, frames which automatically show the fields of 3.5 cfn.,
5 cm. and 9 cm. lenses. The film counter is set by hand. There
is no delayed action.
TheLeico M/, introduced in 1959, correspondstothe model
M2 but without the rangefinder, delayed action release, and
field selector. The finddr is adjustable for 35 and 50 mm.
focal lengths. The camera accepts all Leica lenses and acces-
sories and is primarily intended for professional work.
Handling is exactly the same as for the other M models and
needs no special mention in the following instructions.
A special photo-electric exposure meter is available which
fits into the camera accessory shoe and automatically couples
to the Leica M shutter speed dial (see p. 97).
An M ever-ready case is provided to accept the camera
with the standard 5 cm. lens extended ready for use, or the
9 cm. lens (collapsed) as well as the exposure meter and
the special reversible lens hood.
t2View original page 12Page 13 · Read text
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HAI{DIING THE TEICA
To start with, we take it for granted that we have a
ready loaded daylight cassette of Leica film. Our first task
is td load the camera. This should be done in subdued
doytight (p. l4).
Lroading the Ireica I to IIIg
l. Set reversing lever to ttAtt.
2. Remove base plate.
3. Pull out take-up spool.
4. Fix film end on take-up spool.
5. Introduce film into camera.
6. Replace base plate.
7. Wind film transport twice.
8. Set counting disc to "O".
l. See that the reversing lever points to "A". Wind the film transPort
knob once and press down the release button.
2. Turn the camera upside down, lift the base plate by raising the hinged
key and turning it as far as it will go from."clos_ed".t9 "open"
(sometimes cameras are marked "zu" for closed and "auf" for open).
Lift the base plate and unhook at the pin (p. la/2).
3. and 4. Pull out the take-up spool, hold it in the left hand and take
the film cassette in the right hand. Insert the beginning of the film
under the spring of the take-up spool so that the perforated edge
of the film ii right against the flange with the knob. The emulsion
side of the filmthould face outwards on the take-up spool. About
G * in. (l cm.) of film should clamp under the spring. (Knob of take'up ipool'as w6ll as of film cassette, pointing downwards, p. l4l3 and 4).
5. Place the opened camera in front of you with the lens facing you.
Hold the cassette in the left hand, and the take-up spool in the
right hand. Pull about 4l in. (ll cm.) of film out of the cassette.
i (Note: not more than two perforations of the trimmed side of the
. film should be visible outside the cassette.) lntroduce the film into ' the slit along the camera back and push the cassette and take-up
spool simulta--neously into the camera. (Should the frlm cassette not
drop right down, turn the rewind knob slightly, p. l4/5).
6. Replace the base plate by hooking over the pin, and turn the key to
"closed" (or "zu").
7. First turn the rewind knob gently In the direction of the engraved . A arrow to take up any slack in the cassette. Then wind the film trans- lJ
IView original page 13Page 14 · Read text
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Reversing lever Remove base Pull out Fix film end
to A. plate. take-up spool. to spool.WffiWffi
Put film into Reptace base Wind film transport Set councing
camera. plate. twice. disc to 0.ffiffiww
Pull out Wind film Get subject in view- Set shutter
t ransPort. fi nder. speed.WW
Set Focus. Release. Push lens
back.lens.@ffiffiffi
Reversing lever Rewind fllm. Remove base Pull out filmtoR plate. cassette.stop.wffiffiffi
HANDLING LEICA MODELS t TO illg
Top sequence: Loading (see p. t3).
Replace Centre sequence: Taking (see p. lg).
base plate. Bottom sequence: Unloading (see p. Z4l,View original page 14Page 15 · Read text
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Remove base Pull out take-up Fix film to take-up Inrroduce film into
spool spool cameraffiffiffiffi
Replace base plate Advance film twice Set M I and 2 counter Set film indicator
to0plateffiffiww
Pullout and lock lens Wind film transporr Set shutter speed Set aperture
leverMffi@ffiDigitally signed by mike butkus mike DN: cn=mike butkus,
o=orphancameras, ou=29,
email=mike@butkus.org, c=US butkus Date: 2019.08.08 18:25:10 -04'00'
Focus and view Release Push back lensffi@M
Turn reversing lever Rewind film into Remove base plate Pull our casserre to R cassetteffiWffiffi
HANDLING LEICA M MODELS
Top sequence: Loading (see p. l6)
Centre sequence: Taking (see p.22)
Bottom sequence: Unloading (see g.24) Replacc base plateView original page 15Page 16 · Read text
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port, and release once; wind a second time. Observe the rewind
knob while winding. This should turn against the arrow, indicating
that the film runs properly from cassette to take-up spool.
8. Now turn the film counter disc by the two lugs until No. O is
opposite the arrow, and press the release button. The first two turns
of the transport knob dispose of the leader. By setting the counting
disc before finally pressing the release you can turn it either way,
whereas if set afier the release, the codnting disc would only turn
anti-clockwise.
Set the film indicatorat the back of the Leica lg and lllg to show the tyPe
of film loaded into the camera. This is particularly useful when both
black-and-white and colour film are exposed alternately or when
photographs are taken only occasionally. Ttre indicator can be easily
idjusted by applying slight finger pressure and rotating it as required.
The symbols of black-and-white film, daylight colour film (sun in
red sector) and colour film for artificial light (bulb in red sector),
can be moved so that they point to the speed figure (in DIN or ASA)
of the material in the camera.
To set the film indicator on the Leica lf, llf, and lllf, lift uP the
milled edge of the film transport knob. For black and white film
turn in the direction of the engraved arrow, and let it drop into
place at the correct setting (lettering white on black). For colour
film, turn against the arrow to the right film speed setting (lettering
white on red).
Loading the Leica Models
l. Turn reversing lever upright on M3 only.
2. Remove base plate.
3. Pull out take-up spool and swing back hinged
back.
4. Fix film end to take-ulp spool.
5. Introduce film into camera.
6. Close hinged back and replace base plate.
7. Advance film twice and release.
8. On Leica M I and 2 only, set film counter.
9. Set film indicator.
2. Proceed as for Leica models I to lllg (p. 13, No. 2).
4. Proceed as for Leica models lto lllg (p. 13, No.4).
5. Proceed as for Leica I to tllg. Check the Position of the film with the
hinged back open. The sprockets of the transport shaft must fully
engage the perforations on each side.
5. Close the hinged back so that it clicks into position .and replace16 the base plateis with Leica models lto lllg (P. l3, No.6).View original page 16Page 17 · Read text
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Pull out the rewind knob and turn it without undue pressure in
the direction of the engraved arrow until a slight resistance is felt.
This will tighten the film for proper transport.
7. The film must be advanced twice and the shutter released before
the film counter moves to "O" and the camera is ready for the first
shot.
On Leica M3 the film counter automatically returns to its initial
settint, i.e. two lines before O whenever the take-up spool is
removed from the camera. The length of film by which take-up spool
and cassette are separated is always exposed to the light during
the loading operations so that it must be wound on in the closed
camera before the first photograph can be taken on unexposed film.
To check the film transport observe the red mark in the centre of
the rewind knob. This mark must rotate when the film is wound on.
8. On Leica Ml and 2 turn the film counteriuntil O is opposite the
engraved arrow.
9. Set the film indicator in the back of the camera in the same way irs
on the Leica lllg (p. 16).
Holding the Leica
The camera should be held as steady as possible, as the
slightest shake will become visible in the enlargement.
Always stand with your legs apart (p. I9).
A particularly steady hold is necessary when working with
long focus lenses (p.al). The Leica should be pressed against
the nose for horizontal pictures and against forehead and
nose for vertical ones, while the tube of the lens should be
held firmly in the left hand.
HORIZONTAL PHOTOGRAPHS: Rest the camera against
the cheek, keeping both elbows close to the body, with the
right hand. clasping thg camera, the right index-finger
ready on the shutter release button, the left index-finger
on the focusing lever, and the left thumb supporting ihe
camera on one side.
VERTICAL PHOTOGRAPHS: Hold rhe camera in the left
hand from underneath with the left elbow against the body.
Operate the focusing lever with the left index-finger whiie
the thumb steadies the camera against the forehead. The
I right hand holds the camera from above with the index- 17,
LEI_2
+View original page 17Page 18 · Read text
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finger stretched over the winding knob on to the release
button.
To release the shutter (p. 23, No. 8) press the release
button with the right index-finger or thumb (vertical pic-
tures). Use slow smooth finger pressure only, keep the
grip on the camera steady.
For slow exposures in the hand, rest the elbows or at
least lean the body against some support to avoid shake.
is necessary with time exposures, and for speeds, - A tripod from I to li l5 sec. with normal lenses and to l/60 sei. with
longfocus lenses. A ball-and-socket head will aliow changing
the Leica from horizontal to vertical position. Normall/
this, or the tripod head screws into the bush on the Leica
base plate, but with long focus lenses they screw into the
lens or the reflex housing.
Carrying the Leica
To carry the camera on a long strap from the shoulder,
is quite unsuitable for quick action. lt is better to carry the
Leica on a short strap round the neck, so that it lies on the
chest. Opening the case and lifting the camera up to the
eye is then a matter of a split second.
There are a number of different types of case available for
the Leica: The ever-reody cose carries the camera ready
for use; a holding screw prevents the Leica falling out of the
opened case. A leather purse may be used when the camera
is carried in the pocket or handbag.
Shooting with the Leica I to IIIg
The manipulations here described should be practised so
that in time they will become practically automatic (p. l4).
l. Load the camera with film.
2. Pull out lens and fix it.
3. Wind film transport.
4. Determine picture in viewfinder.
5. Set shutter.
18 6. Set stop.View original page 18Page 20 · Read text
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7. Focus with rangefinder.
8. Release, while looking through viewfinder.
9. Push lens back.
2. The collapsible 5 cm. lenses have to be pulled out and turned to the
right as far as they will go, to lock them in position.
3. Wind the film transport, knob in the direction of the arrow as far as it
will go. This advances the film and film counter to the next exPosur€
and iensions the shutter. Evidence thot the film is odvoncing properly
is the rototion ofthe bock-winding knob ogoinstthe orrow engroved on it.
It may be necessary to "take up the slack" by winding the rewind
knob until it stops, in order to observe this.
As film transport and shutter winding are coupled, double ex-
posures are automatically prevented. Should it be desired to double-
expose, for instance in commercial photography, or when by accident
th6 shutter was released with the lens-cap on, the following pro-
cedure may be adopted: on models l,ll or lll, press the release button
while turning the shutter speed dial (without lifting it) onti-clockwise
as far as it will go, then let go the release button. The shutter is
now set, and shutter-speeds can be readjusted in the usual way.
There is no danger of damaging the shutter by this procedure. On
Leica lllo or later models the speed dial must be set to l/1000 or
l/500 sec. without winding film transport (p. 2l). Then proceed as
for Leico l, ll and lll.
4. The viewfinder is of the direct vision type and should be held close
to the eye. Do not attempt to move the eye from the centre of the
eye-piece to find the limitation of the field of view. Only that section
visible when holding the eye close to and in the centre of eyepiece
while looking straight ahead, will appear on the negative.
The field of view given is exact for photographs taken at I to 12 ft.
distance. At infinity a trifle more appears on the negative than in
the finder, and at 3 to 6 ft. a shade less. This normal finder is for 5
cm. lenses (Elmar f 2.8 and f 3.5, Summicron f2, Hektor f 2.5,
Summar f 2, Summitar f 7, Summarit f 1.5, Xenon f 1.5). There are
also special finders (see pp. 52 and 53).
, The viewfinder of the Leica lc, lf, lg and lllg shows the subiect area
within a bright frame, and in Leica lllg also indicates the view of the
9 cm. lens by four corner marks within the frame.
5. Lift and turn the shutter speed dial until the required speed is
against the engraved arrow. (The correct speed can only be set with
the shutter fully wound). Let the dial drop back into place. At
li 1000 sec. on Leica llla and lllb it will not drop back fully.
At B (or Z on older models) the shutter stays open as long as the
20 release is pressed. Models lg dnd lll to lllg havi: a siow speeddial onView original page 20Page 21 · Read text
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the front. This must not be at T or between I sec. and T when using
speeds on the main dial.
_ ,The slow speed dial only operates when the main dial is at 30-t
(25-l or 20-1. on some earlier hodels). lt gives speeds down to I sec.
and intermediate settings between marke? speeds are possible. On
the T setting on models from lll on, the shutter stays open after
pressing the release, for long time exposures, and can only be closed
by turning the dial away froh T (not liy pressing the releaie a second
time).
The arrow only shows the speed set when the shutter is wound.
To set speeds before winding,'after releasing the shutter, mark the
camera top plate opposite the shutter speed that was set. Thereafter
you can set any speed against this mark or see what exposure time
is set before winding on. The slow speed dial, where fiited, can be
set before or after qil.9jng. For delay-ed acrion mechanism, see p. 24.
The Leica llla and lllb ire providid with a braking spiing wtrictr
.d,"Tpr down the impact of the blind of the focal -ptdne ihutter.
When the Leica is in constant use the lubrication of the spring is
, exhausted after 4,000-5,000 exposures. The winding knob becoires ' somewhat harder to turn; th6 action of the rf,rti"r- ii, f,t*"""i,
not affected. A trace of oil on the spring (which is visible when the
bottom lid of the camera is opened)'wilf immediatery eliminate this
drag in the winding mechanism.
6. Adjust the iris diaphragm by turning the aperture ring or lever until
the stop required is opposite the index inark.
The diaphragm adjusts the effective lens opening. The smaller
this op-ening (i.e. "stopped down") the great6r thJdepth of field.
But as less light can pass the lens, exposure must be long-er (p.95).
7. The rangefinder of Leicas from model lt on, between the shutter
speed dial and rewind knob, is coupled with the helical focusins
mount of the lens, so that the adjuitment of the rangefinder anE
fo_cusing proceed simultaneously. The focusing rever riovement of
l80o covers all distances from co to 3{ ft.
correct focus is obtained when the two images in the rangefinder fusj into. on-e (coincidence principle).
To make focusing. easier, the ring'efinder eyepiece on the Leica
models from lll on has a telescope iystem with'a magnification of
about 1.5. The subjective field of view is therefore Tncreased by
about 50 per cent, and this facilitates exacr and rapid focusing. Th6
eye-piece is adjustable by turning the milled mount, on Leica-lll and
llla models; with Leica lllb, lllc,-lllf and lllg by the lever below the
rewind knob. swing it up for distances uplo 3{ ft., swing down for
infinity, and set midway for disrances froh abo-ut 4 to lift. lt can be adjusted to individual eyesight peculiarities.
An orange o-ne filter-fitting over of glasses the rangefinder may be- used easier for differentiation of second the i-mage wh-en focusini.- 2lView original page 21Page 22 · Read text
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For the correction of defective eyesight (astigmatism, etc.) Gorfec-
tlon lenses may be screwed into the eye-pieces of the viewfinder
and rangefinder.
To foius the Leicas from ll onwards, sight the obiect through the
rangefinder eye-piece. Press the infinity catch of the lens with the
index finger 6f the left hand, turning the focusing lever of the lens
(2.8, 3.5 or 5 cm.) or by using the index filg9r and thumb on the
iens mount (longer focal length lenses) until the two images in !lt9 rangefinder dxactly cover each other. To focus the Leica l, lc, and,lf,
turi the focusing'lever until the distance indicator Points to the
distance required on the focusing scale. The actual distance between
camera and subiect will have to be measured separately (see p. 126)
or guessed.
8. Press the release button gently. Rest the middle ioint of the index
finger on the edge of the camera, using the first ioint as a lever to
press the button. The thumb should be placed^under.the base plate
bf ttre camera as support. Speeds from ll20 to l/1000 sec. are
"instantaneous" and can be taken from the hand.
Before releasing, make sure that the reversing lever is fully in
the position "A", otherwise the sfrutlg1- may .r.un down without
opening. On the latest (1956) models lf, llf, and lllf, as well as lg and
llig, it ls impossible to press the release button unless the lever is at rtArt.
It is advisable to use the slower range, 1125, |.120, or l/30 sec. as
sparingly as possible in the hand, as even a sligh-t ierk, six.or eight
d'iameieis erilarged, results in unsat,isfactory definition.,. However,
with a steady hind and a chance of leaning against a wa-ll, etc. or-
even better-supporting the camera on something solid, exPosures
sec. are, with care, often possible without shake. up'Time'exposuresto l/5 should be madd with the cable release which
screws over the release button (in models l, ll, lll, llla, lllb after
unscrewing the protective milled ring). Unscrew the. cable release
after winding the film or else hold the shutter speed-dial so as to
prevent the ihutter from being set accidentally (p. 123).
Shooting with the Leica M models
l. Pull out lens and lock.
2. Wind film transport lever.
3. Set shutter speed.
4. Set aperture
' 5. Focus and determine field of view in finder.
6. Release.
22 7. Push lens back.View original page 22Page 24 · Read text
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The Self-timer
The Leica lllg, the most recent lllf, and the M3 have a built-
in delayed acti6n release (self-tim-er). This is the lever on the
front of the camera, to the left of the lens.
To use the self-timer, wind the shutter in the normal way and pull
the imall lever at the front of the camera body downwards. Do not
uie the main release on top of the camera bui press the small knob when the operation lever (M3) the oi above lllf, lllg) ttre left (Leica to -mechanism the lever Meanwhile heard. be *itt deiay cl,ocliwork tt "islowly" moyes upwardi and eventually releases the shutter. Even if the
be ri,uttl,t ro""rLnt is not heard, the moment of exposure can still
observed--On by noting when the lever returns to the original position. the Leica ti3 the delay can be varied between.approximately
s to lo seconds, depending on the lever adiustm.erJt. With the lever
[oritont"r, in" i"t"i, is 5 ieconds and.f-ully iulled .down the delay will
U" iO r".onds. On ihu L"i." lllg and lllf the'delay is not adjustable and
ihl f"""" must be fully pulled dJwn. Once released you can still change
your mind and reset th'e self-timer before it fires the shutter by simply
'prffi"i it" lever down again. This is not possible on the Leica M3.
Unloading the Leica
After having taken all the thirty-six exposures (the num-
ber of exposu;es taken is automaiically counted on the film
counter)'the film has to be rewound into its cassette in
order to remove it from the camera. The latter oPeration
should be carried out in subdued daylight (p. l4).
l. Turn reversing lever to ttRtt.
2. Rewind film into cassette.
3. Remove base Plate.
4. Pull out cassette.
5. Replace base Plate.
2. Pull out the rewind knob (not on Leica l). Turn it (all models) in
the direction of the arrow irntil a slight rdsistance is felt; wind over
this resistance and give two or three more turns. The film end now
cor"r off the spririg of the take-up spool- and is wo.und back into
the cassette. On early Leica I models with flat release button this has
to be kept depressed during rewinding.
3. Turn the key of the base plate from-"clo.sed" to "open" ("2u" to
"auf") and ri:move the bas-e plate and pull out the cassette'
4. Put the cassette in an aluminium box or wrap it up ready for
24 processing.View original page 24Page 25 · Read text
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THE LEICA RANGEFINDER
Above: The rangefinder of the Leica M2 and M3 is combined in one viewing field with the viewfinder.
It works on both the co-incidence and the split image principle. The viewfinder has coupled parallax
compensation and incorporates viewing frames which automatically show the correct field when
5,9, and 13.5 cm. (M3) and 3.5, 5 and 9 cm. (M2) lenses are fitted to the camera, or the finder field
control changed.
Below: The rangefinderof the Leica ll to lllg works on the co-incidence principle. Two images of the
subject are visible, a direct view, and an indirect one reflected into the eyepiece by a prism. In
movingthe lens focusing lever the two pictures will fuse and the double contours disappear as soon
as the correct distance is found. The lens is aucomatically focused at this distance.
Range-rinoer eye.PieceView original page 25Page 26 · Read text
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Cutting Off Exposed Film Parts
lf a film which is only partly exposed has to be processed, it can be
cut off in the darkroom or in complete darkness. The most convenient
method with the Leica I to lllg is the Leica cutting knife. After removing
the base plate in the darkroom, introduce the end of the knife between
the film and the rear wall of the camera. In this way the film is pushed
slightly back, far enough to bring the cutting edge of the knife over the
film strip. Then turn the blade through 90 degrees so that it lies
verticall), over the film. The film can now be cut off easily, preferably
very close to the mouth of the cassette.
A simple method, if no cutting knife is available, is to wind for the
next exposure; remove the lens; set shutter to "T", press the release
button, and keep it pressed down while scratching a cross (x) on the
emulsion of the visible film with a knife or nail-fi|e, etc. Release the
pressure on the button and rewind the film into its cassette in the
usual way. Take the cassette into the darkroom. There pull the film
out, and with a clean and perfectly dry thumb gently feel along the
emulsion until you notice the x scratch. Cut the film behind the cross.
Re-insert the cassette with the rest of the film into the camera, after
retrimming (p.27).
The procedure is even easier with the Leica M models. There make
one blind exposure and take the camera into the darkroom. Remove the
base plate, open the hinged back, and ease the film off the sprocket.
Pull out the cassette and take-up spool and cut off the film fairly close
to the cassette. Remove the exposed film length for processing and fix
the remaining film on the take-up spool. Then re-insert in the camera
in the usual way (p. l3).
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