Cameras/Leica Conversion?
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Question
I just won an auction on ebay for what I thought was a Leica IIIf, but the serial number was 491039. The serial number seems to coincide within the range of numbers for IIIc cameras made in 1949, give or take year. The camera looks pristine and comes with authentic accessories like film cassettes and close up adapter. Does this look like a soviet era copy or would Leica do a conversion. The camera has a self-timer, so it would have been the last version of the IIIf in 1957-58 or so. Thanks for your assistance.
Hello,
Leitz offered an extensive upgrading service for many years. The conversion of the Leica IIIc to the later Leica IIIf with flash synch and self timer was a very popular alternative, and it was much cheaper than buying a competely new Leica IIIf. The original serial number was always preserved, so your camera will always be on record as starting life as a Leica IIIc from 1950. From a collectible and usable point of view, it is now considered a late version Leica IIIf. If you look at the flash synchronization numbers below the shutter speed dial you will notice that they are on a thin little metal plate that has been secured to the camera body. On an original Leica IIIf those numbers are actually engraved directly into the body.
Best wishes,
David Silver
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David Silver
Expertise
I'm an expert on all types of antique, classic, and contemporary cameras, as well as the general history of photography. Everything from ancient box cameras to modern single-lens-reflex; from simple Kodaks to sophisticated Leica and Nikon; from glass plates and roll film to movie and 35mm. I can identify and appraise them, explain how they work, and offer insights on their restoration and care. I can also provide historical background on vintage cameras and equipment, and guidelines on their purchase and sale.
Experience
I've been a professional photographer and a student of the history of photography for nearly 30 years. During that time my collection of vintage cameras and photographic paraphernalia has grown beyond 2000 significant pieces. I've published nearly 70 articles in the field, including 16 in the popular "Buying Classic Cameras" series for PHOTO SHOPPER MAGAZINE from 1995 to 1997, I'm currently a contributing editor for CAMERA SHOPPER MAGAZINE and McKEOWN'S PRICE GUIDE TO ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC CAMERAS, and I've written numerous entries for WORLD BOOK ENCYCLOPEDIA. Portions of my collection have been displayed in museums and special exhibits in the past two decades, and many of the items were photographed as illustrations for books. In 1985 I founded the International Photographic Historical Organization (InPHO), which eventually evolved into its intended purpose as the best first resource for information on the history of photography. I'm also a founding member of several e-mail forums dedicated to specialized areas of photography, and I'm the moderator of the Internet Directory of Camera Collectors (IDCC), which remains the largest and most successful such group in the world. For more information about the International Photographic Historical Organization and its many services, please visit its web pages at:
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