Leica III

[ckeiser10]

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I recently inherited a Leica camera. The camera has a top speed of 1/500 and a slow speed dial on the front. It has the original 50mm f3.5 Elmar lens. I assume this is the original Leica III or Leica F. The camera has some brass showing on the controls and the bottom plate. The lens works and the glass seems clear. The lower shutter speeds are slow and the T setting doesn't work well but the rangefinder seems to work OK. The leather case is in bad shape and is falling apart. The camera body is all black with a serial number of 132###. I am trying to get a value of the camera but have not found anything on the web. KEH lists some older Leica's but they seem to have a chrome finish. Does this make a difference in the value or did this camera only come with an all black body? Any input would be appreciated.

 

Thanks

 

Chuck

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[luigi bertolotti]

Yes, is a Leica III aka F model, built in 1934. The black version is less frequent than the chrome, but anyway rather common : the III was a very successful camera - more than 75.000 produced - of which about 27.000 in black finish. So, being not a rare camera, prices are a lot dependent on mech and cosmetic conditions: a nice item can be valued around 700 Euros, but a bad one can be valued less than 250 : for example Leicashop of Wien Willkommen im LeicaShop - Startseite de has for sale a black item very good (B+), # 126.xxx, with Elmar 50, for 750 Euros. The lens, which is even more common, is not a significant value adder: so... up to you... if you want to sell, don't expect big business, if you prefer keep it as is, is anyway a fine item to have, if you like to use it, probably with 150/200 Euros you can have a good restoration that, depending on lens conditions can make this a pleasant camera to use.

[bill]

Welcome Chuck!

 

The serial number makes yours a Leica III from 1934. According to the book, 8233 black ones were made that year, and 12616 chrome ones. The III was made from 1933 to 1939 and 27366 black ones were produced, so I fear it is not that rare.

 

I'd keep it and have it serviced - it's a fine user camera when in full working order.

 

EDIT: Oops! Sorry Luigi! You posted as I was typing!

 

Regards,

 

Bill

[ckeiser10]

Thank you both for the information. I am a new Leica owner and had no idea about the camera. Your input is appreciated. I think I will get it cleaned and see what kind of pictures I can get from it. I am interested to see what the early lens can do..

 

Chuck

[bill]

You are most welcome, Chuck. The Elmar is a nice lens with a pleasing signature.

 

As far as I'm concerned a lot of the pleasure comes from getting decent results from such basic (by modern standards) but well-engineered (by any standards) equipment.

 

If you can deliver good results with a Barnack, you have every right to be pleased with yourself because you will have decided every element - subject, composition, aperture, shutter speed, focus and timing - without the aid of a chip.

 

If you want to see what a Barnack can do in the hands of some talented photographers you need look no further than the current Barnack Challenge entries here:

Water - Leica User Forum

 

Regards,

 

Bill

[earleygallery]

Welcome!

 

There seems to be an ever increasing number of LTM (Leica Thread Mount) users here!

 

Definately have your camera serviced, then load it with some B&W film and try it out. They take a little getting used to but then you will probably love using it. Problem areas on older models are usually dim rangefinders or damaged shutter blinds. A basic CLA will address the slow shutter speeds.

 

The Elmar is an excellent lens - it's what built Leica's reputation after all. As long as its a clean unmarked example then you will defintately be impressed with the results.