Leica IIIc

1940

Early model

E. Leitz G.M.B.H.

Wetzlar

Germany

Lens:

f2, 5 cm Summitar, iris diaphragm to f12.5. Screw mount. Serial no. 586919 (1942).

Shutter:

Focal-plane, speeds 1 - 1/1000, Z. Speeds are varied by delaying the second blind.

Construction:

Vulcanite covered metal body.

Format:

36, 24 x 36 mm exposures on 35 mm cine film held in cassette, film is re-wound into cassette.

Focusing:

Helical to 1 metre.

Attributes:

Coupled rangefinder, swing prism type, double image. Direct-vision (lens/lens) view-finder.
Auto-stop on film advance coupled to shutter. Film advance tensions shutter. Exposure counter.

Identification:

Version with raised step under re-wind lever, large collar to release button.

Serial Number:

392738 (1943) .

With:

f4.8, 20 cm Telyt, iris diaphragm to f36. Focus to 3 metre. Depth-of-field scale. With lens hood, lens cap. Serial no. 472638 (c. 1938).
Ploot reflex housing c. 1940. Late type with interchangeable finder and accessory shoe. Serial no. 3587.
Right-angle mirror finder. Double cable release. Outfit case for Ploot and accessories.
Green filter for 200 mm lens, clamp on. In box.
Lens cap. Green filter for 5 cm lens. Ever-ready case.

The IIIc was a departure from previous Leicas, the camera used a stronger die-cast body shell, it was 3 mm longer than before and the top housing was in one piece whereas previously the rangefinder housing was separate to the top plate. With the IIIc gearing was introduced so that the exposure counter moves only one frame rather than a complete revolution minus one frame.

The outfit case has a Nazi eagle and swastika stamped into the leather.

Telyt & PLOOT

The 20 cm Telyt was the first telephoto lens for the Leica, mainly used in conjunction with the Reflex Housing PLOOT. The PLOOT has a manually operated mirror - pressure on the release raises the mirror, when the pressure is removed the mirror drops back. For vertical exposures the unit can be rotated 90°. Later models had a mirror lock, accessory shoe and removable finder.

Code Names:

LOOQA - camera. GCYOO - 5 cm Filter. PLOOT - Reflex housing. FINOT - Cable release. PAMOO - Right-angle finder. PIOOV - 200 mm filter.

References & Notes:

Hasbroeck, Leica.

Early Photography