Yes, I would call it a IIIa clone also. It has 1/500 top speed and no slow speeds, correct? A IIIb has 1/1000, and the IIIc adds slow speeds.
Did you know that the IIIc and earlier models had stamped bodies while the IIIf and later had cast bodies. The stamped bodies are supposed to be about 1/8" shorter than the cast ones.
I'm not a Leica expert by any means but I used to have a book that detailed all the screw mount stuff, and remember a bit of it.
graywolf http://www.graywolfphoto.com "Idiot Proof" <==> "Expert Proof" -----------------------------------
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Hi Tom, No, I can't really say that there is no difference in quality of construction. I've heard that FED and Zorki quality is inconsistent, with FEDs being somewhat better. My FED happens to be a well made example. The shutter sounds good and seems to be accurate. It's think it's a IIIa clone, so it's not quite fair to compare it to my IIIf, although I believe it's of similar vintage (early fifties). It actually sounds and feels more like a IIIc I used to own. It's a bit quieter than the IIIf, but it doesn't sound as precise if you know what I mean. It's hard to put a finger on it. However, the wind mechanism, door, and other parts seem to function exactly like those of a real Leica. Paul
That is interesting, Paul, as I have been thinking of getting one. Are you saying there is no real obvious difference in quality of construction?
graywolf http://www.graywolfphoto.com "Idiot Proof" <==> "Expert Proof" -----------------------------------
Paul Stenquist wrote:
My camera is a FED I believe. I'll post a pic of it one of these days. It's a Leica clone, so it takes the 39mm rangefinder lenses. I think it would actually be considered a IIIa clone, because it doesn't have the slow shutter speeds. Zorkis are considered not quite as nice as FEDs if memory serves me correctly. There are some websites devoted to Soviet Leica clones. Not all Soviet cameras were copies of course. But a Leica lookalike for $100 or less is a fun camera. By the way, my FED seems to function about the same as my Leica IIIf. It doesn't feel markedly different. And it shouldn't It appears to be almost identical, inside and out.
Paul
On Apr 26, 2005, at 11:04 PM, luben karavelov wrote:
Paul Stenquist wrote:
I base that comment on the name that the Soviets gave to their party. Perhaps it was a bad translation, but when they spoke of their party in English, they'd called it the Communist Party. As Luben says, they are more correctly called State Communists. This and most of our disagreements are about terminology rather than facts. I'm going to drop this now as well.
By the way, I'm quite fond of my Soviet made Leica clone. It's a IIIc lookalike with an Industar 50/w collapsible. Nice camera and a good lens. Of course a lot of the Soviet lens makers made some nice 42mm screwmount lenses as well. Now, we're back on topic :=)
It's Zorkii, isn't it, the cammera? That's why I like Pentax, all of the M42 lens I have i could use them.
Just one correction - Stalinist regime was "State capitalism" not a "communism" (following the definitions of Marx).
Best regards
luben
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