Leica IIIC

Photos by Frédéric Caron text by FC. From the collection of Frédéric Caron. Last update 2013-04-01 par Francois Landais.

Manufactured or assembled in Germany from 1949 to (After) 1949.
Index of rarity in France: Rare (among non-specialized garage sales)
Inventory number: 13216

See the complete technical specifications

Chronology of cameras Leica

Traduction de Christian Surle.

« This camera doesn’t exist ! »

These are faintly provoking words from an Internet English-speaking site about a very resembling camera.
According to its serial number, the present camera is a 1949 model IIIC Leica. The lens is a contemporary 1 : 2 standard “Summitar”.
Its particularity is to have been modernized by Leica workshops (probably in the early sixties), in order to standardize it with a second period IIIf Leica which is among the few model III Leica’s featuring a mechanical self-timer (obvious on the front body), whose particularity is shared with the ultimate screw mount Leica ever made (model IIIg).

In accordance with a reasonable price, Leitz was proposing his customers to modernize their camera in its workshops. The particularity was that the original serial number of the body was preserved, even if the upper cover had to be changed (like on this model); the same number was then engraved on a new cover. The atypical details of these cameras (serial numbers not matching their original characteristics) are now very appreciated by collectors who have the impression to own something unusual.

Notice that this model is covered with “sharkskin” finishing, which makes it more attractive because of its rarity; besides, it is working perfectly and in perfect condition.

Interesting links or bibliography :

Add a link or element of bibliography, a picture taken with this camera, a picture of box or an ads about this camera

Your photos taken with the same camera: