Not sure if
@CajunTiger was being tongue-in-cheek but I appreciate the reference to the early Leica screwmount cameras as a great option for anyone looking to still enjoy film photography and use a wonderfully mechanical tool capable of astonishing results. These have a cult following for a reason.
Prior to the introduction of the M-mount cameras in 1957 (the basic intent of this thread so not really off topic) the original design of the Oskar Barnack designed Leica was virtually unchanged- just improved upon. The loading was fiddly with a take up spool and done through the bottom, the rangefinder and viewfinder were through two different optical finders (focus- then compose) and the winding was done with a screw knob rather than a racheted lever. But the earlier screwmount Leica’s were more compact, lighter, and just as high quality as their later M-brethren. With practice these cameras are just as easy to use as any other camera and the ability to scale focus with them made them even easier negating the need for using the rangefinder (same can be done with the M cameras).
Early screwmount lenses were primitive but the later ones (approaching the mid 50’s) were excellent and adapter rings were offered so you could use your screwmount lenses on the new M-mount cameras. The screwmount bodies are still relatively cheap (around the $300 mark for the IIIc or IIIf models) the IIiG is a rarity and those command more money. But like anything Leica, the glass will still cost you and the host of accessories add up- particularly as they are now unobtanium and highly collectible.
Furthermore, these are 60+ year old mechanical devices with cloth shutters (that are prone to decay), so like our vintage watches-servicing is imperative and only by someone who knows them well and has access to the correct fabric for the cloth shutter.
Shooting film, processing at home in the kitchen sink with a changing bag and daylight tank, then scanning on a high quality scanner is easily done by anyone who has the desire to do it and the process is incredibly zenlike and fulfilling. Color is a different beast and I still send color out- I don’t process color.
From my personal collection- iPhone pics with coffee this morning just to illustrate:
A simple IIIc with added optical finder-
And this is my IIIf go- bag, a total pleasure to use once you get the hang of it
