Does anyone use/have a leitz leicaflex ?

[Fintan]

A friend of mine has found one belonging to her grandfather. Its the original version. I've been searching the net for an instruction manual, does anyone have one?

[clogz]

Perhaps www.oldtimercameras.co.uk have one.

[Fintan]

Thanks, they do, its $90 unbelievable

[clogz]

That's a bit rich, indeed. You might try LUG, Leica Users Group.
I don't really think you need the manual as the Leicaflex is simple enough to operate.
Try www.photobooksonline.com

[Helen B]

Last month I was in Mike's Camera in Boulder -they had a heap of Hove Leicaflex manuals for thirteen dollars. I can't remember which model Leicaflex they were for.

Here's a freely available online copy of an SL manual at Camera Manuals Online.

Doug Herr has a page on the original Leicaflex.

Like Clogz says, how much of a manual does a Leicaflex need?

Best,
Helen

[Fintan]

Thanks for the links folks

>Last month how much of a manual does a Leicaflex need?

Well for starters I couldnt open the film door [I can now], with an old camera like that I would be afraid to pull too hard here, push too hard there. Having some instruction is re-assuring.

I was also hoping for an online PDF to encourage the young lady that owns it now to use it as an alternative to a soul-less digital point and shoot. I was looking for some battery information too but I have found that info also.

By the way; this young lady has 5 beautiful lenses for it, all boxed and in their original containers.

I just have to rescue this puppy ;-)

[Helen B]

Fintan,

I'm sorry if you thought my comment was unhelpful or insulting. It wasn't intended to be. It was a rhetorical question: just a reflection on the beautiful simplicity of the camera. Anyone who knows me would tell you that I would be willing to write you a manual if you asked, and I was able - see my answers to Scott's questions about the Bolex D8 if you want evidence. When I lend my Nikons or my R6 out to young photographers, I do just that - write an individual manual for the particular person using the camera after I have found out the sort of things they need to know.

That's a lovely outfit. If you show her one thing, which won't be in the manual, show her how to clean a lens without scratching it! (I'm sure that you've shown her that already, by the way - the number of classic lenses spoiled by 'cleaning marks' gets me down).

So my English isn't all that good and my intention is often misunderstood. Of course I may have misunderstood your post...

Best wishes,
Helen

[Fintan]

I'm sorry if you thought my comment was unhelpful or insulting.

No I didnt at all, you're completely right. It is a simple camera. Its a pleasure to be asked to help get it back in action, I was just being extra cautious.

[Fintan]

Many thanks to Helen B for all her help on this one. I really appreciate it.

[Helen B]

Thanks, Fintan. No problem at all. As you say, it's a pleasure to help bring such a camera back into in action.

Oh, and the manual was worth reading, despite what I wrote earlier!

Best,
Helen