Is it a Leica IIIa or b?

[Matt Black]

I have just acquired the use of a Leica camera from an elderly friend of mine. It certainly hasn't seen service for a good many years and although the lens and viewfinder seem a bit cloudy, it sounds wonderful and generally seems to be in pretty good order. It has been well protected in a neat brown leather case and carry strap.

Before I start playing with it I'd really like to identify the model correctly and was hoping that one of you fine people might be able to assist me.

Looking at Google images I deduced it to be a III, but not sure if it is a IIIa or IIIb. The serial number is 249926. A guide that I looked at indicated that serial numbers running from 240,001 were IIIb models, but, this camera does not have the rangefinder and viewfinder close together which I understand to be a feature of the IIIb.

Any help with identifying would be appreciated and also any advice with regard to DIY cleaning.

Thanks, Chris

[jc_braconi]

The serial number is 249926 ibelongs to a Leica IIIa from 1937 (the fastest shutter speed to be 1/1000 of a second)

[earleygallery]

Hi,

Which lens do you have?

I would suggest trying to clean the viewfinder/rangefinder windows with a cotton bud dipped in a little lens cleaning fluid, or using one of the wet type of lens tissues. Do the same with the front and rear elements of the lens.

If the problem is internal then its probably haze/fogging and will require a professional CLA (clean lube adjust).

[bill]

Welcome Matt. Another has seen the light!

If a CLA is needed, I recommend SRB Luton: <center>( Leica ) CAMERA REPAIRS & RESTORATION - LUTON , ENGLAND <p> <center> Wish you all a Healthy & Prosperous New Year 2008 There is also Malcolm Taylor. Both are excellent, but both tend to have long waiting lists. My IID was in a similar state when I first got it. After a trip to Luton it is like a new camera.

Regards,

Bill

[Matt Black]

Thank you for your responses.

Originally Posted by jc_braconi

The serial number is 249926 ibelongs to a Leica IIIa from 1937 (the fastest shutter speed to be 1/1000 of a second)

Yes, is does have the 1/1000 shutter speed. Thanks for the id.

Originally Posted by earleygallery

Hi,

Which lens do you have?

The lens read as follows: Summar f=5cm 1:2 no.367455

Originally Posted by bill

Welcome Matt. Another has seen the light!

Yes Bill, and I think you know who turned the light on

I shall get cleaning with my cotton buds and lens cleaner and then invite you over for lunch again.

Chris

[bill]

Aha! Thought so!

Glad to have helped on the slippery slope. You'll be participating in the Barnack Challenge next...!

Your Summar dates from 1937, so may well be original to the camera. It performs best between f5.6 and f8.

Regards,

Bill

[earleygallery]

Actually the Summar copes very well at f2 also and has a lovely bokeh.

As it is a Summar the 'cloudyness' may also be fine scratches to the elements. What does it look like if you shine a torch through it?

The Summar is often referred to as a soft lens. In fact, the glass it was made from is a soft variety and easily scratched. This in turn will lead to 'soft' images. If you have a clean example it is a very nice lens indeed - damaged lenses are still interesting as a kind of special effect lens.