Leitz/Leica III/Model F (Bodies in Leica RF "SM" System)

Black Painted; Brown Vulcanite and Nickel Plated Knobs

Pic

Grade

Price

Description

9 Photos

583

EX+

$925.00

Collectible "Brown Vulcanite" Leica III in very used but delightfully able working condition. Perfect brown vulcanite save for slight seam opening/separation (shown and dates back to its original manufacture) at the base of the lens mount and is very slightly bowed loose though intact on its front. Body appears to be authentically original except for a factory flash coupling addition/update.

Description:

Circa 1933-39. The Model F was Leica's first slow shutter speed capable focal plane shutter equipped body. As one of Leica's earliest models of any duration it was subject to a great many evolutionary changes during its short approximate six year life span, the first two of which as Leica's flagship. The model shown is a particularly beautiful and largely unrecognized but highly collectible variation. Early vulcanite was deliberately produced deficient carbon black color which results in a very nice brownish coloration which coordinates extremely well with the early nickel plated knobs and controls.

It has been published on some websites that the carbon deficient derived brown effect probably comes from the fading effect of the camera body having been on display and exposure to UV light. This is nonsense as carbon black, the source of black coloration in black vulcanized rubber, does not fade. The brown color effect is delightful and would appear to be very deliberate. The illustration below displays a brown Leica III (Model F) adjacent to an earlier vintage black vulcanite and chrome Leica II.

Specifications:

Type of Lens (mount[s])

Leica SM

Self Timer

Hot Shoe

Focusing System/Method (Camera)

Manual

Camera Format Type

24mm X 36mm

Shutter Speed Range

1 to 1/500th second on two knobs

Weight

15oz (425g)

Color Scheme(s)

Black Painted
Black and Chrome
Black and Nickel
Black, Brown and Nickel

Shutter Technology

Mechanical
Behind The Lens/Focal Plane Shutter

Flash Connection

None

Date/Event of introduction

1933

Date of Final Production or Date of Withdrawal

1939

Type of Camera

Rangefinder (mechanical)

FP Shutter Travel Time (X Sync Speed)

1/20th second (factory retrofit only)

NEW

New in box with warranty papers as it came from the dealer

Like New

Indistinguishable from new but no box or no papers or both

Like New Minus

Very close to new condition with only subtle signs of use or handling.

Excellent Plus Plus

Extremely nice condition but does show some handling and use but no hard use whatsoever.

Excellent Plus

Excellent condition but shows some wear and use.

Excellent

Perfectly Excellent operating condition but cosmetics leave something to be desired.

Good Condition

Usable but has mechanical, optical and cosmetic issues as indicated in individual descriptions

Fair Condition

Issues as indicated in individual descriptions

Ugly Condition

Very significant conditions as indicated in individual descriptions. The lower end of this range is basically a paperweight that looks something like it might once have taken some pictures.

Under Evaluation Process; Not Yet Offered For Sale

ID: {inv_id} - Black Painted; Brown Vulcanite and Nickel Plated Knobs: {inv_pic_name}