LEICA IIIF

The IIIf (code-named LOOHW³⁶⁰) was produced from approximately 1950 to 1957³¹⁰, which replaced the IIIc¹⁸⁸.

Finishes

The Leica IIIf was available in several versions:

the "black dial" version that features 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" version. 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.
a "red dial" version that includes 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. incured 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" inscription³⁶⁰. These are believed to belong to the 1953 batch (with serial numbers between 684001 and 685000)³⁶⁰.
An extremely rare IIIf in black finish⁵

Technical Specifications

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 rewinding. This feature was first implemented on the IIIf model, identified by serial number 590681²⁴.

One of its most critical innovations was the built-in flash synchronization capability. During the early 1950s, mainstream flash photography primarily relied on flash bulbs, as strobes were just beginning to emerge and were often prohibitively expensive. The IIIf's flash sync mechanism is controlled via an adjustable dial situated beneath the shutter speed dial, marked with enigmatic numbers from "0" to "20." The dial's calibration corresponds to different flash bulb burn times, ensuring that the focal plane shutter opens fully at the optimal moment of the bulb's peak illumination. This required intricate timing adjustments, leading to extensive documentation for various bulb types. In contrast, electronic flash—characterized by an instantaneous output—synchronizes 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.

Earlier models of the Leica IIIF, which feature 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 second. Front dial (slow speeds) included 1/30, 1/20, 1/15, 1/10, 1/4, 1/2, and 1 second. 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 second. Front dial (slow speeds) included 1/25, 1/15, 1/10, 1/5, 1/2, and 1 second³⁵⁸.

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

The IIIf included additional features and dimensions compared to the IIIc model. It came with built-in synchronization, featuring an automatic synchro-selector dial that accommodated various flash lamps and high-speed strobe flashes. This ensured positive synchronization at all shutter speeds up to 1/1000 of a second³⁵⁸.

Another key feature of the IIIf was the convenient film-speed indicator located on the winding knob, which could be set after loading film into the camera. 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 film. Both ASA and Weston ratings were displayed simultaneously for either type of film³⁵⁸.

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.

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

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

Some assembly was performed by Ernst Leitz Canada using parts made in Wetzlar³¹. 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 engraving. These cameras were delivered to Walter A. Carveth Limited and American Post Exchange stores¹⁴⁰. A total of 1,000 IIIf Red Dial cameras were assembled using parts shipped from Wetzlar. Additionally, the assembly of 50mm f/1.5 Summarit lenses with Wetzlar parts also commenced. The first cameras and lenses to leave the factory were marked "Wetzlar" and were sold immediately to Walter Carveth Ltd to provide operating capital. However, 120 cameras with serial numbers ranging from 610501 to 610620 from this batch were stolen before they could be sold¹⁶⁸.
Assembled or manufactured between 1953 and 1954, the Leica IIIf, with serial numbers ranging from 684001 to 685000, featured Midland engraving. Not all serial numbers were utilized (e.g., 684106)¹⁴⁰. These cameras were specifically IIIf Red Dial models. A total of 144 units were delivered with the engraving "Ernst Leitz Canada Limited, Midland, Ontario" on their top plates. However, Canadian dealers faced poor sales and expressed their dissatisfaction to the management at Ernst Leitz Canada. The market showed a clear preference for German-made cameras. 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 logo. This may help explain the rarity of the cameras engraved with "Ernst Leitz Canada." One source has indicated that, according to Ernst Leitz Canada, only 219 IIIf Red Dial cameras were sold with the Midland engraving and not exchanged for top plates with the Wetzlar logo. The IIIf Red Dial model with a self-timer featuring the Midland engraving first appeared around serial number 684601¹⁶⁸.
Assembled or manufactured between 1954 and 1955, these Leica IIIf featured self-timers and had serial numbers ranging from 710001 to 711000. Mexico became a customer on June 30, 1954. Hong Kong received a single shipment on September 8, 1954. Panama started receiving shipments on February 2, 1955¹⁴⁰. The Midland engraving is almost never seen in this and subsequent batches of IIIf Red Dial cameras with self-timer¹⁶⁸.
Assembled or manufactured in 1956, these Leica IIIf featured self-timers and had serial numbers ranging from 773001 to 774000. These cameras had Midland engraving¹⁴⁰. However, one author claims the Midland engraving is almost never seen in this batch of IIIf Red Dial cameras¹⁶⁸.
Assembled or manufactured in 1956, these Leica IIIf featured self-timers and had serial numbers ranging from 823501 to 823867. These cameras had Midland engraving¹⁴⁰. However, one author claims the Midland engraving is almost never seen in this batch of IIIF Red Dial cameras¹⁶⁸.
Assembled or manufactured in 1956, these Leica IIIf featured self-timers and had serial numbers ranging from 829751 to 829850. These cameras had Midland engraving¹⁴⁰. However, one author claims the Midland engraving is almost never seen in this batch of IIIf Red Dial cameras¹⁶⁸.
Assembled or manufactured in 1956, these Leica IIIf featured self-timers and had serial numbers ranging from 837621 to 838720. These cameras had Midland engraving¹⁴⁰. However, one author claims the Midland engraving is almost never seen in this batch of IIIf Red Dial cameras¹⁶⁸.

Collector's Corner

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 item. This model is an iteration of the IIIf Red Dial but notably lacks a self-timer feature. The serial numbers for these black finish Leica IIIf cameras ranged from 822901 to 823000, reflecting their limited production run. Additionally, it was available with the all-black 5cm f/3.5 Elmar lens, complementing the camera's unique aesthetic⁵.

Closing Remarks

Before the f-series cameras were discontinued on March 1, 1957, a total of 237000 were manufactured³⁵⁷. 184000 of those were Leica IIIf cameras³⁶⁰.

Gifts and Special Editions

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

In 1952, Dr. William Beebe received a Leica IIIf with serial number 600000 from Guenther Leitz during a dinner event at the Waldorf Astoria. Beebe, an oceanographer, was a pioneer in deep-sea research during the 1930s²²⁹.

Leica IIIf with serial number 650000 was presented to Prof. Norman Dyrenfurth in 1953²⁵⁸.

Leica IIIf with serial number 675000 was presented to Prof. Dr. Fritz Zernike in 1953²⁵⁸.

Military

The United States Army used the Leica IIIf at some point in its history⁵³.