Leica IIIc in grau - aber was ist das für ein Rädchen?

[thrid]

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I have taken a closer look - but I can´t find anything - even on the lenses - only a little handmade engraving that may be "WB" - probably - because these were the first letters of his name. But nothing else - and I´m kind of astounded when I see that objects with nazi symbols or writings score unbelievable prices. I wouldn´t feel good owning and caressing such a thing...

 

The bodies with all of the silly engravings are Russian made junk.

 

The engraving could say "W.H.", which I think stands for 'Wehrmacht Heer', but of course I haven't seen it, so it could really be his initials.

 

But I understand how you feel. All I can say is I'm glad your Opa and mine made it home in one piece. That camera has been around a long time and it's what you make of it. I hope you enjoy using it and take many beautiful pictures with it. That's the best life you can give it, because that's what Mr. Barnack invented it to do.

 

Could he tell something only with the number?

 

I would send him the serial numbers for the camera and lens. Also some photos.

 

My guess is that it is an early production model. Leica switched to ball bearings for the shutter, for use in extreme cold. These cameras are engraved with a 'K' for 'Kaltfest' and also have the letter 'K' stamped on the shutter curtain. Late war models have red shutter curtains. These were made from surplus parachute material.

 

It's an interesting camera, because it was converted after the war.

 

Mr. Larger is probably going to need to know what color the shutter curtain is. Is the curtain red?

Is the shutter curtain black with a 'K' stamped on it?

 

Also note that Leica made some grey bodies for the Allies after the end of the war.

 

 

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[hitfidelity]

The engraving could say "W.H.", which I think stands for 'Wehrmacht Heer', but of course I haven't seen it, so it could really be his initials.

I´m now quite sure that the markings are his initials, also they are really hard to read. I first thought they were "EM" which could indicate an early football-fan or whatever, but even if the B is not closed and looks more like a 3 I think it is most likely a B. But I don´t think it does matter for anyone but me, knowing who he was - cause he wasn´t very famous. It´s hard to fotograph, but I´ll try...

My guess is that it is an early production model. Leica switched to ball bearings for the shutter, for use in extreme cold. These cameras are engraved with a 'K' for 'Kaltfest' and also have the letter 'K' stamped on the shutter curtain. Late war models have red shutter curtains. These were made from surplus parachute material.

 

It's an interesting camera, because it was converted after the war.

 

Mr. Larger is probably going to need to know what color the shutter curtain is. Is the curtain red?

Is the shutter curtain black with a 'K' stamped on it?

I think it´s black and red - see for yourself...but there´s no K on it

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[hitfidelity]

 

 

 

I would send him the serial numbers for the camera and lens. Also some photos.

 

 

 

Mr. Larger is probably going to need to know what color the shutter curtain is. Is the curtain red?

 

Thank you for your advice, I wrote a small email and am looking forward to his answer. I hope I may post some of his information if he should have some news.

[Dr. No]

it doesn't have to have a "K"! not all grey Leicas are supposed to be Kältefest.

This one was auctioned at Westlichts:

http://www.westlicht-auction.com/files/7130efe79aeab0febf6c7fb915eb2d179a59.jpg

 

OLAF

[hitfidelity]

Gerade habe ich meine Eltern gefragt, ob sie eine Idee haben, was EM / WB ... bedeuten könnte - da der Vater meines Großvaters Emil hieß, sind das wohl dessen "Initialien" - die Kamera ist also von meinem Urgroßvater,- den ich leider nie kennengelernt habe. (Oh - die Sprache! Sorry) So I´m the second heir and the camera is "third hand".

[thrid]

it doesn't have to have a "K"! not all grey Leicas are supposed to be Kältefest.

This one was auctioned at Westlichts:

http://www.westlicht-auction.com/files/7130efe79aeab0febf6c7fb915eb2d179a59.jpg

 

OLAF

 

True. Not all gray bodies have a K.

[hitfidelity]

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I have recieved an email-answer from Mr. James Lager. As I told him I was really amazed about all those information he supplied to me in no time. Really unbelievable, and very interesting. I started further research by asking my parents and history became really vivid again. I asked him if I could quote his explanations, and fortunately he agreed. Here´s what he wrote:

 

Your Leica is a very handsome grey IIIc completed on 1.10.42 and shipped this same day as a LOOQA ( IIIc with Summitar) to Berlin on shipment number 9148. The name Rodenstock also appears. This camera may have been destined for the Rodenstock optical firm . In the 1950's Leitz upgraded the Leica to incorporate black dial IIIf flash synchronization and added the IIIf wind knob.Note that the delay numbers are engraved on an add-on plate finished in chrome.

The non-K grey IIIc is found from 387501 to about 388926 when the K model began. It appears that many of these artifacts were lost during the War so it is always good for this researcher when one surfaces. Your camera appears to retain the red curtain material.

The very tiny scratched marking which I read as EM was probably added by the user/owner.

[LeicaTom]

Schone Schone!!!!

 

A 1942 Leica IIIC Grey paint "normal" to IIIFBD conversion, an uncommon camera, with "purist" collectors yelling and screaming about how terrible it is to have done this to an original grey paint camera, I find them fascinating

(my everyday camera is a 1945 IIICK/IIIFBD conversion camera)

Many people don`t realize now that in early 1950`s Germany, most people could`nt afford a "new" camera so many a "wartime" Leica IIIC was converted by the factory to IIIFBD specs to save money.

 

Now because of this there`s a handful of rare unique Grey painted conversions out there

 

Looks great and I hope that your SHOOT photos with it still that`s what your Grandfather would want you to do.......and not let it sit collecting dust in a china cabinet!!!!!

 

I use, work and shoot with EVERYTHING listed in my signature, the "wartime"Leica`s have somehing special about them that makes them fun and unique to use, and they all take fantastic photos!

 

Tom

[hitfidelity]

Schone Schone!!!!

 

A 1942 Leica IIIC Grey paint "normal" to IIIFBD conversion, an uncommon camera, with "purist" collectors yelling and screaming about how terrible it is to have done this to an original grey paint camera, I find them fascinating

Even if I didn´t hear such sounds yet - a professional told me that some collectors really think like that.

Many people don`t realize now that in early 1950`s Germany, most people could`nt afford a "new" camera so many a "wartime" Leica IIIC was converted by the factory to IIIFBD specs to save money.

I think that´s what my grandfather did, and it seems that in this times it has been quite common to do it - not like in our times where most things are very hard to repair - or even to upgrade.

 

For example - wouldn´t it be possible to produce a digital camera body with a chip that can be replaced by another, better one? I really like ff-cameras but they´re just too expensive at this time for me - but except of the chip most of the cameras are quite interesting...and even the "modern" expensive cameras are oldtimers in 5 years - so you have to throw them away in ten years... Would be a good Idea for the Leica of our time?