Leica III

Leica III

Leica IIIf fitted with a Summarit 50mm f/1.5 and a viewfinder. This particular model does not feature a self-timer.
Type	35 mm rangefinder camera
Lens mount	M39 lens mount
Focus	manual
Exposure	manual
Flash	cold shoe

The Leica III is a rangefinder camera introduced by Leica in 1933, and produced in parallel with the Leica II series. Several models were produced over the years, with significant improvements.

The Leica III uses a coupled rangefinder distinct from the viewfinder. The viewfinder is set for a 50mm lens; use of shorter or longer lenses requires installing an alternate viewfinder on the accessory socket.^[1]

Leica III models

Model name	Manufacturing dates	Features or improvements
Leica F (Leica III)	1933–1939	like II but with slow speeds on frontal dial *
Leica 250	1933–1946	Leica III or IIIa with 250-image magazines (10 metres of film)
Leica G (Leica IIIa)	1935–1940	adds 1/1000 speed
Leica IIIb	1938–1940	Rangefinder and view windows closer together
Leica IIIc	1940–1951	die-cast body, slightly longer, redesigned shutter featuring ball bearings
Leica IIId	1940–1945	Very rare, only 427 were built
Leica IIIf	1950–1956	Introduced in time for Christmas 1950. Featured in-camera user selectable flash synchronization for the multitude of flash bulbs then available. Two versions produced, (1950-52) with non geometric shutter speeds and had black flash synchro numbers. Collectors refer to this model as a "Black Dial, aka BD". Second version (1953-56) switched to modern geometric speeds and was distinguished by red lettering on flash synchro numbers. Collectors refer to this model as a "Red Dial, aka RD". A self-timer was offered as a factory installed option in 1954. Many owners of the first IIIf version opted to send their cameras to Leica for self-timer retrofits. Collectors add the suffix ST (self timer) to the BD and RD nomenclature. BDST and RDST are used to identify models with self timers.
Leica IIIg	1957–1960	change in body configuration to facilitate manufacture of larger and brighter viewfinder. Projected frame lines and automatic parallax correction for 50 and 90mm lenses. Rare.

Accessories and miscellaneous images

• 

  With a 28mm wide-angle lens and optional viewfinder

• 

  With a 400mm Telyt lens

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  With an adapter for stereo-photography

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  Orange filter for the Leica III

• 

  Self-portrait of Stanley Kubrick with a Leica III

• 

  Othographic views of a Leica IIIf with Summicron lens

• 

  Leica IIIc with bellows

Notes and references

• Image for Leica F is actually model IIIa

1. ↑ Unification of the rangefinder and the viewfinder occurred with the introduction of the Leica M3, allowing quick framing and focusing in a single operation. The M3 viewfinder is also able to display viewlines for 50, 90 and 135mm lenses

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Leica III.

• Leica III by Karen Nakamura
• Leica III by luis triguez
• Leica IIIc by luis triguez
• Leica IIIf RDST by luis triguez
• Leica IIIf 3D model by Artem Lynnik
• History of the Screw Mount Leicas
• Leica III made since 1933
• Leica Screwmount