24 Leica IIIf

LEICA IIIF

Until 1950, using a Leica camera with flash units required special designs364. The Leica IIIf, the first new model from Leitz after World War II, included built-in synchronization for both lamp and electronic flash units364. The Leica IIIf, designed by Adam Wegner and his team364, was produced from approximately 1950 to 1957310. The Leica IIIf replaced the Leica IIIc188.


Contemporary Literature and Marketing Materials

Judging by the contemporary literature, the introduction of Leica IIIf to the American market began in the fourth quarter of 1950 with a significant marketing push around Christmas of 1950 and into the new 1951 year:

  • The "Leica With Built-In Flash - Current Shows" article published in the Issue 111 of the New York Times from October 29, 1950, introduced Leica IIIf as "A NEW model Leica IIIf with built-in flash synchronization adjustable to all shutter speeds was introduced last week by the importers, E. Leitz, Inc.". 
  • The "MIT EINGEBAUTER SYNCHRONISIERUNG" article published in the Issue 6 of Leica Fotografie Magazine from November of 1950 (pages 248-253) introduced Leica IIIf as something "long awaited". 
  • December 1, 1950 issue of THE INDIANAPOLIS NEWS ran Leica IIIf advertisement as a camera that was suggested to "the Discriminating Fan". 
  • December 1950 issue of Popular Photography (Volume 27, Issue 6, page 149) ran Leica IIIf among other HOLIDAY SPECIALS deals. January 1951 issue of Popular Photography (Volume 28, Issue 1, page 113) provided more details about Leica IIIf as a part of "A round-up of recent developments and significant trends" section.
  • January 7, 1951 issue of New York Times was offering the readers to trade in "Your LEICA IIIc for a Brand New, 1951 Model LEICA IIIf with Synchro Flash Shutter" on the page 90



The Very First Leica IIIf Number 525001

The very first Leica IIIf, numbered 525001, was owned by Fred A. Diehl III of LHSA at the end of the 1980s576. According to Fred A. Diehl III, this camera was engraved inside with the same serial number576. The camera illustrated in Fred A. Diehl III's article was engraved with "Nr. 525001" and the author believed that the top plate was replaced at some point576. 

Another camera, the Leica IIIf with the serial number 527080, was manufactured in 1950540. It is illustrated on page 68 of James L. Lager's book, "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition."540 This particular model features an engraving of "â„– 527080" and has a black dot engraved in place of the physical stop for the R/A rewind lever540.

After conducting further investigation, Fred A. Diehl III, using sources at Leitz in Germany, discovered that camera number 525001 had first been delivered to the Leica School for use by Theo Kisselbach576. The records indicated that the camera had then been sent to Leitz New York for sale after its initial use576.


Experimental Cameras

Camera number 671000, dated 1953, was considered "experimental" and was illustrated on page 134 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book540. The camera was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book in 2018, where it was described as having a built-in large brilliant viewfinder596. This camera was in Leica Archives in July of 2026.


What's Inside?

The Leica IIIf was made up of 655 individual parts and required a total of 8049 manufacturing operations477. Just for the contact ring needed for flash synchronization, there were 63 manufacturing processes, each requiring accuracy within ± 0.1 millimeters477. Additionally, the electronic contacts were specially gold-plated to ensure reliable flash firing477.


Finishes

The Leica IIIf was available in several versions:

  • the "black dial" version that featured an adjustable flash synchronization dial beneath the shutter speed dial310. This variant was introduced in 1950-1951 with the first batch of cameras having serial numbers from 525001 to 540000360. It was discontinued in 1951 with the last batch of cameras having serial numbers between 610000 to 611000360. The total production of this variant equaled 71000 cameras360.
  • the "red dial" version360 without self-timer. This variant was introduced in 1952-1953 with the first batch of cameras having serial numbers from 615000 to 650000360. It was discontinued in 1953 with the last batch of cameras having serial numbers between 684000 to 685000360. The total production of this variant equaled 54000 cameras360. James L. Lager wrote an article titled "LEICA RED DIAL IIIF UNDER 615001" (page 15 of Viewfinder 10(3), 1977), in which he claimed that E. Leitz, inc. communications dated early 1953 mentioned "IIIf cameras 587151-587170 and 615001 and above are red dial models". Of them:
    • 587151 was illustrated in the Leitz booklet titled "Le Leica synchronisé avec échelle de contact rouge" (Reference number "11-7a/frz.") (author's note).
    • 587153 was illustrated in the James L. Lager's article titled "LEICA RED DIAL IIIF UNDER 615001" (page 15 of Viewfinder 10(3), 1977).
    • 587161 was illustrated in the Leitz booklet titled "Leica If IIf IIIf Instruction Book" (List Photo No. 8385 a / 1-53-AY)
  • a "red dial" version that included a self-timer310. This variant was introduced in 1954 with the first batch of cameras having serial numbers from 685000 to 700000360. It was discontinued in 1957 with the last batch of cameras having serial numbers between 823868 to 825000360. The total production of this variant equaled over 59000 cameras360.
  • a "black dial" version that was modified to have a self-timer360. This variant was merely a modification/conversion, rather than a distinct model360.
  • the "Midland Ontario" version360. A total of 5367 Leica IIIf cameras of all variants were produced by Leitz in Midland, Ontario, Canada360. Although this facility primarily manufactured military equipment, it also designed and produced lenses while assembling cameras from parts delivered by Leitz in Wetzlar360. Due to a trade agreement between Canada and the United States, cameras assembled in Canada and imported into the U.S. incurred a lower customs duty compared to those imported from Europe360. Among the Leica IIIf cameras assembled at Midland, only about 190 have the "Midland Ontario" engraving360.
  • An extremely rare Leica IIIf in black finish5.
  • A few black tropicalized Leica IIIf cameras with a self-timer were not part of the Swedish army group534. These were believed to be part of a special order for an Indian dealer534.


Code Names

Leica IIIf body only was code-named LOOHW365. Note that this code was also used for Leica IIIc534.

Leica IIIf with 50mm (5cm) f/3.5 was code-named LOOPN365. Note that this code was also used for Leica IIIc534.

Leica IIIf with 5cm f/2 Summitar was code-named LOOKX365.

Leica IIIf with 5cm f/2 Summicron was code-named LUOOX365.

Leica IIIf with 5cm f/1.5 Summarit was code-named LOOIT365. Note that this code was also used for Leica IIIc534.


Making Double Exposures

Issues 2 of the Leica Fotografie journal from 1964 reported that making double exposures with this camera was possible480. The following method was described: "Press the release button down and turn the winding knob counterclockwise until it catches. This tensions the shutter without winding on the film."480


Technical Specifications

Flash synchronization

One of its most critical innovations was the built-in flash synchronization capability310. During the early 1950s, mainstream flash photography primarily relied on flash bulbs, as strobes were just beginning to emerge and were often prohibitively expensive310. The Leica IIIf's flash sync mechanism was controlled via an adjustable dial situated beneath the shutter speed dial, marked with numbers from "0" to "20."310 The dial's calibration corresponded to different flash bulb burn times, ensuring that the focal plane shutter opened fully at the optimal moment of the bulb's peak illumination310. This required intricate timing adjustments, leading to extensive documentation for various bulb types310. In contrast, electronic flash—characterized by an instantaneous output—synchronized seamlessly with the Leica shutter at 1/25th of a second (designated as 0) and at 1/50th of a second (designated as 20)310.


Shutter speed dial

Additionally, the Leica IIIf was equipped with a standard sync socket located adjacent to the eyepiece for cable connections310. Most flash units came with charts to assist in exposure calculations based on distance and film speed, and many featured automatic exposure adjustments for specific distance ranges310.

Earlier models of the Leica IIIf, which featured a black dial (with synchronization dials engraved in black), had the following series of shutter speeds: Top dial (instantaneous speeds) included 1/30, 1/40, 1/60, 1/100, 1/200, 1/500, and 1/1000 of a second358. Front dial (slow speeds) included 1/30, 1/20, 1/15, 1/10, 1/4, 1/2, and 1 second358. Later models of the Leica IIIf (starting from serial number 615000360), distinguished by a red dial (with synchronization dials engraved in red), included a newer set of shutter speeds that comply with recommendations from the International Standards Association: Top dial (instantaneous speeds) included 1/25, 1/50, 1/75, 1/100, 1/200, 1/500, and 1/1000 of a second358. Front dial (slow speeds) included 1/25, 1/15, 1/10, 1/5, 1/2, and 1 second358. 

It was important to note that the changes were made not only to comply with recommendations from the International Standards Association but also to synchronize short-flash lamps with instantaneous flash tubes451. This synchronization required that the entire image field be released by the shutter451. The previous Leica model achieved this at 1/30 seconds451. Through further constructive development of the Leica focal-plane shutter, particularly by extending the release time, the entire image field could have been released at 1/50 seconds451. This advancement allowed for synchronization with short-firing flashes and instantaneous flash tube units451. However, this synchronization would not be possible at 1/60 of a second, which necessitated a reclassification of the shutter speeds451.


Film-speed indicator

Another key feature of the Leica IIIf was the convenient film-speed indicator located on the winding knob, which could be set after loading film into the camera358. To adjust it, one simply had to lift the knurled knob and turn it to the right for black-and-white film or to the left for color film358. Both ASA and Weston ratings were displayed simultaneously for either type of film358.


Engraving

Leica IIIf cameras with serial numbers from 615000 upwards included both DRP (for "Deutsches Reichspatent") or DBP (for "Deutsches Bundespatent", indicating private company) and GMBH (for "Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung", indicating public company) markings360.


Other Specifications

Leica IIIf Black Dial was outfitted with only the upper kugellager, while the Leica IIIf Red Dial variants and subsequent Leica IIIg models integrated both sets of ball bearings230. By 1952, the Leica IIIf also received a lightweight shutter upgrade and the addition of a self-timer357.

The Leica IIIf was the first Leica model to utilize plastic components100.

The built-in coupled rangefinder has 1.5X magnification15.

The Leica IIIf introduced significant advancements, first appearing in 1952 with the incorporation of a channel on the baseplate designed to facilitate film transport during both advancement and rewinding24. This feature was first implemented on the Leica IIIf number 59068124.

Some of the later Leica IIIf Red Dial cameras featured a modified film reverse mechanism that prevented the film from turning backwards unless the catch was properly positioned360.


Leica IIIf Cameras Made in Canada

Some assembly was performed by Ernst Leitz Canada using parts made in Wetzlar31. About 200 of 5367 Leica IIIf cameras made in Canada were engraved "Midland"594. Leica IIIf cameras assembled or manufactured in Midland Ontario, Canada, from 1952 to 1956 are140:

  • Assembled or manufactured between 1952 and 1953, the Leica IIIf with serial numbers ranging from 610001 to 611000 featured "Wetzlar" engraving140. A total of 1000 Leica IIIf Red Dial cameras were assembled using parts shipped from Wetzlar168. Additionally, the assembly of 50mm f/1.5 Summarit lenses with Wetzlar parts also commenced168. The first cameras and lenses to leave the factory were marked "Wetzlar" and were immediately sold and delivered to Walter A. Carveth Limited (and American Post Exchange stores140) to provide operating capital168. However, 120 cameras with serial numbers ranging from 610501 to 610620 from this batch were stolen before they could be sold168. Some of the known Leica IIIf cameras with "Midland Ontario" engraving in this batch were:
    • The camera number 610116 was illustrated on page 49 of Camera Review No. 75 (Leica-Book '05), published by Asahi Sonorama (Tokyo)591
  • Assembled or manufactured between 1953 and 1954, the Leica IIIf, with serial numbers ranging from 684001 to 685000, featured "Midland" engraving140. Not all serial numbers were utilized (e.g., 684106)140. These cameras were specifically Leica IIIf Red Dial models168. A total of 144 units were delivered with the engraving "Ernst Leitz Canada Limited, Midland, Ontario" on their top plates168. However, Canadian dealers faced poor sales and expressed their dissatisfaction to the management at Ernst Leitz Canada168. The market showed a clear preference for German-made cameras168. In response, the Canadian government arranged for unsold Canadian cameras to be returned to Midland, where the original top plates would be replaced for free with ones engraved with the "Wetzlar" engraving168. This might help explain the rarity of the cameras engraved with "Ernst Leitz Canada."168 Some of the known Leica IIIf cameras with "Midland Ontario" engraving in this batch were:
    • The camera number 684019 was sold for 21600 Euros including buyer's premium at the 40th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 11, 2022383.
    • The camera number 684437 dated 1953 was sold for 26400 Euros including buyer's premium at the 24th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 23, 2013400. 
    • The camera number 684603 was sold for 5280 Euros including buyer's premium at the 12th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 17, 2007412. 
    • The camera number 684612 was illustrated on page 29 of Shinichi Nakamura's "Leica Collection" (1991) book602.
    • The camera number 684635 was sold for 66000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 42nd Leitz Photographica Auction on June 9 and 10, 2023381. Before that, the camera was offered but remained unsold at the 37th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 21, 2020386.
    • The camera number 684706 dated 1953 was offered but remained unsold at the 35th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 23, 2019388.
    • The camera number 684709 dated 1953 was offered but remained unsold at the 29th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 6, 2016394. 
    • The camera number 684713 dated 1953 was sold for 6000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 6th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 6, 2004418. 
    • The camera number 684716 dated 1953 was sold for 18000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 25th WestLicht Camera Auction on March 22, 2014398. 
    • The camera number 684720 was auctioned off on June 17, 1999 at Christie's.
    • The camera number 684726 was part of Kenjiro Nakamura's collection in 1995 and was exhibited at the "History and Development of Imaging" exhibition at the Memorial Museum of the Machine Industry in the same year569. The photograph of the camera was featured on the pages of Camera Review No. 37 (Leica-Book '96), published by Asahi Sonorama (Tokyo) in 1996569.
    • The camera number 684738 dated 1953 was sold for 10800 Euros including buyer's premium at the "100 years of Leica Camera" WestLicht Camera Auction on May 23, 2014399.
    • The camera number 684739 dated 1953 was sold for 12000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 22nd WestLicht Camera Auction on November 24, 2012402. It was later offered on June 5, 2024 at the OstLicht Auctions.
    • The camera number 684741 dated 1953 was sold for 26400 Euros including buyer's premium at the 21st WestLicht Camera Auction on May 12, 2012403. 
    • The camera number 684742 was auctioned off on July 8, 1993 at Christie's and later on November 21, 2025 at OstLicht Auctions.
    • The camera number 684745, dated 1953, was auctioned off on May 30, 2026 at an American auction..
    • The camera number 684751, dated 1953, was expected to be auctioned off at the 8th Wetzlar Camera Auctions on October 10, 2026597.
    • The camera number 684752 with self-timer was illustrated on page 29 of Shinichi Nakamura's "Leica Collection" (1991) book602 and on page 182 of Shinichi Nakamura's "Everything About the Barnack-type Leica" (1992) book. It was auctioned off on May 6, 1999 and June 5, 1999 at the Christie's. Later, it was illustrated on the page 71 of the Dennis Laney's "Leica Collector's Guide" (2nd edition)534. 
    • The camera number 684760 dated 1953 was sold for 16800 Euros including buyer's premium at the 46th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 27, 2025377.
    • The camera number 684763, dated 1953, was auctioned off on April 11, 2019 at the Dominic Winter Auctions.
    • The camera number 684765, dated 1953, was illustrated and described by Dr. Bahman Bawendi in Leica Fotografie International (6/2015).
    • The camera number 684766, dated 1953, was auctioned off on May 21, 2024 and later on April 15, 2025 at the Flints Auctions Ltd.
    • The camera number 684768 dated 1953 was illustrated on page 69 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book540.
    • The camera number 684772 dated 1953 was sold for 8500 Euros including buyer's premium at the 1st Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 5, 2019428. Before that, it was offered on March 16, 2019 at Auction Team Breker.
    • The camera number 684781 dated 1953 was sold for 3960 Euros including buyer's premium at the 7th WestLicht Camera Auction on May 21, 2005417. 
    • The camera number 684791 was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014594. 
    • The camera number 684792 dated 1953 was sold for 8500 Euros including buyer's premium at the 5th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 7, 2023424. 
    • The camera number 684812 was illustrated on page 182 of Shinichi Nakamura's "Everything About the Barnack-type Leica" (1992) book.
    • The camera number 684816 dated 1953 was sold for 6000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 26th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 22, 2014397. Later, this camera was sold for 8400 Euros including buyer's premium at the 47th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 22, 2025533. 
    • The camera number 684819 dated 1953 was sold for 19200 Euros including buyer's premium at the 43rd Leitz Photographica Auction on November 25, 2023380.
  • Assembled or manufactured between 1954 and 1955, these Leica IIIf featured self-timers and had serial numbers ranging from 710001 to 711000140. Mexico became a customer on June 30, 1954140. Hong Kong received a single shipment on September 8, 1954140. Panama started receiving shipments on February 2, 1955140. The Midland engraving was almost never seen in this and subsequent batches of Leica IIIf Red Dial cameras with self-timer168. Some of the known Leica IIIf cameras with "Midland" engraving in this batch were:
    • The camera number 710015 was offered but remained unsold at the 47th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 22, 2025533. The lot was described as "Very rare IIIf body with self-timer in beautiful, almost perfect original condition, top plate engraved 'Ernst Leitz Canada Limited Midland Ontario', with matching Ernst Leitz Canada Ltd. Midland Summarit 1.5/5cm no.1246793 (cap), only small batches of the IIIf were prepared by Leitz Canada and engraved accordingly."533.
    • The camera number 710526 was sold for 22800 Euros including buyer's premium at the 45th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 23, 2024378. 
  • Assembled or manufactured in 1956, these Leica IIIf featured self-timers and had serial numbers ranging from 773001 to 774000140. These cameras had "Midland" engraving140. However, one author claimed the Midland engraving was almost never seen in this batch of Leica IIIf Red Dial cameras168.
  • Assembled or manufactured in 1956, these Leica IIIf featured self-timers and had serial numbers ranging from 823501 to 823867140. These cameras had "Midland" engraving140. Among these:
    • The camera number 823862 dated 1956 was illustrated on page 69 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book540.
  • Assembled or manufactured in 1956, these Leica IIIf featured self-timers and had serial numbers ranging from 829751 to 829850140. These cameras had Midland engraving140. However, one author claimed the Midland engraving was almost never seen in this batch of Leica IIIf Red Dial cameras168.
  • Assembled or manufactured in 1956, these Leica IIIf featured self-timers and had serial numbers ranging from 837621 to 838720140. These cameras had Midland engraving140. Among these:
    • The camera number 837664 dated 1956 was illustrated on page 69 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book540.


Collector's Corner

Interestingly, a report from January 20, 1951 indicated that Wilhelm Albert developed an underwater housing for Leica IIIf in that year364. 


Betriebsk. (Internal Cameras)

Only about 100 of Betriebsk. cameras were produced by Leitz for internal use and engraved, and only very few of these are still in existence418. 

There were at least 9 different variations of these cameras (author's note):


Variant 1 had:

  • red dial
  • self-timer
  • "â„–" before serial number
  •  "Leica (new line) DBP (new line) ERNST LEITZ (new line) GMBH (new line) WETZLAR (new line) GERMANY" engraving on the left part of the top plate


Variant 2 had:

  • red dial
  • no self-timer
  • "â„–" before serial number
  •  "Leica (new line) DBP (new line) ERNST LEITZ (new line) GMBH (new line) WETZLAR (new line) GERMANY" engraving on the left part of the top plate


Variant 3 had:

  • black dial
  •  self-timer
  • "Nr." before serial number
  •  "Leica (new line) D.R.P. (new line) Ernst Leitz (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany" engraving on the left part of the top plate


Variant 4 had:

  • black dial
  •  no self-timer
  • "Nr." before serial number
  •  "Leica (new line) D.R.P. (new line) Ernst Leitz (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany" engraving on the left part of the top plate


Variant 5 had:

  • black dial
  •  no self-timer
  • "Nr." before serial number
  •  "Leica (new line) D.R.P. (new line) Ernst Leitz (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany" engraving on the left part of the top plate


Variant 6 had:

  • red dial
  •  no self-timer
  • "Nr." before serial number
  •  "Leica (new line) D.R.P. (new line) Ernst Leitz (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany" engraving on the left part of the top plate


Variant 7 had:

  • red dial
  •  no self-timer
  • "Nr." before serial number
  •  "Leica (new line) D R P (new line) Ernst Leitz (new line) GmbH (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany" engraving on the left part of the top plate


Variant 8 had:

  • red dial
  • self-timer
  • "Nr." before serial number
  •  "Leica (new line) D R P (new line) Ernst Leitz (new line) GmbH (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany" engraving on the left part of the top plate


Variant 9 had:

  • red dial
  • self-timer
  • "Nr." before serial number
  •  "Leica (new line) DBP (new line) ERNST LEITZ (new line) GMBH (new line) WETZLAR (new line) GERMANY" engraving on the left part of the top plate


Some of known samples were:

  • Camera number 105, dated circa 1952, with red dial with self-timer, engraved with "Betriebsk. (new line) â„– 105" and "Leica (new line) DBP (new line) ERNST LEITZ (new line) GMBH (new line) WETZLAR (new line) GERMANY" 
  • Camera number 111 (External serial number 397632)
  • Camera number 163, dated circa 1954, with red dial without self-timer, engraved with "Betriebsk. (new line) â„– 163" and "Leica (new line) DBP (new line) ERNST LEITZ (new line) GMBH (new line) WETZLAR (new line) GERMANY" 
  • Camera number 217, dated circa 1951, with black dial with self-timer, engraved with "Betriebsk. (new line) Nr.217" and "Leica (new line) D.R.P. (new line) Ernst Leitz (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany" 
  • Camera number 228, dated 1953, with black dial without self-timer, engraved with "Betriebsk. (new line) Nr.228" and "Leica (new line) D.R.P. (new line) Ernst Leitz (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany" 
  • Camera number 233, with black dial with self-timer, engraved with "Betriebsk. (new line) Nr.233" and "Leica (new line) D.R.P. (new line) Ernst Leitz (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany" 
  • Camera number 238, dated circa 1954, with black dial without self-timer, engraved with "Betriebsk. (new line) Nr.238" and "Leica (new line) D.R.P. (new line) Ernst Leitz (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany" 
  • Camera number 240, with black dial without self-timer 
  • Camera number 246, dated 1952, with red dial without self-timer, engraved with "Betriebsk. (new line) Nr.246" and "Leica (new line) D.R.P. (new line) Ernst Leitz (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany" 
  • Camera number 251, dated circa 1952, with red dial without self-timer, engraved with "Betriebsk. (new line) Nr.251" and "Leica (new line) D.R.P. (new line) Ernst Leitz (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany" 
  • Camera number 276, with red dial without self-timer, engraved with "Betriebsk. (new line) Nr.276" and "Leica (new line) D R P (new line) Ernst Leitz (new line) GmbH (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany" 
  • Camera number 282, dated 1954, with black dial with self-timer, engraved with "Betriebsk. (new line) Nr.282" and "Leica (new line) D R P (new line) Ernst Leitz (new line) GmbH (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany" 
  • Camera number 283, dated circa 1954, with red dial with self-timer, engraved with "Betriebsk. (new line) Nr.283" and "Leica (new line) D R P (new line) Ernst Leitz (new line) GmbH (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany" 
  • Camera number 289* with red dial without self-timer, engraved with "Betriebsk. Nr.289*" and "Leica-Model IIIf (new line) DBP (new line) Manufactured by (new line) ERNST LEITZ (bigger font) GMBH (smaller font) (new line) WETZLAR (bigger font) GERMANY (smaller font)"594. This camera was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014, together with 5cm f/2.8 Elmar Prototype in A36 mount, numbered 0000030594. The author of the website noted down two other cameras with a similar engraving. One was the Leica IIIf camera without a serial number engraved "Model IIIf Manufactured by ERNST LEITZ GmbH WETZLAR Germany" dated 1950 was part of Kenjiro Nakamura's collection in 1995 and was exhibited at the "History and Development of Imaging" exhibition at the Memorial Museum of the Machine Industry in the same year569. The other one was Leica IIIf camera without a serial number engraved "Model IIIf Manufactured by ERNST LEITZ GmbH WETZLAR Germany", dated circa 1950, that was auctioned off at the 49th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 28, 2026605. They were described elsewhere on this page.
  • Camera number 300 with with self-timer,  engraved with "Betriebsk. (new line) Nr.300" and "Leica (new line) D R P (new line) Ernst Leitz (new line) GmbH (new line) Wetzlar (new line) Germany"598.
  • Camera number 321 with black dial with self-timer, engraved with "Betriebsk. (new line) Nr.321" and "Leica (new line) DBP (new line) Ernst Leitz (new line) GMBH (new line) WETZLAR (new line) GERMANY"594
  • Camera number 336, dated circa 1955, with red dial with self-timer, engraved with "Betriebsk. (new line) Nr.336" and "Leica (new line) DBP (new line) ERNST LEITZ (new line) GMBH (new line) WETZLAR (new line) GERMANY" 
  • Camera number 352, with red dial with self-timer, engraved with "Betriebsk. (new line) Nr.352" and "Leica (new line) DBP (new line) ERNST LEITZ (new line) GMBH (new line) WETZLAR (new line) GERMANY" 
  • Camera number 354, dated circa 1954, with red dial with self-timer, engraved with "Betriebsk. (new line) Nr.354" and "Leica (new line) DBP (new line) ERNST LEITZ (new line) GMBH (new line) WETZLAR (new line) GERMANY" 
  • Camera number 356 
  • Camera number 379 with red dial with self-timer, engraved with "Betriebsk. (new line) Nr.379" and "Leica (new line) DBP (new line) ERNST LEITZ (new line) GMBH (new line) WETZLAR (new line) GERMANY" 
  • Camera number 384, dated circa 1954, with red dial with self-timer, engraved with "Betriebsk. (new line) Nr.384" and "Leica (new line) DBP (new line) ERNST LEITZ (new line) GMBH (new line) WETZLAR (new line) GERMANY"
  • Camera number 404

 

Gifts and Special Cameras

There were at least 3 design study cameras that had very unique engravings:

  • Leica IIIf camera number 289* with red dial without self-timer, engraved with "Betriebsk. Nr.289*" and "Leica-Model IIIf (new line) DBP (new line) Manufactured by (new line) ERNST LEITZ (bigger font) GMBH (smaller font) (new line) WETZLAR (bigger font) GERMANY (smaller font)"594. This camera was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014, together with 5cm f/2.8 Elmar Prototype in A36 mount, numbered 0000030594.
  • Leica IIIf camera without a serial number engraved "Model IIIf Manufactured by ERNST LEITZ GmbH WETZLAR Germany" dated 1950 was part of Kenjiro Nakamura's collection in 1995 and was exhibited at the "History and Development of Imaging" exhibition at the Memorial Museum of the Machine Industry in the same year569. The photograph of the camera was featured on the pages of Camera Review No. 37 (Leica-Book '96), published by Asahi Sonorama (Tokyo) in 1996569. This particular camera was believed to be a demonstration model that was first displayed in the New York Leitz store when Leica IIIf was released in 1950569. The words "Property of E. Leitz Inc New-York" were engraved on the 5cm f/3.5 Elmar lens that was part of the cameras outfit569.
  • Leica IIIf camera without a serial number engraved "Model IIIf Manufactured by ERNST LEITZ GmbH WETZLAR Germany", dated circa 1950, that was auctioned off at the 49th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 28, 2026 as "Leica IIIf Design Study"605. The lot was described as "An extremely rare Leica IIIf Design Studio camera, produced for the North American market around 1950–1951. It is believed that no more than ten examples of this special series were made, each with a different engraving style. The cameras were most likely intended for exhibitions and promotional displays in the United States. The offered example is a fully functional camera body without a serial number, fitted with a Red Scale Elmar 3.5/5cm lens with feet scale, serial no. 1100900. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first Leica IIIf Design Studio camera of this type to appear at public auction. A comparable example is illustrated in Lars Netopil’s book 'Rare Leica'."605.

Leica IIIf with serial number 500000 was presented to Dr. Ernst Leitz II in 1950400. At some point, the camera was in Leitz Museum (with original red museum sticker "M 163" on base plate) and the Surat collection400. The camera was sold for 360000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 24th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 23, 2013400. 

Very rare original black paint Leica IIIf Betriebskamera No 517464 dated 1950 was sold for 54000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 41st Leitz Photographica Auction on November 26, 2022382. The lot description reads "The construction is based on a Leica IIIf and represents a pre-series of the Leica IIIf. The camera, initially engraved with 'Leitz Eigentum' on the back of the top plate, stayed in the factory from 1950 to 1970 - it was when it was sold and the engraving removed. It comes with a matching 1950 coated Elmar 3.5/5cm no.707704 and a special black painted Leicavit. A sidenote in the control book in the Leica Archives says 'No. 517401-517525 Kamera mit Leitz-Eigentum graviert u. schwarz lackiert' (camera engraved with 'Leitz Eigentum' and black painted)."

Leica IIIf number 538633 is considered a "NASA Leica"501. In 1951, Langley Research Center in Virginia acquired this camera for testing at NASA501. The camera was reportedly "disposed of" in 1980501. The camera had NASA in-house number engraved on the chromium strip at the rear of the housing501. According to the Christie's auction catalog from September 14, 1998, this camera was a "chrome, black-scale, the top plate engraved LEITZ-EIGENTUM" and was sold for GBP 977 including buyer's premium. 

Leica IIIf number 540475 was engraved "General Dwight D. Eisenhower" and was known to be in the possession of his family in 1970s534. The photograph of this camera was illustrated on page 42 of Dennis Laney's "Leica Collector’s Guide (2nd Edition)" book534.

Leica IIIf with serial number 546888 dated 1951 was sold for 1200 Euros including buyer's premium at the 7th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 11, 2025429. The lot was described as "Rare formerly factory-internal camera. Topplate engraved on the back with "Leitz Eigentum (Property of Leitz)". Very fine condition."429.

Leica IIIf with serial number 555555 was presented to The Dalai Lama258. Camera was gold-plated258.

Leica IIIf with serial number 575000 was presented to Albert Schweitzer478.

Leica IIIf with serial number 596096, dated 1952, in black paint finish, was illustrated on page 69 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book540. James L. Lager commented "quality of paint and workmanship suggests that Leitz may have prepared this equipment to special order"540.

In July of 1953, Dr. William Beebe364, pioneer in deep-sea research during the 1930s229, received a Leica IIIf with serial number 600000 from Guenther Leitz in New York364.

Leica IIIf camera with serial number 609547, dated 1952 and engraved "Leitz-Eigentum" on the back of the top plate was sold for 2400 Euros including buyer's premium at the 16th WestLicht Camera Auction on December 5, 2009408.

Leica IIIf camera with serial number 637769, dated 1953 and engraved "Property of E. Leitz Inc. New-York" on the back of the plate, was sold for 2326 Euros including buyer's premium at the 2nd-3rd WestLicht Camera Auction on May 23, 2003421. The camera was delivered on February 24, 1953 to Manca, New York421. 

Leica IIIf with serial number 650000 was presented to Prof. Norman-Günther Dyhrenfurth, was a mountaineer and filmmaker who led the first successful American Mount Everest Expedition, in 1952364. It was illustrated in the 1984 "Leica Manual Book" (1st Edition) by Kikuo Urago (Towa Photo Forum Co Ltd.)598.

The production of the 675000th Leica camera in 1953 coincided with a significant event that captured global attention: the awarding of the Nobel Prize to Dr. Frits Zernike, a Dutch professor of physics at the University of Groningen364. Ludwig Leitz presented him with Leica IIIf with serial number 675000 as a gesture of the company’s deep appreciation for Dr. Zernike, whose invention of the phase-contrast microscope greatly advanced microscopic research and microtechnology364. 

Leica IIIf camera with serial number 760044 dated 1955 and engraved "Leitz-Eigentum" on the back of the top plate was sold for 900 Euros including buyer's premium at the 25th WestLicht Camera Auction on March 22, 2014398. 

The very last Leica IIIf ever made, with serial number 825000, was presented to Walter H. Schwab, head of shipping department at Leitz, in 1956400. The camera was made in Wetzlar400. The base plate (section facing the user) of the camera was engraved 'Walter H.Schwab, Heuchelheim/Gießen'400. The camera was sold for 84000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 24th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 23, 2013400. 


Military

The United States Army utilized the Leica IIIf in the 1950s53. These cameras were designated as "STILL PICTURE CAMERA KS-15(1)" and, judging by the documentation, it was no different than Leica IIIf Red Dial with a self-timer (author's note).

The British Air force used the Leica IIIf at some point in its history383. Among the cameras:

  • Leica IIIf Black Dial number 565809 dated 1951 was sold for 1020 Euros including buyer's premium at the 25th WestLicht Camera Auction on March 22, 2014398. The lot was described as "very rare IIIf with black dial and self-timer, engraved '14A/1970' and arrow..."398.
  • Leica IIIf Red Dial number 694024 dated 1954 was offered but remained unsold at the 9th WestLicht Camera Auction on May 20, 2006415. The lot was described as "red dial and self-timer, engraved: 14A/CA 38 (with arrow pointing upwards), ...camera ...delivered on August 3rd, 1954 to London - order number 26856)"415. Later on, the camera was sold for 2200 Euros including buyer's premium at the 6th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 12, 2024423. The lot was described as "Leica IIIf red dial with selftimer and military marking "14A / CA 38" and arrow pointing upwards on the back of the top plate. ...Delivered ...to London on August 03rd 1954 with shipment number 26856...."423.
  • Leica IIIf Red Dial number 694275 dated 1954 was sold for 19200 Euros including buyer's premium at the 40th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 11, 2022383. This camera has military engravings of the British Royal Air Force, including special number "14A/CA 38" and arrow mark engraved on the rear top of the plate383. Before that, the camera was offered but remained unsold at the 8th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 27, 2005416. The lot was described as "very rare IIIf with red dial and self-timer, engraved: 14A/CA38 and arrow, delivered on August 3rd,1954 to Leitz London, delivery number 26856"416.
  • Leica IIIf Red Dial number 694276 dated 1954 has a self-timer and "14A /CA 38" and upwards arrow mark engraved on the rear top of the plate423. This camera was illustrated on page 81 of Shinichi Nakamura's "Leica Collection" (1991) book602. It was delivered to London on August 3, 1954 with shipment number 26856423.
  • Leica IIIf Red Dial number 694277 dated 1954 was auctioned off at the 49th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 28, 2026605. It was delivered to London on August 3, 1954605 with shipment number 26856423. This camera had military engravings of the British Royal Air Force (RAF), special number '14A/CA 38' and arrow mark engraved on the rear of the top plate.
  • Leica IIIf number 694278, dated 1954, was associated to the British government534. This camera featured "14A / CA 38" engraving and arrow pointing upwards on the back of the top plate534. The photograph of this camera was featured on page 39 of Dennis Laney's "Leica Collector’s Guide (2nd Edition)" book534.
  • Leica IIIf Red Dial number 694280 dated 1954 was sold for 1320 Euros including buyer's premium at the 31st WestLicht Camera Auction on June 10, 2017392. The lot had the following description: "very rare IIIf with military engravings of UK Royal Air Force, special number '14A/CA 38' and arrow mark engraved on top plate, ..."392. 

The Italian Military used the Leica IIIf at some point in its history405. Among the cameras:

  • Leica IIIf "Italian Army" dated 1954 with serial number 724889 was sold for 7800 Euros including buyer's premium at the 19th WestLicht Camera Auction on May 28, 2011405. The lot was described as "one of the most rare military cameras purchased by the Italian Army, engraved E.I.* (Esercito Italiano) on rear of top plate .., this camera is illustrated in Lager Vol.I p.103"405.


The Canadian Royal Air Force used the Leica IIIf at some point in its history423. Among the cameras:

  • Leica IIIf "Canadian Royal Air Force" with serial number 567953 was illustrated on pages 180 and 181 of Shinichi Nakamura's "Everything About the Barnack-type Leica" (1992) book. The camera had "R.C.A.F." and "â™”" engraved on the back of the top plate. The "â™”" was also engraved on the front of the lens.
  • Leica IIIf "Canadian Royal Air Force" dated 1952 with serial number 595669 was sold for 12000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 6th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 12, 2024423. The lot was described as ".."R.C.A.F." and a "â™”" engraved on the back of the top plate... Provenance: Allen Collection."423.
  • Leica IIIf Black Dial number 659575 dated 1953 was associated with Royal Canadian Air Force, engraved “R.C.A.F.”, with the Canadian crown and “408 Squadron” markings605. It was auctioned off at the 49th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 28, 2026605.
  • Leica IIIf "Canadian Royal Air Force" dated 1954 with serial number 692493 was sold for 65000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 4th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 8, 2022425. The lot was described as ".."R.C.A.F." and a "â™”" engraved on the back of the topplate...Provenance: Allen Collection..."425. It was illustrated on page 104 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book540. The photograph was credited to "Allen photo"540.


In 1956, Ernst Leitz Wetzlar manufactured an exceptionally rare variant of the Leica IIIf in black finish5. The cameras were supplied to the Swedish army for its arctic operations360. Only 100 units of the Leica IIIf in this configuration were produced, making it a highly sought-after collector's item5. This model was an iteration of the Leica IIIf Red Dial but notably lacked a self-timer feature5. The serial numbers for these black finish Leica IIIf cameras ranged from 822901 to 8230005. Additionally, it was available with the all-black 5cm f/3.5 Elmar lens5. Here are some known cameras:

  • Black paint Leica IIIf number 822901 was sold for 88699 Euros at Limhamns Auktionsbyrå Auction on May 7, 2022.
  • Black paint Leica IIIf number 822902 was sold for 192000 Euros including buyer's premium at the  41st Leitz Photographica Auction on November 26, 2022382. Before that, it was sold for 687500 Hong Kong Dollars including buyer's premium at the Bohnams Auction on November 22, 2013.
  • Black paint Leica IIIf number 822904 was sold for 500000 Swedish Krona at LP Foto Auction on January 11, 2025. Later, the camera was offered but remained unsold at the 47th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 22, 2025533. The lot was described as "The offered camera is the fourth one ever produced! It is in 100% original, never restored condition. It has a beautiful patina around the edges and matching black Elmar 3.5/5cm no.1427070, including a matching black paint lens cap and original leather case stamped with three crowns on the back."533.
  • Black paint Leica IIIf number 822906 was sold for 24000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 16th WestLicht Camera Auction on December 5, 2009408.
  • Black paint Leica IIIf number 822909 was featured in the article titled
    "A mysterious black Leica IIIf outfit with a U.S. Navy connection? Yes, and it’s for sale!" by Jason Schneider on April 25, 2024.
  • Black paint Leica IIIf number 822910 was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014594. 
  • Black paint Leica IIIf number 822912 was sold for 596000 Hong Kong Dollars including buyer's premium at the Bohnams Auction on November 23, 2012.
  • Black paint Leica IIIf number 822914 was sold for 36000  Euros including buyer's premium at the 19th WestLicht Camera Auction on May 28, 2011405.
  • Black paint Leica IIIf number 822916 was sold for 13,800 Pound sterling at the Christie's Auction on November 21, 1996.
  • Black paint Leica IIIf number 822917 is kept in the Armémuseum in Stockholm, Sweden, where it was purchased on June 15, 1979. The location of the previous owner of the camera is listed as "Kristinehamn, Värmland County, Sweden "in the museum records.
  • Black paint Leica IIIf number 822918 was offered on November 21, 2025 at the OstLicht Auctions. It was auctioned off at the 49th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 28, 2026605.
  • Black paint Leica IIIf number 822919 was sold for 42226 Euros at Limhamns Auktionsbyrå Auction on May 7, 2022.
  • Black paint Leica IIIf number 822922 was sold for 4950 Pound sterling at the Christie's Auction on July 8, 1993.
  • Black paint Leica IIIf number 822926 was sold for 104125 Swedish Krona at Bukowski's Auction on June 17, 2011.
  • Black paint Leica IIIf number 822928 was sold for 96000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 48th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 13, 2026585.
  • Black paint Leica IIIf number 822929 was sold for 90000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 45th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 23, 2024378. Before that, it was offered on April 5, 2014, December 6, 2014, June 18, 2016 at the LP Foto Auktioner.
  • Black paint Leica IIIf number 822930 dated 1956 was sold for 78000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 40th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 11, 2022383. Before that, the camera was offered but remained unsold at the  37th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 21, 2020386.
  • Black paint Leica IIIf number 822933 was sold for 1,003,000 Hong Kong dollars at the 1st Photographica auction of L & H Auction in June of 2013.
  • Black paint Leica IIIf number 822934 dated 1956 was sold for 36000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 29th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 6, 2016394. Before that, the photograph of the camera was featured in an advertisement for OS Camera Service in the Camera Review No. 37 (Leica-Book '96), published by Asahi Sonorama (Tokyo) in 1996569. In the photograph, the outfit featured a black paint Leica-Motor number 5571569.
  • Black paint Leica IIIf number 822939 was sold for 114000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 46th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 27, 2025377. This camera was delivered to Brandt, Sweden on February 12, 1957377. 
  • Black paint Leica IIIf number 822943 was offered but remained unsold at the 23rd WestLicht Camera Auction on May 25, 2013401.
  • Black paint Leica IIIf number 822947 was auctioned off on June 3, 2003 at the Christie's.
  • Black paint Leica IIIf number 822955 was sold for 48000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 33rd WestLicht Camera Auction on November 24, 2018390. 
  • Black paint Leica IIIf number 822956 was offered but unsold at the 42nd Leitz Photographica Auction on June 9 and 10, 2023381. Before that, it was sold for 42041 Euros at Limhamns Auktionsbyrå Auction on May 7, 2022.
  • Black paint Leica IIIf number 822957 illustrated on page X of Shinichi Nakamura's "Everything About the Barnack-type Leica" (1992) book. Later, it was sold for 52800 Euros including buyer's premium at the 26th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 22, 2014397. 
  • Black paint Leica IIIf number 822959 was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014594. 
  • Black paint Leica IIIf number 822962 was offered but remained unsold at the 34th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 8, 2019389. Before that, it was offered on December 7, 2013 at the LP Foto Auktioner.
  • Black paint Leica IIIf number 822966 was illustrated on page 77 of the "10 Jahre Leica HISTORICA: Beiträge zur Geschichte der LEICA" book in 1985595. It was offered on December 7, 2013 at the LP Foto Auktioner.
  • Black paint Leica IIIf number 822971 dated 1956 was illustrated on page 98 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book540.
  • Black paint Leica IIIf number 822975 was illustrated on the cover and pages 1, 2, 3 of Classic Camera magazine Issue 29 from February 2004.
  • Black paint Leica IIIf number 822978 was sold for 36000 Euros at the Spring 2024 OstLicht Camera Auction. Before that, this camera was auctioned at the Bohnams' "The Fine Leica Centenary Sale" on November 29, 2014 at Bonhams Hong Kong Gallery in Hong Kong531. 
  • Black paint Leica IIIf number 822983 was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book in 2018596. It was part of Leica Archives in February of 2026.
  • Black paint Leica IIIf number 822984 was sold for 60000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 32nd WestLicht Camera Auction on March 10, 2018391. It came from Jim Jannard collection391.  It was illustrated on the page 60 of Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck's "The Leica: A History Illustrating every Model and Accessory" book360 .                              
  • Black paint Leica IIIf number 822990 was sold for 1,180,000 Hong Kong dollars including buyer's premium at the 2nd Photographica auction of L & H Auction in November of 2013.
  • Black paint Leica IIIf number 822991 was part of Kenjiro Nakamura's collection in 1995 and was exhibited at the "History and Development of Imaging" exhibition at the Memorial Museum of the Machine Industry in the same year569. The photograph of the camera was featured on the pages of Camera Review No. 37 (Leica-Book '96), published by Asahi Sonorama (Tokyo) in 1996569.
  • Black paint Leica IIIf number 822993 was sold for 95000 Euros at the Spring 2023 OstLicht Camera Auction.
  • Black paint Leica IIIf number 822994 was sold for 55000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 5th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 7, 2023424. The lot was described as "..delivered on February 12th 1957 with shipment number 56297 to Brandt Stockholm, Leitz agent in Sweden at the time."424. Before that, it was sold for 29777 Euros at Limhamns Auktionsbyrå Auction on May 7, 2022.
  • Black paint Leica IIIf number 822995 was sold for 120000 Swedish Krona at Upsalla Kammare Auktions on June, 2025.
  • Black paint Leica IIIf number 822998 was illustrated on page 83 of Shinichi Nakamura's "Leica Collection" (1991) book602. It was sold for 2700000 Hungarian Forint at Soos Foto Auctions on October 14, 2019.
  • Black paint Leica IIIf number 823000 was sold for 130000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 4th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 8, 2022425. The lot was described as "The camera offered here is the very last piece from this series ...delivered on February 12th 1957 with shipment number 56297 to Brandt Stockholm, Leitz agent in Sweden at the time. Provenance: Allen Collection."425.


Closing Remarks

Before the Leica IIIf cameras were discontinued in 1957, a total of 184301 were manufactured364. 

In 1950, there were 15000 Leica IIIf cameras delivered, with serial numbers ranging from 525001 through 540000364. In 1951, there were 55000 Leica IIIf cameras delivered, with serial numbers ranging from 540001 through 610000364. In 1952, there were 36000 Leica IIIf cameras delivered, with serial numbers ranging from 610001 through 650000364. In 1953, there were 19001 Leica IIIf cameras delivered, with serial numbers ranging from 655001 through 685000364. In 1954, there were 33000 Leica IIIf cameras delivered, with serial numbers ranging from 685001 through 730000364. In 1955, there were 10000 Leica IIIf cameras delivered, with serial numbers ranging from 765001 through 775000364. In 1956, there were 15167 Leica IIIf cameras delivered, with serial numbers ranging from 790001 through 837720364. 1957 marked the final year for deliveries, with 1133 Leica IIIf cameras delivered, with serial numbers ranging from 823868 through 825000364.