LEICA III MODEL F

The naming convention for early Leica camera models was different in Europe than in the USA³¹³. Referred to as "III" in Europe and "F" in the USA³¹³.

Prototype

The device with planetary gearing, based on Leica III Model F, was illustrated on page 39 of Wilhelm Albert's "Geburtstage der Leitz-Foto-Konstruktionen ab 1927" book (where it was dated to September 18, 1934)⁵⁷³, and page 34 of "Leica. Tsushin No. 6: Mechanism and Prototype" magazine in 2002⁵⁷⁰. This device was an early example of Leitz's attempts to develop a rapid winding mechanism⁵⁹⁵. The same device was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book in 2018⁵⁹⁶.

Serial Production

The Leica III Model F was introduced in 1933¹³⁵.

The construction of Leica III Model F consisted of approximately 485 individual parts⁵⁹⁵.

Code names

Between 1933 and 1934, Leica III Model F in black enamel (body only) was codenamed LYDRO⁵³⁴.

Between 1933 and 1934, Leica III Model F in black enamel with 5cm f/2 Summar lens was codenamed LYSUM⁵³⁴.

Between 1933 and 1934, Leica III Model F in black enamel with 5cm f/2.5 Hektor lens was codenamed LIHIG⁵³⁴.

Between 1933 and 1934, Leica III Model F in black enamel with 5cm f/3.5 Elmar lens was codenamed LYMAR⁵³⁴.

Between 1934 and 1939, Leica III Model F in black enamel (body only) was codenamed AFOOV⁵³⁴.

Between 1934 and 1939, Leica III Model F in black enamel with 5cm f/2 Summar lens was codenamed ACHOO⁵³⁴.

Between 1934 and 1939, Leica III Model F in black enamel with 5cm f/3.5 Elmar lens was codenamed ACOOS⁵³⁴.

CHROM was added to the end of the codeword for the chrome-plated version³⁶⁵.

Apparently, codewords were not changed in U.S.A in 1934 when they changed everywhere else⁵³⁴.

Technical Specifications

The Leica III Model F was the first Leica model²²⁶ to offer slow shutter speeds of 1 sec, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/20 and T³⁶⁰, which could be controlled using a dial on the front of the camera body²²⁶. The rangefinder housing was angled to provide space for the slow-speed cam³⁶⁰. Long exposure times of 1/10 to 1 second were made possible by Gauthier's new escapement mechanism in the Leica III Model F³⁵⁷.

The top shutter speed was 1/500 second²²⁶. Additionally, it featured rangefinder eyesight correction through a lever in the rangefinder eyepiece, and the magnification of the rangefinder was increased to 1.5X²²⁶. This was particularly useful for sighting subjects at a distance³⁶⁰. The Leica III Model F also introduced carrying strap lugs²²⁶.

The initial batch of black and nickel Leica III Model F cameras featured several unique design elements that were not found in later models¹³⁵. This batch was distinguished by the presence of a small base plate pin, as the larger size was not introduced until the camera with serial number 111450 in 1933⁵³⁴.

Additionally, the film advance spindle in these early models was not slotted for rapid wind devices, a feature that was added after the camera with serial number 159000¹³⁵, making cameras compatible with MOOLY motor or SCNOO rapid wind base⁵³⁴. While both of these items could be retrofitted by the factory, this contributed to the rarity of the original, unaltered version of the Leica III Model F¹³⁵.

Another interesting characteristic found exclusively on the early Leica III Model F units was the 12mm nickel shutter speed dial¹³⁵. This dial was later replaced by the standard 13.5mm dial some time during the production of this initial batch¹³⁵. The reason for the change in dial size remained unclear; it was possible that Leitz engineers determined that the 12mm dial was too small for optimal function¹³⁵. Before the introduction of the Leica III Model F, all Leica cameras featured the 15.5mm diameter dial that was first introduced with the Leica I Model A¹³⁵. The exact number of Leica III Model F cameras shipped with the smaller dial was unknown; however, they were rarely encountered¹³⁵.

In about 1934-1935 a brass stiffening ring for the lens mount flange was let into the body; this was also common to other cameras in the range. From 1938-1939 onwards the Leica III Model F cameras have a different 'A-R' lever, with a cam to operate a modified internal mechanism³⁶⁰.

Leica III Model F cameras could be found with the letters "N-L" or "S-T" engraved on the top cover, located between the "D.R.P." (Deutsches Reichspatent) and "Ernst Leitz" engravings²⁹¹. The "S-T" marking stood for "Spécialités Tiranty," indicating official importation by Tiranty, the Leitz agent for France²⁹¹. On the other hand, the "N-L" marking represented "Netherlands" ("Nederlande"), signifying official importation by Odin, the Leitz agent for the Netherlands²⁹¹. In a letter received from Odin in 1979, it was confirmed that the "N-L" engraving was performed by Leitz in Wetzlar²⁹¹. It was highly likely that Leitz also engraved the "S-T" marking²⁹¹.

Finishes

Throughout its production, approximately 77000 cameras were manufactured, with about two-thirds featuring a chrome finish²²⁶. The first chrome camera had serial number 116001³⁶⁵. The earliest 1933 chrome cameras had a much brighter finish than those of later batches³⁶⁰.

Between 1937 and 1939, Leitz Wetzlar produced various models of the Leica camera in a black lacquer and silver chrome finish²⁶⁸. The well-known compilation, "Leica Historica - Band I Gewindekameras 1925-1960", by Willi Hahne, listed the cameras of the Leica III Model F²⁶⁸. Here is the breakdown of Leica III Model F cameras in black and chrome finish²⁶⁸:

100 Leica III Model F cameras serial number range of 233701-233800 manufactured in 1937 were in black paint and had chrome knobs and dial²⁶⁸
100 Leica III Model F cameras serial number range of 234101-234200 manufactured in 1937 were in black paint and had chrome knobs and dial²⁶⁸
100 Leica III Model F cameras serial number range of 234501-234600 manufactured in 1937 were in black paint and had chrome knobs and dial²⁶⁸
100 Leica III Model F cameras serial number range of 239701-239800 manufactured in 1937 were in black paint and had chrome knobs and dial²⁶⁸
200 Leica III Model F cameras serial number range of 244401-244600 manufactured in 1937 were in black paint and had chrome knobs and dial²⁶⁸
100 Leica III Model F cameras serial number range of 246401-246500 manufactured in 1937 were in black paint and had chrome knobs and dial²⁶⁸
100 Leica III Model F cameras serial number range of 249401-249500 manufactured in 1937 were in black paint and had chrome knobs and dial²⁶⁸
200 Leica III Model F cameras serial number range of 258001-258200 manufactured in 1937 were in black paint and had chrome knobs and dial²⁶⁸
100 Leica III Model F cameras serial number range of 275001-275100 manufactured in 1938 were in black paint and had chrome knobs and dial²⁶⁸
100 Leica III Model F cameras serial number range of 278101-278200 manufactured in 1938 were in black paint and had chrome knobs and dial²⁶⁸
200 Leica III Model F cameras serial number range of 293201-293400 manufactured in 1938 were in black paint and had chrome knobs and dial²⁶⁸
100 Leica III Model F cameras serial number range of 304901-305000 manufactured in 1938 were in black paint and had chrome knobs and dial²⁶⁸
200 Leica III Model F cameras serial number range of 310001-310200 manufactured in 1938 were in black paint and had chrome knobs and dial²⁶⁸
100 Leica III Model F cameras serial number range of 316301-316400 manufactured in 1938 were in black paint and had chrome knobs and dial²⁶⁸
300 Leica III Model F cameras serial number range of 330001-330300 manufactured in 1939 were in black paint and had chrome knobs and dial²⁶⁸

^{It is evident that the production of black and chrome camera bodies was very limited, with only 2100 Leica III Model F cameras made²⁶⁸.}

Conversions

Whenever new features were introduced in existing models or when new models were released, Leitz provided the option to update existing cameras or convert them to the latest model³¹³. This was true for the introduction of the Leica III Model F as well³¹³. Conversions for screw mount Leica cameras remained available until the late 1950s³¹³.

It was possible to convert the Leica models with serial number below 360000 (and installing full synchronization to the cameras with serial numbers above 160000)³¹³. The following conversions were possible³¹³:

One could convert from “Leica I Model A” to “Leica III Model F”³¹³
One could convert from “Leica I Model C” to “Leica III Model F”³¹³
One could convert from “Leica Standard Model E” to “Leica III Model F”³¹³
One could convert from “Leica II Model D” to “Leica III Model F”³¹³
One could convert from “Leica III Model F” to “Leica IIIa Model G”³¹³
One could convert from “Leica III Model F” to “Leica IIIa Model G syn”³¹³

Repairs for the old Leica I Model A and Leica I Model C were no longer covered under warranty due to the lack of available spare parts³¹³. Leitz recommended converting these models to the Leica II Model D³¹³. Conversions to the Leica Standard Model E were only performed in special circumstances³¹³
Cameras with serial numbers below 360000 couldn’t be converted into the Leica IIIc and Leica IIIf cameras for technical reasons³¹³
Cameras with serial numbers below 160000 required separate price quotation for the addition of the synchronization³¹³

Gifts and Special Cameras

Leica III Model F camera with serial number 72400 dated 1932 is a prototype. It was sold for 300000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 3rd Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 9, 2021⁴²⁶. The lot was described as "Experimental camera with slow speed movement, based on an early Leica II (Model D)...The forerunner offered here still shows a number of - in some cases significant - technical deviations. The design and position of the setting lever for the long exposure times is extremely striking. We are not aware of any other specimen in this version - it may be unique. Historically significant! The 3,5 cm f/3.5 Elmar lens with serial number 138612 also represents a test sample. The construction of the focusing lever is particularly remarkable, in contrast to the serial production version. Provenance: Allen collection. Literature: James L. Lager, “Leica, an illustrated History”, Vol. I (cameras), p. 105 (exactly this camera is illustrated)."⁴²⁶.

The Leica III Model F camera, serial number 125000, was awarded in 1933 to Prof. Dr. Günter Oskar Dyhrenfurth, leader of the International Himalaya Expeditions in 1930 and 1934⁴⁸.

It is interesting to note that there are no cameras in the 126201-126800 serial number range as these were reserved by Leitz for the American market according to a report from December of 1933³⁶⁴.

Leica III Model F camera with serial number 144859 belonged to Professor Stefan Kruckenhauser⁵⁹². He used this camera to take photographs for his "Verborgene Schönheit" book⁵⁹². The baseplate of this camera was signed by him⁵⁹². The camera was likely in Theo Kisselbach's possession later and it was illustrated on page 13 of Dr. Hans-Günter Kisselbach's "Barnack's First Leica" book ⁵⁹² .

Leica III Model F camera with serial number 145825 dated 1934 is an experimental model with a removable back. The camera was sold for 9000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 5th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 7, 2023⁴²⁴. The lot was described as "Extremely interesting, early experimental model of a Leica with a removable back. As early as 1934, a test model of a Leica camera with a hinged reardoor of Leitz designer Wilhelm Albert is documented (see also Lot 030). In the camera offered here, a different solution was chosen by means of a back part completely to be removed downwards..."⁴²⁴.

Leopold Godowsky is the co-inventor of Kodachrome and was awarded the Leica III Model F Chrome with serial number 150000 by Leitz in 1935, in recognition of his significant contribution to photography⁴⁵. This camera was stolen from his car in 1936⁵¹⁰.

Leopold Mannes is the co-inventor of Kodachrome and was awarded a Leica III Model F Chrome with serial number 175000 by Leitz in 1935 in recognition of his significant contributions to photography⁴⁸. The camera was purchased by Rolf Fricke from the daugther of Leopold Mannes, Elena Mannes some time after November 1973⁵¹⁰.

Camera with serial number 256399 was known as one of 2 "Hindenburg" Leica cameras. The camera was a silent witness to the Hindenburg Zeppelin explosion in May 1937 at Lakehurst, U.S.A., which marked the end of the era of large dirigible airships⁴⁹⁸. According to "Leica. Tsushin No. 6: Mechanism and Prototype" magazine article, this camera was a Leica III and not the commonly believed Leica IIIa⁵⁷⁰. Fritz Deeg of Bregenz, Austria, was one of the last survivors of the incident. At the time, he was working as a steward aboard the Zeppelin⁴⁹⁸. A keen photographer, Deeg had a Leica IIIa camera with him⁴⁹⁸. He managed to escape the flames by jumping seven meters to safety⁴⁹⁸. A few hours later, after the fire was extinguished, he recovered his camera from the wreckage, although it was no longer functional⁴⁹⁸. Deeg kept the damaged camera as a souvenir from 1937 until 1986⁴⁹⁸. In 1986, he donated it to Michael von Rosen, the head of Leitz Austria, for the Leica Museum in Vienna⁴⁹⁸. Later, The camera was sold for 60000 Euros including buyers premium at the 2-3 WestLicht Photographica Auction on May 23, 2003⁴²¹. The lot had the following description, which is different from what Leica Fotografie magazine article suggested⁴²¹: "The Leica equipment from Fritz Deeg, the steward on the Hindenburg on 6th May 1937. Three days after the crash of the Hindenberg, Deeg found the remains of his camera equipment at the crash site which included a Leica IIIa, a Vidom viewfinder, a Nooky close-up attachment, Elmar f/4 9cm lens, two filters and lens cap. In 1970 Michael von Rosen aquired the camera direct from Fritz Deeg. The camera came with authentic, original archive material including the newspaper, The New York American, morning edition dated 7th May 1937 with the legend “Hindenburg Explodes at Lakehurst 35 dead”, in-flight brochure with seating plan and journey information, an unopened letter with Hindenburg emblem sent from New York to Frankfurt with Lakehurst Trans-Atlantic flight postmark dated 11 May 1936 and a similar letter on Hindenburg paper with envelope dated 1936 sent by another passenger, an in-flight brochure for the Graf Zeppelin, original press photograph of the Hindenburg crew on the airship which includes Fritz Deeg, a postcard sent from the Graf Zepplin by Fritz Deeg and another postcard with Zepplin postmark, two publicity photographsof the Hindenburg, five press photographs of the disaster, photographs of von Rosen and Fritz Deeg together in 1971, two blue-prints and schematic drawings of airships, three contemporary photographs of the Hindenburg in flight, taken in 1936, three framed photographs relating to the Graf Zeppelin and other material." ⁴²¹ A photograph illustrating 256399 and 305442 (the other burnt Leica IIIa) was featured in "Leica. Tsushin No. 6: Mechanism and Prototype" magazine in 2002⁵⁷⁰. According to the magazine article, there were 2 Leica cameras on that airship: 256399 (the magazine referred to it as Leica III) with VIDOM attached to it, and 305442 (Leica IIIa)⁵⁷⁰. 2 cameras, 4 lenses and 1 VIDOM viewfinder from the airship were demonstrated in the Leitz Museum at Leica Headquarters in 2002⁵⁷⁰. The 256399 was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book in 2018⁵⁹⁶.

Dr. Gustav Wilmanns is the co-inventor of Agfacolor film and was awarded a Leica III Model F (?) with serial number 300000 in 1941⁵³⁰.

Approximately twenty-four specimens of the Leica III Model F and Leica IIIa Model G cameras were the first to feature red blinds³⁶⁰. According to Dennis Laney, these cameras were made during World War II⁵³⁴. The author of this website is unaware of the serial numbers for those cameras.

According to a report from March of 1938, Two Leica III Model F (or Leica IIIa Model G) cameras were experimentally produced with rhodium-plated parts³⁶⁴. The author of this website is unaware of the serial numbers for those cameras.

Military and Law Enforcement

British army made use of Leica III Model F cameras⁵⁴⁰. Some of those cameras were as follows:

Leica III Model F number 149186 dated 1935 was illustrated on page 102 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰. The photograph was credited to "Messer photo"⁵⁴⁰. The camera is associated with British military and has "PATT 8665" engraved on the top plate⁵⁴⁰. "PATT" stands for "Pattern"⁵⁴⁰.

In 1939, 74 chrome-plated Leica III Model F cameras with various lenses were delivered to Luftwaffe in Berlin, Germany³⁶⁴. Some of those cameras were as follows:

Leica III Model F number 338209 dated 1939 comes in chrome finish and was delivered to Luftwaffe³⁸⁰. The top plate is engraved "Fl. No.38078" under "Leica D.R.P. Ernst Leitz Wetzlar" engraving³⁸⁰. The camera was sold for 5400 Euros including buyer's premium at the 43rd Leitz Photographica Auction on November 25, 2023³⁸⁰.
Leica III Model F number 338476 was delivered on August 26, 1939, with shipment number 814²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338477 was delivered on August 26, 1939, with shipment number 814²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338478 was delivered on August 26, 1939, with shipment number 814²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338479 was delivered on August 26, 1939, with shipment number 814²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338480 was delivered on August 26, 1939, with shipment number 814²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338481 was delivered on August 26, 1939, with shipment number 814²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338482 was delivered on August 26, 1939, with shipment number 814²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338483 was delivered on August 26, 1939, with shipment number 814²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338484 was delivered on August 26, 1939, with shipment number 814²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338485 was delivered on August 26, 1939, with shipment number 814²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338486 was delivered on August 28, 1939, with shipment number 812²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338487 was delivered on August 28, 1939, with shipment number 812²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338488 was delivered on August 28, 1939, with shipment number 812²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338489 was delivered on August 28, 1939, with shipment number 812²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338490 was delivered on August 28, 1939, with shipment number 812²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338491 was delivered on August 26, 1939, with shipment number 814²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338492 was delivered on August 26, 1939, with shipment number 814²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338493 was delivered on August 26, 1939, with shipment number 814²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338494 was delivered on August 26, 1939, with shipment number 814²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338495 was delivered on August 26, 1939, with shipment number 814²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338496 was delivered on August 28, 1939, with shipment number 812²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338497 was delivered on August 28, 1939, with shipment number 812²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338498 was delivered on August 28, 1939, with shipment number 812²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338499 was delivered on August 28, 1939, with shipment number 812²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338500 was delivered on August 28, 1939, with shipment number 812²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338501 was delivered on August 26, 1939, with shipment number 818²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338502 was delivered on August 26, 1939, with shipment number 818²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338503 was delivered on August 28, 1939, with shipment number 812²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338504 was delivered on August 26, 1939, with shipment number 818²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338505 was delivered on August 26, 1939, with shipment number 818²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338506 was delivered on August 26, 1939, with shipment number 818²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338507 was delivered on August 26, 1939, with shipment number 818²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338508 was delivered on August 26, 1939, with shipment number 818²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338509 was delivered on August 26, 1939, with shipment number 818²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338510 was delivered on August 26, 1939, with shipment number 818²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338511 was delivered on August 26, 1939, with shipment number 818²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338512 was delivered on August 26, 1939, with shipment number 818²⁴⁵. This camera comes in chrome finish³⁶⁴. The top plate is engraved "Fl. No.38079" under "Leica D.R.P. Ernst Leitz Wetzlar" engraving³⁶⁴ in the following style: Heavy, bold letters on vulcanite²²⁵. This camera was illustrated on page 83 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰.
Leica III Model F number 338513 was delivered on August 26, 1939, with shipment number 818²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338514 was delivered on August 26, 1939, with shipment number 818²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338515 was delivered on August 26, 1939, with shipment number 818²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338516 was delivered on August 26, 1939, with shipment number 818²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338517 was delivered on August 26, 1939, with shipment number 818²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338518 was delivered on August 26, 1939, with shipment number 818²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338519 was delivered on August 26, 1939, with shipment number 818²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338520 was delivered on August 26, 1939, with shipment number 818²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338521 was delivered on August 26, 1939, with shipment number 818²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 338522 was delivered on August 26, 1939, with shipment number 818²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 342926 was delivered on November 3, 1939, with shipment number 4806²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 342927 was delivered on November 3, 1939, with shipment number 4806²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 342928 was delivered on November 3, 1939, with shipment number 4806²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 342929 was delivered on November 3, 1939, with shipment number 4806²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 342930 was delivered on November 3, 1939, with shipment number 4806²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 342931 was delivered on November 3, 1939, with shipment number 4806²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 342932 was delivered on November 3, 1939, with shipment number 4806²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 342933 was delivered on November 3, 1939, with shipment number 4806²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 342934 was delivered on November 3, 1939, with shipment number 4806²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 342935 was delivered on November 3, 1939, with shipment number 4806²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 342936 was delivered on November 3, 1939, with shipment number 4806²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 342937 was delivered on November 3, 1939, with shipment number 4806²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 342938 was delivered on November 1, 1939, with shipment number 2674²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 342939 was delivered on November 1, 1939, with shipment number 2674²⁴⁵. This camera was illustrated on page 83 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰.
Leica III Model F number 342940 was delivered on November 1, 1939, with shipment number 2674²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 342941 was delivered on November 8, 1939, with shipment number 4806²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 342942 was delivered on November 8, 1939, with shipment number 4806²⁴⁵. This camera comes in chrome finish³⁶⁴. The top plate is engraved "Fl. No.38079" under "Leica D.R.P. Ernst Leitz Wetzlar" engraving³⁶⁴. There are no other engravings³⁶⁴. This camera was illustrated on page 83 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰.
Leica III Model F number 342943 was delivered on November 8, 1939, with shipment number 4806²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 342944 was delivered on November 8, 1939, with shipment number 4806²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 342945 was delivered on November 8, 1939, with shipment number 4806²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 342946 was delivered on November 8, 1939, with shipment number 4806²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 342947 was delivered on November 8, 1939, with shipment number 4806²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 342948 was delivered on November 8, 1939, with shipment number 4806²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 342949 was delivered on November 8, 1939, with shipment number 4806²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 342950 was delivered on November 8, 1939, with shipment number 4806²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 343976 was delivered on November 8, 1939, with shipment number 4806²⁴⁵.
Leica III Model F number 343977 was delivered on November 8, 1939, with shipment number 4806²⁴⁵. According to one author, this camera was not delivered to Luftwaffe in Berlin, Germany³⁶⁴.

The official shipment records do not indicate that any Leica III Model F cameras with the serial number 344176-344200 belonged to the Luftwaffe²⁴⁵. However, Jim Lager has seen one such camera from this batch, which is engraved with "Fl. No. 38079."²⁴⁵ This specific camera was delivered to the Luftwaffe on November 24, 1939, as part of shipment number 5077²⁴⁵. The author of this website is not sure what serial number the camera could have.

During the Second World War, the Kriegsmarine (German navy) used Leitz 35mm cameras on their ships, along with other optical equipment produced by the same company⁵⁴⁹. Specifically, Leica cameras were utilized by Navy correspondents⁵⁴⁹. The first Leicas supplied to the German navy in 1936 were the Leica III and Leica IIIa models⁵⁴⁹. Camera top plates were typically marked with the Rechsadler and Hakenkreuz, while others featured the inscription "Artl." (for Naval Artillery) or simply an "M"⁵⁴⁹. Among Leica III cameras issued for the navy were:

Camera number 200166 engraved with "M37" and Reichsadler that was illustrated on the Page 16 of the "Classic Camera" magazine Issue 13 from February 1999⁵⁴⁹.

Law Enforcement

Leica III Model F cameras were also delivered to German Police. Some of the known cameras are:

Leica III Model F camera with serial number 136511 dated 1934 comes in chrome finish and was delivered to German Police³⁶⁴. The camera is engraved "STAPO MÜNCHEN" (State Police Munich) on rear of top plate³⁶⁴. Delivered to "Obergassner" in Munich on March 12, 1935³⁶⁴. The camera was sold for 2040Euros including buyer's premium at the 18th WestLicht Camera Auction on December 4, 2010⁴⁰⁶.
Leica III Model F camera with serial number 156006 comes in chrome finish and was delivered to German Police³⁶⁴. The camera is engraved "STAPO MÜNCHEN" (State Police Munich) on rear of top plate³⁶⁴. It was delivered to Obergassner in Munich on March 12, 1935³⁹⁷. The camera was sold for 3360 Euros including buyer's premium at the 26th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 22, 2014³⁹⁷.
Leica III Model F camera dated 1937 with serial number 260434 comes in chrome finish and was delivered to German Police³⁹¹. The camera was sold for 1320 Euros including buyer's premium at the 32nd WestLicht Camera Auction on March 10, 2018³⁹¹. The lot was described as "body engraved 'Stapo Potsdam' (Stapo - Staatspolizei - a general shortcut for German State Police including Gestapo) - delivered to Bln. 1585 M.s.W. on November 4th, 1937, with black/chrome Elmar 4/9cm no.556566 engraved on the barrel 'Re.370929' (Re - Reichssicherheitshauptamt - the Reich Main Security Office - the main office of SS), black/chrome VIOOH finder and lens cap - a very interesting historical assemble"³⁹¹. Before that, the camera was offered but remained unsold at the 8th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 27, 2005⁴¹⁶.
Leica III Model F camera with serial number 263961 comes in chrome finish and was delivered to German Police³⁸⁵. The camera is engraved "Stapo Düsseldorf" (State Police Düsseldorf) on rear of top plate³⁸⁵. The camera was sold for 2640 Euros including buyer's premium at the 38th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 12, 2021³⁸⁵.
Leica III Model F camera with serial number 314856 dated 1939 comes in chrome finish⁴⁰². The camera was sold for 660 Euros including buyer's premium at the 22nd WestLicht Camera Auction on November 24, 2012⁴⁰². The lot was described as "German Police camera, the original engraving on rear of top plate is defaced, matching Summar 2/5cm no.468674 engraved 'Stapo Regensburg', case"⁴⁰².

Deliveries

In 1933, there were 12154 Leica III Model F cameras delivered, with serial numbers ranging from 108651 through 125000³⁶⁴. In 1934, there were 20999 Leica III Model F cameras delivered, with serial numbers ranging from 107601 through 148850³⁶⁴. In 1935, there were 14304 Leica III Model F cameras delivered, with serial numbers ranging from 148951 through 182850³⁶⁴. In 1936, there were 10400 Leica III Model F cameras delivered, with serial numbers ranging from 184401 through 225000³⁶⁴. In 1937, there were 7625 Leica III Model F cameras delivered, with serial numbers ranging from 225201 through 268200³⁶⁴. In 1938, there were 6650 Leica III Model F cameras delivered, with serial numbers ranging from 268401 through 310200³⁶⁴. 1939 was the last year for Leica III Model F deliveries, with 6301 cameras shipped, with serial numbers ranging from 310401 through 343976³⁶⁴.

Closing Remarks

Leica III Model F went out of production in 1939 with serial number 343976³⁶⁴. In total, 49091 black models and 27366 chrome models were produced, amounting to 76457 (or 78433³⁶⁴) units overall³⁶⁰.