Description
The Leica III was introduced in May 1933 and produced until 1939. It was the first model with slow shutter speeds and dioptric correction for the viewfinder. Furthermore, the camera body had two strap lugs for fastening a carrying strap. In the course of the production time, 27.366 pieces were made in black lacquer and 49.091 pieces in silver chrome.
Originally available in black lacquered version with nickel-plated elements, the surface of the elements changed from October 1936 to silver chrome. Such cameras are much more rare than the nickel plated first version.
The offered Leica III comes from the year 1938 and is equipped with a silver chromed Summar 2,0/5cm lens from the year 1937.
The technical condition is good. The viewfinder is clear and rich in contrast, the rangefinder has only weak contrast. The slow shutter speeds run irregularly from time to time.
The Summar 5cm lens shows age-related haze and fungus infestation. This means that the photos have a much softer contrast and color reproduction.
Total production: 27.366 units in back paint
Rarity: R7
Rarity foreast: R7
