The perfect film camera?

Well, this is such a loaded question as we all know that the perfect camera doesn’t exist – or does it?

I’m sure I’m not the only one who over the years has been searching out and hunting down numerous cameras in the hunt for the holy grail. I’m not denying this hasn’t been fun and many happy hours have been spent researching film cameras and tracking them down on Ebay. They arrive at their new home most times not quite as described, which can then lead to hours of tinkering to try and get them to work at their best. This can be a very slow and frustrating process, as whilst I can do basic camera repair, I am always a photographer first. I then put the new ‘possibly’ perfect film camera to the test and realise that for most of the time I’m happier and more content with what I already had. And then the whole cycle of searching begins again, because of the fear of missing out on experiencing that perfect film camera.

When you break it down, the whole process really falls apart and is completely ridiculous. What is a camera after all its most basic form? A light tight box with a shutter mechanism and a lens – now the lens is a whole other story! So, why is it that one type of film camera can be so different to another and why do we connect with some and disconnect from others?

Before I go on, I think it’s only fair to disclose that this is obviously an opinion piece. Whilst many of you might have shared my journey, I can guarantee that your end destination will be a very different one from mine. But humour me with a few minutes of your time and I will see if I can talk you round to my way of thinking…

Over the years I’ve been lucky enough to own and experience many film cameras in various sizes from large format view cameras down to pocket 110 cameras. Each one has had its positives and each too its negatives, but for whatever reason most have failed to truly connect with me. You should enjoy your photography with a passion, otherwise the camera stays at home. For years I loved single lens reflex cameras from the humble Fujica ST605n, followed by the Canon A1 and then through to the wonderful Nikon F3. Picture taking was quick and effortless, but over the years the equipment weighed me down and became less fun to pack up and take out for a days shooting. Even though I was in denial for many years, I’ve now come to accept that I really am a 35mm rangefinder guy through and through and in my photographic journey, with one of these in hand, that is when I am at my happiest.

So where did this all start? Well for me I think this journey begin in earnest back in 1989 when I picked up a copy of ‘Collecting and Using Classic Cameras’ by Ivor Matanle. Before this I really knew nothing about cameras, so this book was a real education. From those earliest days the cameras that really stood out for me were the early Leica’s from the II through to the much later IIIf. Unfortunately for me they all seemed far out of reach financially for a 17-year-old. I even wrote to Ivor back then, and he offered me a good deal on one, but even that was too much money for me, so I kept on going with the trusty Canon A1. So, whilst continuing to study photography at school, my friends lusted after the latest Nikon whereas I was stuck in a completely different era using a Canon A1 and lusting after a Leica II!

Nothing much changed for the next few years until I finally had and some spare cash and picked up a well-used Leica IIIa and 50mm Elmar lens. This was the first of many to follow which I bought and sold over the years, as I naturally wanted to try them all. I finally landed on a well-loved black Leica III with a 50mm Elmar (converted from an earlier Leica I) which we named ‘Tinny’ after being used many years ago with a very clanky rectangular foldable metal hood on one of my many long walks with Amber.

Had a finally found my perfect film camera then? Well, with age came a bit more money and curiosity so in short, I wasn’t sure I was quite there yet. I liked the format, and I liked the size, but I had to try our more 35mm rangefinder cameras. All of these were worthy contenders from the Nikon S2 followed by the Canon L1, Canon P and the Canon 7. I kept the Nikon as I loved the finder but was less keen on the lens mount as I was pretty committed to the Leica Thread Mount (LTM). I really wanted to like the Canon P, but I ended up selling all 3 Canons and not long after bought another Canon P and Canon 7 just to really make sure they weren’t for me – am I the only one that does something as ridiculous as that? Then there was a similar journey from a Nicca IIIf going back to a Contax II, but each time I would keep returning to ‘Tinny’ for most of my photographic work.

‘Tinny’ Leica III (converted from an earlier Leica I) with a 50mm f2 Nikkor lens and Voigtlander 50mm brightline finder

So, was ‘Tinny’ the Leica III really my perfect camera? Well, maybe not totally perfect (as we all know perfection doesn’t exist) but perfect in many ways. You see, the thing about these early Leica’s is that they just look so cool! Surely these are some of the prettiest cameras that have ever been made? But coolness aside, they are really stripped back to basics – they offer you what you need to take pictures and literally nothing more. Let’s start with the size - whilst deeper and heavier than my iphone, the Leica III is smaller in both width and length making this a really compact pocketable camera when paired with the right lens. The LTM lens mount also gives access to a huge array of lenses across numerous manufacturers old and new. The rangefinder is also not bad (if it’s been serviced well) with eyesight correction too (which is useful with aging eyes).

OK, so it’s not all perfection. Loading these bottom loader Leica’s can be a real pain in the bottom. It’s slower and you must cut the film leaders too. But is that really such a problem? I’ve been doing exactly that for the last 30 years and it really is OK.

Voigtlander metal brightline finders are a really good combination with the early Leica and I prefer them to the 1950’s Leitz brightline finders

For me though, the viewfinder is the real downfall – its squinty and only acceptable for a 50mm lens. But fear not, there is a work around and I’m not talking about those multiple finders either (which I don’t find much fun), but those bright line finders really are a total game changer. The original Leitz ones are good, but in my view the modern metal Voigtlander bright line finders are even better. These are wonderful and are in keeping with the ethos of this early system camera.

Now bearing in mind any Leica III out there is pushing 100 years old you need to do your homework before buying one. However, once serviced they can be an absolute joy to use!

So, whilst ‘Tinny’ the Leica III might have a few flaws, in my eyes I think I now have the perfect film camera. For all the flaws of an early Leica, no camera brings as much joy and fun to my photographic journey – and isn’t that the best journey of all?