How do I shoot 400 ISO film in a Leica IIIf if the ASA dial only goes to 100?

Asked 5/18/2019

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I loaded 400 ISO color film into a Leica IIIf, but the camera’s ASA/Weston dial only goes up to 100/80. Does that limit how I can use the film? What exposure method should I use, especially in cloudy conditions?

leica rangefinder film-photography iso exposure

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

7y ago

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I don't think this model has a built-in light meter. The dial you are referring to is just a reminder indicator. You set it when you load film and then weeks later when you pick up the camera, you consult the dial setting to remind you what film you have loaded. Use a hand-held light meter or the "Sunny f/16 Rule" to set your camera.

Originally by user44949. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user44949

7y ago

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On the Leica IIIf, that ASA/Weston dial is not a light meter control. It’s only a reminder to tell you what film is loaded, so the 100 limit does not prevent you from using 400 ISO film.

To expose 400 ISO film correctly, set shutter speed and aperture using:

a handheld light meter, or
the Sunny 16 rule.

With Sunny 16, start around 1/500 sec at f/16 in bright sun for ISO 400, then open up for less light. In cloudy conditions, you’ll usually need a wider aperture than f/16. The key point is that exposure is determined manually; the ASA dial on the camera does not affect the exposure system.

So: load the film, ignore the dial’s upper limit except as a reminder, and meter separately.

How do I shoot 400 ISO film in a Leica IIIf if the ASA dial only goes to 100?

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