INFORMATION REGARDING MILITARY SCREW MOUNT LEICAS
The earliest reference the author of this website found regarding Leitz's involvement with the military dates back to 1937364. According to this report, 19% of domestic sales in 1937 were deliveries to the German army364. In 1938, army deliveries accounted for 16.9% of domestic sales364. In 1939, army deliveries accounted for 26.2% of domestic sales364.
The discontinuation of research and development in the previously successful photographic sector was a logical outcome of the circumstances surrounding World War II364. Additionally, the company's performance dramatically declined364. The war also disrupted another crucial support for Leitz: exports364. With Great Britain entering the war in 1940, this market collapsed364. Then, following the United States' entry into the war in 1941, the American market also collapsed364. The US subsidiary was expropriated, and by 1942, exports completely stopped364.
Military Leica cameras exhibit distinctive markings absent in civilian models52. A notable feature is their bluish-grey hue, which aligns with the Luftwaffe uniform coloration, contrasting with the feldgrau of the German army, a shade also prevalent in their aircraft design52.
The construction typically comprises a grey chassis for the top deck, baseplate, and body, while components such as winding knobs, speed dials, the accessory shoe, and the release button are chrome-plated52.
Many of these military units bear the inscription "Luftwaffen-Eigentum" ("Property of the Air Force") on the rear top cover, which can manifest in various forms: engraved, painted over the rear vulcanite, incised, or embossed on the vulcanite52. Some models additionally feature "Heer" (translating to "Army") engraved on the top cover52. Furthermore, certain military Leica variants include the letter "K," denoting "Kugellager" (ball bearings), positioned post-serial number or stamped in white on the first shutter curtain52. Cameras marked with "K" were subjected to testing at extreme low temperatures, reaching as low as -45°C, with the designation often presented in lowercase52.
From 1937 to 1941, both military and standard Leica cameras were outfitted with red shutter curtains, characterized by a red side and a black side52. In operation, the red side of the initial curtain faces the rear, while the red side of the secondary curtain faces the front, rendering the shutter appearance as black when wound, and red upon release52. The red shutter curtains are acknowledged for their enhanced durability52.
Another significant military feature is the engraving "Fl.№38078" or "Fl.№38079"52. According to James L. Lager, the designation "Fl.№38078" refers to a "flieger" number that identifies a 35mm hand camera produced by Ernst Leitz Wetzlar540. This information comes from Luftwaffe documents dated 1940, which assigned specific identification numbers to various items in their photo equipment inventory540. Between 1939 and 1940, the number "Fl.№38078" was updated to "Fl.№38079"540. Generally, "Fl.№38078" applies to the Leica III and Leica IIIa models, while "Fl.№38079" is associated with the Leica IIIb and Leica IIIc models540.
Toward the conclusion of World War II, the scarcity of chrome led to an increased use of grey enamel52. A temporary supply of grey models was also made available for civilian purposes during this period52.
World War II had a significant impact on Leica's production577. The company, which had experienced steady growth since its inception, saw a decline in production with the outbreak of the war, ultimately reaching zero in the year before Germany's defeat577, in the middle of January 1944364. The production numbers were as follows577:
- 43000 units produced in 1938577
- 35000 units produced in 1939577
- 21000 units produced in 1940577
- 16000 units produced in 1941577
- 6000 units produced in 1942577
- 1500 units produced in 1943577
- 0 units produced in 1944577
- 3000 units produced in 1945577
- 11000 units produced in 1946577
- 13000 units produced in 1947577
- 24000 units produced in 1948577
The factory, which came under U.S. control about two months before Germany's surrender, was also greatly affected577.
On May 5, 1945, Leica production resumed under the order of the American occupation forces364. The factory received assistance from the U.S. military, that brought in diesel engines removed from a German submarines, to be used as generators577. With this, the factory resumed operations577. Most of the Leicas produced in 1945 were actually unfinished products intended for the Luftwaffe, the German Air Force577. All Leica and MOOLY motors, which were assembled from salvaged components, were supplied to the American military, including high-ranking officers and various departments such as the American Exchange Service (AES)364. Many of these units featured special engravings, likely intended as souvenirs, such as "Luftwaffe Eigentum."364
As early as 1949, 34 percent of total production was exported364. Leitz products were delivered to 63 countries, with the ten most important markets ranked by value being: the USA, Netherlands, Canada, India, Switzerland, Italy, Belgium, Egypt, China, and Brazil364. In post-war years until 1949365, a significant portion of exports (95%365) still went to the U.S. Army Exchange Service364. However, the demand from American services soon declined substantially364.