![retro viewfinder retro viewfinder](https://get.pxhere.com/photo/technology-camera-photography-vintage-photographer-retro-glass-old-photo-viewfinder-lens-equipment-shutter-old-camera-reflex-camera-supercar-digital-camera-focus-history-style-classic-camera-lens-traditional-photographic-optical-digital-slr-single-lens-reflex-camera-cameras-optics-camera-accessory-671151.jpg)
But it is what it is: an uncoated lens from the 30s, a bit fiddly and low contrast unless the light is just-so and not wide enough for my tastes in lots of situations. Sure, it’s gorgeous in its way, especially for portraits, and looks way retro-cool of course. The trouble is I was starting to get frustrated by the constraints of the old Elmar. Quite soon I was pocketing that Leica more than any other camera. No masterpiece and I damaged the negative but I do love the character of the Elmar for this kind of shot.
![retro viewfinder retro viewfinder](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0014/2314/7055/products/IMG_4238_1024x1024_2x_a0d36c31-bafa-49f0-b481-fb8a23d8359d_700x700.jpg)
Here’s an example from the first roll I took after the repairs. Thank you Hamish for inspiring her rebirth. This serviced Leica iii is the most rewarding little camera I’ve ever used (and probably ever will). At home, on weekend walks, in the pub, even at work to the amusement and (in just one case) jealousy of the whippersnappers I toil beside. Here’s a quick snapshot portrait (of the camera, not Peter).Īfter a few days clicking, winding, stroking, clicking, winding just for the joy of it I re-attached the ancient Elmar lens and promised to use the camera more. What a machine! And what a craftsman Peter is. And when she returned? Oh joy! Smooth, responsive, bright-eyed and renewed. So, inspired by Hamish and determined to give the old girl some love, I sent her off to Peter at CRR for a complete overhaul. Worse, when she did see the light just once or twice a year she’d often take revenge for my neglect by jamming half way through a roll, firing at random speeds or refusing to budge at all. There she was, eighty years old, sitting alone, dusty and neglected in the dark, brooding on past glories – a German aristocrat in decline. Third that I really should take more pictures with my beautiful old Leica iii. Second that he’s right about Barnack Leicas. First that Hamish is a darned good writer. Hamish’s 7 reasons you should own a thread mount Leica post from earlier this year left me with three main thoughts.