Cameras

Leica I type C

The Leica 1 type C was introduced in 1930. This camera has interchangeable lenses, but no build in rangefinder. For focussing an external vertical Rangefinder is placed in the accessory shoe. (See picture). This external rangefinder operates perfectly, but is cumbersome, as the measured distance has to be set on the lens. Really a camera to experience making photos in those days. For purists.

Leica II

The Leica II was introduced in 1932. This camera has interchangeable lenses, as well as a build in rangefinder. This makes focussing very easy, because of the coupling with the lens. Shutter speeds of the Leica II are from 1/20 to 1/500 sec and Bulb.

This camera with serial number 87955 is an early Leica II from the first batch in 1932.

Leica II

The Leica II was introduced in 1932. This camera has interchangeable lenses, as well as a build in rangefinder. This makes focussing very easy, because of the coupling with the lens. Shutter speeds of the Leica II are from 1/20 to 1/500 sec and Bulb.

This camera with serial number 108059 is from 1934. This type Leica II has been made until 1948.

Leica III

The Leica III was introduced in 1933. This camera has interchangeable lenses, as well as a build in rangefinder. Unlike the Leica II , the Leica III has slow speeds from 1/20 to 1 second. As the speed of the lenses was rather slow as well as the speed of the available films slow speeds were in demand.

This camera with serial number 144907 is from 1935. The Leica III has been manufactured until 1939.

Leica III

The Leica III was introduced in 1933. This camera has interchangeable lenses, as well as a build in rangefinder. Unlike the Leica II , the Leica III has slow speeds from 1/20 to 1 second. As the speed of the lenses was rather slow as well as the speed of the available films slow speeds were in demand.

This camera with serial number 149588 is from 1935. The Leica III has been manufactured until 1939.

Leica IIIf

The Leica IIIF was introduced in 1950. The main difference with the Leica III is the fact that the Leica IIIF has a die cast frame that is supposed to make the construction more stable. Furthermore it has standard flash synchro and the eyepiece for focussing and viewfinder are closer together. Almost all Leica III f cameras are in chrome.

This camera with serial number 542540 dates from 1951.

IIIg

The Leica IIIG was introduced in 1957. In those days the Leica M with its new bayonet system had already been on the market for 4 years. The Leica IIIG has some characteristics of the M series. For instance in the viewfinder frame lines for two lenses (5 and 9 cm) are visible. And there was a parallax correction for closer distances.

This camera with serial number 870481 dates from 1957.