The Leica Meter 2

A light meter is really useful with an old camera like the Leica IIIa. Leika made what they called the LEICAMETER. They had two universal meters that fit on the older Leicas and then they came out with the LEICAMETERS for the LEICA M Series cameras that actually coupled to the shutter-speed dials.
I ordered one on eBay knowing that it might not work but was hoping that it could be repaired. Unfortunately, it could not be repaired. I opened it up and it was very clean with no corrosion on the terminals. I even took the Selenium cell out. I wrote to the only person that I could find online that repairs old light meters. It is a place called Quality Light Metric. He wrote back saying the cells are no longer available. There was a place in the UK that was cutting them, but they went out of business.
Here is what it looks like on the camera


Here is what it looks like apart.

I have read that a calculator solar cell might work in the place of the selenium cell. A project for another day.

The Camera is on its Way Home

Last week I sent the Leica camera to Youxin Ye of YYE Camera. He works out of his home repairing Leica cameras. I mailed the camera to YYE Camera on a Wednesday, and on Monday it is completed - very fast turnaround!
This is what he wrote to me: "Leica IIIa - CLA'd, cleaned, and lubricated mechanical parts, adjusted shutter speeds. Shutter works well at all speeds now.  Cleaned both finders and adjusted focus. Both finders are clean and clear now. Summar 50/2.0 lens - CLA'd, cleaned and lubricated both focus and aperture rings, cleaned optics.The lens is clean and clear now considering its age.Tested the lens with a digital M body, the lens is in focus and produce good images".
Here is a picture that he took when the camera was all apart:

This all sounds great. I will receive the camera tomorrow. I now have to order some film (which a whole other topic).

Welcome to the Leica Project

As I get older, I am finding that I like older things. It might be because of the workmanship, the simplicity, or complexity of the objects. I am drawn to old records, stereo equipment, tools, and being a photographer - old cameras.

A few years ago my father gave me an old Leica IIIa. This style camera which is also nicknamed "screw mount", "LTM" (Leica Thread Mount), "Barnack Camera" (named after the inventor), and "bottom loading camera" was manufactured between 1937 and 1938.

The goal of this project is to:
1) Get the camera back in working order (at the time of this writing, the camera is coming back fully operational and in like new condition).
2) Learn how to use the camera (I have been watching many YouTube Videos).
3) Get four or five local photographers to take the camera for a week to take a roll or two of pictures.
4) Bring the camera to local schools, assisted living facilities, etc and have them try out the camera.
5) Document all the goals above, print out the best photos and possibly put the photos into print.
Please follow us on our journey!