LEICA III MODEL F
The naming convention for early Leica camera models was different in Europe than in the USA. Referred to as "III" in Europe and "F" in the USA313.
The Leica III Model F was introduced in 1933135 under code name AFOOV226 or LYDRO135 The first Leica III Model F was assigned the serial number 107601, while the last one produced in 1939 had the serial number 343100226. The first large production batch of 2500 cameras had serial numbers between 109001 and 111500135. The Leica III Model F was produced continuously from 1933 to 1939, with the highest production year being 1934, during which 20849 units were made. The lowest serial numbers were from a batch of 107601 to 107607, which were part of the 1934 production. The earliest batch from 1933 was numbered 108651 to 108700 (totaling 50 units), and the final batch in 1939 was numbered 342901 to 343100 (totaling 100 units)360.
In total, 49091 black models and 27366 chrome models were produced, amounting to 76457 units overall360.
Finishes
Throughout its production, approximately 77000 cameras were manufactured, with about two-thirds featuring a chrome finish226. The earliest 1933 chrome cameras have a much brighter finish than those of later batches360 and one-third in black paint226. The early black paint models had nickel controls, whereas the later ones were fitted with chrome controls226. Some examples of Leica cameras in black with chrome fittings are known to exist. These models were either manufactured for export or made to individual orders360.
Between 1937 and 1939, Leitz Wetzlar produced various models of the Leica camera in a "black lacquer and silver chrome" finish. The well-known compilation, Band I, by Willi Hahne, lists the cameras of the Leica III Model F. The serial numbers mentioned in this compilation are taken directly from Band I. It is evident that the production of black and chrome camera bodies was very limited, with only 2100 Leica III Model F cameras made268.
|
Leica III Model F in Black and Chrome finish268 |
||
|
Year of Manufacture |
Serial Number Range268 |
Units Made268 |
|
1937 |
233701-233800 |
100 |
|
1937 |
234101-234200 |
100 |
|
1937 |
234501-234600 |
100 |
|
1937 |
239701-239800 |
100 |
|
1937 |
244401-244600 |
200 |
|
1937 |
246401-246500 |
100 |
|
1937 |
249401-249500 |
100 |
|
1937 |
258001-258200 |
200 |
|
1938 |
275001-275100 |
100 |
|
1938 |
278101-278200 |
100 |
|
1938 |
293201-293400 |
200 |
|
1938 |
304901-305000 |
100 |
|
1938 |
310001-310200 |
200 |
|
1938 |
316301-316400 |
100 |
|
1939 |
330001-330300 |
300 |
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. Thus, this was the first Leica camera to include a mechanism that slows the shutter curtain before stopping it, known as the curtain brake100. This provided the Leica enthusiast with the convenience of a slow shutter speed sequence135. Leica III Model F was also the first camera since Leica I Model B to have slow speeds360.
The top shutter speed was 1/500 second. 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 distance. The eyepiece also featured a diopter adjustment for the first time360. To the delight of Leica users, the III Model F also introduced carrying strap lugs, a convenience that remains essential for users today226.
The initial batch of black and nickel Leica III Model F cameras features several unique design elements that are not found in later models. This batch is distinguished by the presence of a small base plate pin, as the larger size was not introduced until the camera with serial number 111449. Additionally, the film advance spindle in these early models is not slotted for rapid wind devices, a feature that was added after the camera with serial number 159000. While both of these items could be retrofitted by the factory, this contributes to the rarity of the original, unaltered version of the Leica III Model F135.
Another interesting characteristic found exclusively on the first Leica III Model F units is the 12mm nickel shutter speed dial. This dial was later replaced by the standard 13.5mm dial during the production of this initial batch. The reason for the change in dial size remains unclear; it’s possible that Leitz engineers determined that the 12mm dial was too small for optimal function. 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 A. The exact number of Leica III Model F cameras shipped with the smaller dial is unknown; however, they are 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 can 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" engravings. The "S-T" marking stands for "Spécialités Tiranty," indicating official importation by Tiranty, the Leitz agent for France. On the other hand, the "N-L" marking represents "Netherlands" ("Nederlande"), signifying official importation by Odin, the Leitz agent for the Netherlands. In a letter received from Odin in 1979, it was confirmed that the "N-L" engraving was performed by Leitz in Wetzlar. It is highly likely that Leitz also engraved the "S-T" marking291.
Long exposure times of 1/10 to 1 second were made possible by Gauthier's new escapement mechanism in the Leica III Model F357.
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 model. This was true for the introduction of the Leica III Model F as well. Conversions for screwmount Leicas remained available until the late 1950s313.
It was possible to convert the Leica models with serial number 360000 (and installing full synchronization from the camera with serial number 160000). The following conversions were possible313:
- One could convert from “Leica I without interchangeable mount (Leica I Model A)” to “Leica III Model F”313
- One could convert from “Leica I with interchangeable mount (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 parts. Leitz recommended converting these models to the Leica II Model D. 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
Collector's Corner
Approximately twenty-four specimens of the Leica III Model F and Leica IIIa Model G cameras were the first to feature red blinds360. Leica III Model F cameras with serial numbers ranging from 239606 to 239626 were equipped with one-sided red-painted curtains and were sent for testing in Singapore. These red curtains were thought to block penetrating light rays, thereby protecting the panchromatic film. When the shutter is not cocked, one can see the red side of the curtain on the second roller. In most cases, these Leicas received black curtains as replacements during factory repairs, thus making these cameras very rare126.
Gifts and Special Editions
The Leica III Model F camera, serial number 125000, was awarded in 1933 to Prof. Dr. Gunther O. Dyrenfurth, leader of the International Himalaya Expeditions in 1930 and 193448.
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.
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.
Military
Jim Lager's research as of mid-1980 has revealed various "versions" of the Luftwaffen Leica, and one of them was III Model F Chrome with "Fl. No. 38078" engraving104. In August and November of 1939, Leitz Wetzlar supplied Leica III Model F cameras to the Luftwaffe. Approximately 75 cameras were shipped to Berlin during this time245.
Leica III Model F camera with serial number 338512 dating year 1939 with "Fl. No. 38079" engraving had "Luftwaffen-Eigentum" ("Property of the Air Force") marking in the following style: Heavy, bold letters on vulcanite225.
Luftwaffe Leica III Model F with serial numbers 338476-338485 were delivered to Luftwaffe on 26-08-1939, shipment number 814. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY245.
Luftwaffe Leica III Model F with serial numbers 338486-338490 were delivered to Luftwaffe on 28-08-1939, shipment number 812. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY245.
Luftwaffe Leica III Model F with serial numbers 338491-338495 were delivered to Luftwaffe on 26-08-1939, shipment number 814. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY245.
Luftwaffe Leica III Model F with serial numbers 338496-338500 were delivered to Luftwaffe on 28-08-1939, shipment number 812. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY245.
Luftwaffe Leica III Model F with serial numbers 338501-338502 were delivered to Luftwaffe on 26-08-1939, shipment number 818. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY245.
Luftwaffe Leica III Model F with serial number 338503 was delivered to Luftwaffe on 28-08-1939, shipment number 812. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY245.
Luftwaffe Leica III Model F with serial numbers 338504-338522 were delivered to Luftwaffe on 26-08-1939, shipment number 818. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY245.
Luftwaffe Leica III Model F with serial numbers 342926-342937 were delivered to Luftwaffe on 03-11-1939, shipment number 4806. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY245.
Luftwaffe Leica III Model F with serial numbers 342938-342940 were delivered to Luftwaffe on 01-11-1939, shipment number 2674. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY245.
Luftwaffe Leica III Model F with serial numbers 342941-342950 were delivered to Luftwaffe on 08-11-1939, shipment number 4806. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY245.
Luftwaffe Leica III Model F with serial numbers 343976-343977 were delivered to Luftwaffe on 08-11-1939, shipment number 4806. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY245.
The official shipment records do not indicate that any Leica III Model F cameras with the serial number 344176-344200 belonged to the Luftwaffe. However, Jim Lager has seen one such camera from this batch, which is engraved with the flieger number "Fl. No. 38079." This specific camera, serial number 344176-344200, was delivered to the Luftwaffe on November 24, 1939, as part of shipment number 5077245.