Leica IIIa 1937

[mcaul]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

HI, Can anyone help me identify the two fittings on this Leica IIIa from 1937.  The top accessory has a red dot in the middle, the lower one  has a insulated wire connected inside the body which goes to the base of the camera and is connected to contacts. I presume it is for bulb flash. I cannot see another example of this anywhere on the internet.

 

There is a post on this forum http://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/149593-bulb-flash-on-leica-iii/

 

Excerpt: The first synched model was the IIIf, introduced in 1950. There is no practical way to synch any earlier model (apart from rare Leitz conversions of some earlier models to IIIf standard) except to have a technician install a synch outlet. Even so, it will not be totally practical, because such a modification will close the synch circuit not only when the shutter is running, but also when it is tensioned again.

 

Is this camera more collectable because of this accessory?

 

Also what is the shutter release surround called, its of a different type to most IIIa's

 

If any one has any information it would be appreciated.

 

I have attached one image.

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

[willeica]

This looks like a nice example of a IIIa. I have not seen a flash contact like this before. Looking at the construction here, there may also be a bracket of some kind involved. You are correct in saying that the 'f' models were the first with built in flash sync. Any syncs you might see on earlier cameras are, generally,' after-market' and not done by Leica.

 

I have a IIIa which has a multi-sided speed dial like the one discussed here, http://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/172325-strange-shutter-speed-dial-on-leica-iii/ . It is for operating a VACU flash sync like this one , https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/10169639_leica-iiia-camera-body-with-vacu-synchronizer . I have not used it yet as I need to get the flash and bracket as well. The VACU set up is post-war and probably comes from around the time that the 'f' model was introduced. 

 

Generally, such modifications are not considered particularly desirable by collectors, but they can be interesting.

 

As for the shutter button collar, I have one of these on a chrome Leica Standard from about 1937. I am not sure that they were made by Leica, though. I have also seen these on Russian copies, but the camera shown above seems to be genuine and to be in nice cosmetic condition.

 

William

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[mcaul]

Hello William, thanks for taking the time to reply to my post. Yes I think your are correct that this is an aftermarket modification. The black overpaint on the base rim I think proves this.  The wire goes from the bottom external fitting along the inside base to a "switch contact" which is moved by a cam when you wind the film.  The top red dot fitting will unscrew. I would have thought the red dot fitting would have been better for the bottom, as the red dot would indicate the fitting that was for the current that would flash the bulb, perhaps they fitted it the wrong way round. I thought as you did some type of bracket would fit onto these.  I have several Leicas and this I'm sure is not a copy the feel and quality is Leica, although I have never handled a Russian copy. I purchased this from the USA on ebay 2 years ago.  I have posted a picture of the inside base here

 

https://i.imgsafe.org/4bc59fc.jpg

 

Thank you again for your time.... Nick