Expert: Abe - 1/22/2009

Question
I apologize for asking this self-serving question. Here it goes: I acquired a Leica III from an elderly family member (husband's great uncle) who has passed away. He was from Berlin and was the original owner of this camera. The camera is black with chrome colored dials and lens. Inscribed on the top of the camera is "Leica D.R.P. Ernst Leitz Wetzlar, No 208691. The lens is inscribed with Ernst Leitz Wetzlar and Summar f=5cm 1:2 No 265802. The camera is clean and all dials are tight. The lens appears "clear" and in good shape. I intend to experiment with the camera for personal and am not interested in selling it. I currently shoot with a Nikon 35 Ti at this time, using Fuji Provia 100 (have not gone digital yet...) and I would like to know what film would best compliment this Leica and what I might expect from the lens, the lens speed, etc. I did find a manual online for the If IIf IIIf, although that those cameras have differences in the dials than mine, but I expect it will help me operate this machine nonetheless! Anything you can tell me about this wonderful machine would be greatly appreciated (any manuals for the model I have?). Thank you for your advice!

Answer
You've mentioned a lot of things in your note here, and I am not certain what your question actually is, but I will try to answer it.

The lens is an f/2 lens, which means it has a wide aperture. This allows for faster shutter speeds, which has numerous benefits in various types of photography (isolating subjects, action shooting, and low/available light work, in particular). With a lens of this quality, you can expect exceptional contrast, color, and edge to edge sharpness.

Film is film - whether you are using a home-made pin hole camera, or a $3500 Leica R9. It is a matter of preference. Slide film, particularly Fuji Velvia 50, is considered by many to be the gold standard.

As for manuals, you will have to look online or go to eBay/used camera shops to find one that matches your camera.  

Enjoy your new treasure!