Expert: David Silver - 8/10/2005

Question
Hi David:  Thanks for the reply and answer.  After I sent you the original question, I came upon an old book on Leica RF's.  Does it make any difference on the answer if the film rewind knob can be raised?  I also thought the film advance lever did not make a complete turn?  I appreciate your patience & help.

JH Thomas


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Followup To
Question -
Hi David:  I am a semi-collector and have owned a Leica camera for about 20 years.  I could use your help on knowing which model I have.  I can provide digital photos if you need to see the cameras. The Leica is Chrome& black, Leitz Elmar,5cm,1:3.5, collapsible lens, top shutter speed dial from B to 30-1 (30 is red),40,60,100 to 1000.  The slow shutter speed dial from T,1,2,4,30 in red,20,15& 10. The SN of the camera is 408547.  Top is engraved Leica D.R.P. Ernst Leitz Wetzlar, Germany. Body has eyelets. The film counter makes one complete turn on advancing the film. The rear viewfinder is black & oval with a 1/8" metal divider. Slow shutter speed dial is held at it's setting with a pin.  The pin is depressed to release the dial.  The length of the bottom plate is 13.5 cm.  I think I have narrowed the camera down to a Model IIIa or b.

I also need help on a Contax RF, SN T31595.
Answer -
Hello,

That would be a Leica IIIc made in 1946.

Best wishes,

David Silver

Answer
Hi,

The rewind knob is supposed to lift up on the post-war Leica IIIc.  I have no idea what you're talking about regarding the film winding knob.  They ALL turn a full 360 degrees to wind the shutter!  There were some changes going on with the exposure counter mechanism, where older ones make a complete rotation along with the winding knob while later ones only nudge forward a single notch, but that's not conclusive for telling the difference between a IIIa/IIIb and a IIIc.  Anyway, your camera has the viewfinder of a IIIc, the shutter speed progression of a IIIc, and, most importantly, it has a serial number from a IIIc batch made in 1946.  If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it must be a darn duck!

If you still have doubts, just send me a JPEG (a small one!) at silver@well.com and I'll gladly look at it for you.  It would take me about five seconds to identify it!

Best wishes,

David Silver