Black III with chrome knobs ..... ?

[Sobieski]

I have been trying to find a bit more about a black III with chrome knobs - whether it's original or a later factory upgrade - but my searches ("Leica+black+III+chrome", etc) give far too many dead-end results. Where should I be looking, either on the net or in 'real' paper books?

The camera is a black paint III S/N 2750xx - reported as being released a batch of 400 in 1938. Beyond that the (web) trail dies.

The camera is really quite unmarked - with only the slightest hint of brassing near the winder, perfect vulcanite, and the chrome-work is excellent too: it's been well looked after and is in daily use, by me.

It'd be nice to know if it's original, or has been upgraded: I'm not too concerned about monetary value, but if it's not original I'll start looking for an "authentic" black + nickel model.

Where do I search next, any thoughts please?

Alan

NB - 1/500 shutter if that's significant

[ddp]

According to Leica - An Illustrated History, Volume 1 - Cameras (James Lager) , the III was indeed produced in black with chrome from the factory in the later years (1938-1939) Earlier black versions would have had nickel. Not sure if this is helpful info to you.

[telewatt]

The change to chrome was very early..about 1934, so the camera should be right.

[Dr. No]

Originally Posted by Sobieski

The camera is a black paint III S/N 2750xx - reported as being released a batch of 400 in 1938.
NB - 1/500 shutter if that's significant

so far it seems right. yours is in the 1st batch 1938 with another 99 Kameras (#275001-275100). after my recordings there were 700 black cameras produced in 5 batches in 1938.
the 1/500 indicates more or less that it is not a IIIa.

if you could post a pictrue one would see if there are some indications for a rebuildiung.

yours NO

[Sobieski]

Thank you everyone,

I've spoken with Malcolm Taylor about this (in passing), and on first impression he seems to think that for the serial number the chrome fittings are original. This is a pleasantly surprising, if only because everything is quite unmarked, so it looks like a much newer camera than 1938.

The three very tiny differences (externally) on the III, compared to my IIIa, are:

1/500 sec
'domed 'shutter button with lower ('diamond' knurled) collar
finer knurling on the winder and re-wind knob (very minor detail)

Yes, I'll take some pictures in the next day or so. It's always nice to see clean examples of early Leicas.

The especially nice thing about the III is that it was rather cheap - 110GBP (with warranty) about 6 months ago. So the important part is that I have enough money in the bank to buy an earlier black and nickel one at some time ... and some books.

Regards

Alan

[DavidStone]

My 1938 black III No. 278*** also has chrome fittings. I'd always assumed that these were a later change, but now it looks like they might be original after all. I've had the camera since 1959 and still ocasionally use it - it's loaded with XP2 right now. The nicest camera I've ever used. No bigger than it needs to be, elegant, functional, timeless. Now what could I give it as a 70th birthday present?

David

[bill]

Originally Posted by DavidStone

Now what could I give it as a 70th birthday present?

David

May I suggest a Gordy strap, or a Luigi half-case..?

Gordy1.jpg

[Sobieski]

I have no new 'hard' information yet. However, talking to some Leica dealers it seems as though black Leica IIIs with chrome fittings are a little less common than black and nickel in some years. I suspect that later ones are more likely to be black+chrome, and my III is most probably all original.

David, could the nice present for the 'old lady' be a CLA, or a Billingham Hadley bag ...? My 'girls' and I are now going out for the day ... sunshine at last!

Alan

Here are some (Flickr) photos of the III:

[telewatt]

Fine Camera !... ...the viewfinder is not so....

regards,

Jan

[Sobieski]

Umm! Jan,

The Voigtlander finders are a mixed bunch. The metal ones are generally fine, but the plastic ones are quite ugly (so too are some newer Leica finders). I don't think Leitz made a black metal finder though - or, sadly, any black LTM lenses.

Cheers

Alan

[telewatt]

Originally Posted by Sobieski

Umm! Jan,

The Voigtlander finders are a mixed bunch. The metal ones are generally fine, but the plastic ones are quite ugly (so too are some newer Leica finders). I don't think Leitz made a black metal finder though - or, sadly, any black LTM lenses.

Cheers

Alan

Alan, the camera has a lot of chrome, so go for a old chrome one... ..looks realy nice!

regards,

Jan

[Sobieski]

Well Jan, I have a couple of chrome Leitz 5cm finders - a slightly 'beat-up' one on a B/C grade IIIa and a nice one on an A-grade IIIf.

The black III is the 'stealth' camera for candid/street work - often fitted with an Elmar or 3.5cm Summaron and a black lens hood, making it quite unobtrusive.

BTW, I saw your post about the Summarit - have you used it on a Barnack and if so, does it sit on the camera nicely? I have seen a very nice one for 500Euros but it may be a better deal for me to get a 'lux for my M4/M6.

Regards, Alan