Expert: David Silver - 2/4/2012

Question
Hi,
I have a black Leica III serial number 146097. I got it from the original owner at least 25 years ago along with what I assumed to be the original owners manual.  The front of the manual indicates that it is for a Model G.  However, the serial number suggests the camera is a Model F.  The top shutter speed also suggests it is an F (1/500th). On the other hand, it has separate rangefinder and viewer ports, which I thought came with the model G. It came equipped with a Hektor 5cm 2.5 lens with serial number 94708. My question then is what model is this camera?  
Thanks, John

Answer


Hello John,

You're just a bit confused.  This is clearly a Leica III (also marketed as the Leica Model F) made in 1934, and not a Leica IIIa (also marketed as the Leica Model G).  They are absolutely identical in every way, including that both have viewfinder and rangefinder eyepieces that are separated, EXCEPT for the different top shutter speeds.  The III goes to 1/500, and the IIIa goes to 1/1000.  That's it, everything else about them is the same, and it's sort of a running joke among Leica experts that the cameras NEVER seem to come with their original instruction manuals, so that just adds to later confusion.  I think you might have seen some misleading information (there's no lack of that on the internet!) regarding the eyepiece issue.  The II, III, and IIIa all have the separated eyepieces.  The IIIb was the model that introduced the single side-by-side eyepiece in 1938.  Okay, I have to tell you, that's one of the most striking well-preserved examples of a black body Leica III I've seen in some time.  They're usually at least somewhat "brassy" from normal use, and often very worn indeed.  Yours is not perfect, I can see the obvious wear on the slow speed dial and some hints of brassing on the viewfinder and rangefinder lenses, but it's otherwise a splendid example.  I have a feeling you're not looking to sell it, I'm sure it's a cherished item, but if you do I think we could raise $500 out of the organization's acquisition budget to purchase it.  This is a far better example than the black one we have now, although we have a perfect chrome version as well.  No pressure here, I'm just looking at the opportunity to upgrade our own collection, so if this appeals to you contact me at the e-mail address provided below.  If not, enjoy it for years to come, and remember to "exercise" the shutter once in a while to keep it in minimally working condition.  Don't hide it away in a drawer or closet!  It's a little bit of photographic history, and it needs to be appreciated and preserved for the future...

Best wishes,

David F. Silver - President
International Photographic Historical Organization

silver@photographyhistory.com