camera and lens

Why I Chose?/ my copy

What it’s like to use? My copy of this lens and camera work remarkably well given their age. Still, they show their age. Later cameras tend to have much more of a “snap” in the shutter while the Model C seems to take its time, almost making you think that the shutter is running slow. That said, my exposures have been good.

So what kind of results should you expect to achieve with a Model C and a 1930s Elmar 50mm lens? First of all, I believe it’s good to have the right expectations. Focusing is not a science, its slow and the lens shows its limitations in certain conditions. Still, with the right amount of patience, practice and skill you can get great images from this kit.

Conclusion: The Model C is for a certain type of photographer… One who is willing to make the trade of character, imperfection and sometimes happy accidents while giving up tack sharp images perfectly composed and exposed. If you are willing to make those tradeoffs the Model C is a great choice and a lot of fun.

Final Score

Leica Model C

with 50mm 3.5 Elmar

Some cameras, especially older cameras make you stop and think… Who owned this camera before I did? What images and events was this camera used to record? This is a camera that makes you think just that. From what I understand, my copy of the Model C was produced in 1930 which means it’s well over 90 years old. Before I continue, I should clarify- There is a difference between an Model C (often called a Leica I Model C, or even a Leica IC) and a TRUE Leica IC. The Model C was produced in the 1930s, is black with a viewfinder (but no rangefinder) while the Leica IC was produced in the 1950s, is chrome and has no build in viewfinder OR rangefinder. The Model C was the first Leica to have interchangeable lenses. OK, now that we have that out of the way, lets get to the Model C!

My first Barnack Leica (or any Leica for that matter) was a Leica IIIg. The IIIg is a solid, well-machined piece of brass. By comparison, the Model C feels much lighter, smaller and even a bit fragile compared to the IIIg and other later Barnacks. This is a camera that really can be put into a jacket pocket quite easily with a retracted lens (and indeed you may need to keep it in your pocket as it features no strap lugs!). As I mentioned before, the Model C has a fixed 50mm viewfinder (without parallax correction) and no rangefinder. While the camera could in theory take one of many Leica thread mount (LTM) lenses, it seems out-of-place in my opinion to use anything other than a period-correct 50mm 3.5 Elmar lens on the camera.