My Leica IIIC, marked “F-05100,” was used by the Croatian Air Force. Is it authentic? Where can I find more information?

[JustinYu]

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I have a Leica IIIC with red curtain. Featuring the special engraving “F-05100” on its top plate.

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Based on my knowledge, this is a Leica camera belonging to air force, and the seller informed me it belong to the “Croatian Air Force.” Considering that Croatia  has strong connection to German Nazi during WWII, this seems entirely plausible.

I don't believe it's fake, because fraudsters would easily choose to fake the popular Luftwaffe IIIC rather than an extremely rare type.

I verified its serial number, which was indeed produced during wartime, and the red curtain is further evidence of its wartime production. However, I've found no information available. I haven't encountered any other Leica IIIC with the engraving “F-05100” . Therefore, I am asking assistance here. Could you help me determine the historical background and value of this camera? Alternatively, could you provide me with channels to obtain its official documentation? Should I contact Leica directly?

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[nitroplait]

If you send the serial number to info@leica-camera.com they can normally tell you to where the camera was originally delivered.

[Jul]

According to:
https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/a-leica-iiic-croatian-military-rangefinder-camera-9a-c-fd048cfabc?srsltid=AfmBOoqEJAMqlcz_r3YDKkMS4PGWKwjey3NHAYLmpyhvPLx7M0VEVtAI

The shutter is working but slow speeds are sticking.

"Notes: This camera was delivered to Zagreb, Coratia in to1940 and has a military engraving of 'F-05100' to the top plate, possiably for the Air Force"

All typos are from the quoted text. Flint auctions April 16, 2025 

Edited 13 hours ago by Jul
Remove useless space

[JustinYu]

3 hours ago, nitroplait said:

If you send the serial number to info@leica-camera.com they can normally tell you to where the camera was originally delivered.

Thanks a lot, nitroplait. I just sent my request to them and waiting for the reply.

[JustinYu]

3 hours ago, Jul said:

According to:
https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/a-leica-iiic-croatian-military-rangefinder-camera-9a-c-fd048cfabc?srsltid=AfmBOoqEJAMqlcz_r3YDKkMS4PGWKwjey3NHAYLmpyhvPLx7M0VEVtAI

The shutter is working but slow speeds are sticking.

"Notes: This camera was delivered to Zagreb, Coratia in to1940 and has a military engraving of 'F-05100' to the top plate, possiably for the Air Force"

All typos are from the quoted text. Flint auctions April 16, 2025 

Ha ha, yes, I am the buyer. It's true that flintsauction said the camera was delivered to Croatia at the 1940, it is the right time according to WWII. but I still haven't received official documents. I'm currently trying to contact Leica and see if I can get something.

[Dr Monochrom]

Hi @JustinYu,

I am curious about their answer.

James L. Lager’s inspection of delivery ledgers indicated that the Leica IIIc and Leica IIId in the serial number range from 360001 through 390000 were shipped to at least thirty countries outside of Germany between 1940 and 1944. The closest country to (the Independent State of) Croatia where Leica IIIc and IIId cameras were shipped in those days would be Yugoslavia. 

To be honest with you, I have never seen a camera with such engraving. Nor have I ever come across a Leica camera associated with Croatian military.

 

References:

(2004). WHERE DID THEY GO? Leica lllc-llld Deliveries 1940-1944. Viewfinder, 37(1), 26-28.

I have many IIIc and IIIcK cameras listed here: https://www.summichronica.com/leica-iiic

 

[JustinYu]

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39 minutes ago, Dr Monochrom said:

Hi @JustinYu,

I am curious about their answer.

James L. Lager’s inspection of delivery ledgers indicated that the Leica IIIc and Leica IIId in the serial number range from 360001 through 390000 were shipped to at least thirty countries outside of Germany between 1940 and 1944. The closest country to (the Independent State of) Croatia where Leica IIIc and IIId cameras were shipped in those days would be Yugoslavia. 

To be honest with you, I have never seen a camera with such engraving. Nor have I ever come across a Leica camera associated with Croatian military.

 

References:

(2004). WHERE DID THEY GO? Leica lllc-llld Deliveries 1940-1944. Viewfinder, 37(1), 26-28.

I have many IIIc and IIIcK cameras listed here: https://www.summichronica.com/leica-iiic

 

Dear Dr. Monochrom, thank you for help. It really does take a professional to handle professional matters. I'll thoroughly review this link.

Yes, this is the first time I've seen this engraving too. After online research, I haven't found a second one like this—which makes it all the more intriguing! The seller claims this camera was delivered to Zagreb, Croatia in 1941. Zagreb was indeed the capital of the Independent State of Croatia (NDH). The Independent State of Croatia (NDH) was a puppet regime of the fascist powers. Viewed this way, it makes sense both politically and in terms of historical context.

Still, we must wait Leica's official response. If this camera truly delivered in Zagreb at the correct time, it could unveil some unknown chapters of Leica's history!

 

 

[NigelG]

Quoting from Wiki (my highlight) re the early operations of the ZNDH in 1941…might be of interest?

“However it was soon established that the vintage biplane Breguet 19 and Potez 25 aircraft were ideally suited for missions against Partisan troop concentrations. Although they were outdated and certainly their use would be out of the question on any other front, their performance and armament made them very dangerous for an ill-armed enemy. The Partisans were scattered in villages, forests and mountains and their positions could only be detected by a slow moving aircraft. Visual reconnaissance missions using hand-held cameras were also flown. Aerial reconnaissance supplied the army with vital data about Partisan movements and positions and about the situation in Partisan territory in general.”

Edited 1 hour ago by NigelG