Leica III Chrome 35mm Rangefinder 1933 Leitz 5cm f3.5 Elmar Lens Cap Spool Tested

Description

The Leica III (Model F) is a historic 35mm coupled rangefinder camera produced in Wetzlar, Germany by Ernst Leitz D.R.P. Introduced in 1933, the Model III was a landmark progression in Barnack camera design, introducing a front slow-speed dial extending mechanical shutter speeds down to 1 full second, alongside strap lugs and 1.5x rangefinder magnification with a diopter lever. Serial number 116577 confirms manufacture in 1933. Fitted with a classic Leitz Elmar 5cm (50mm) f/3.5 collapsible screw-mount (LTM / M39) lens in feet calibration. Complete with original metal Leitz lens cap, internal take-up spool, and removable baseplate.

Condition

Overall Condition: Very good

Cosmetically in very clean, well-preserved condition for a 1930s pre-war instrument. The nickel/chrome top and bottom plates show light surface patina and wear consistent with age, while the vulcanite body covering is intact across the chassis. Rangefinder and viewfinder optics have minor haze but still usable, patch is visible, slightly dim. Collapsible 5cm f/3.5 Elmar optics are clear with just minor haze and extend/lock smoothly. Fully tested and operational: mechanical focal plane shutter fires across fast and slow speeds (1s to 1/500s plus B), film winding operates crisply, focus helicoid turns smoothly, and baseplate lock secures properly. Serial number 116577. Manufactured in 1933. Fully tested and working.

Included

• Leica III (Model F) 35mm Rangefinder Camera Body (1933, Serial No. 116577)
• Leitz Elmar 5cm f/3.5 Collapsible LTM Screw-Mount Lens (Feet Scale)
• Original Slip-On Metal Leica Front Lens Cap
• Original Removable Chrome Baseplate
• Internal Film Take-Up Spool

Key Features

• Manufactured in Wetzlar, Germany in 1933 (Serial No. 116577)
• First Barnack Leica model to feature slow shutter speeds (1s to 1/20s) via front dial
• Coupled rangefinder with 1.5x optical magnification and diopter adjustment lever
• Leitz Elmar 5cm f/3.5 collapsible lens compacting flush against the body for easy carrying
• Leica Thread Mount (LTM / M39) accepting standard 39mm screw-mount optics
• Pure mechanical operation requiring no battery power

Collector's Notes

As the first Leica model to introduce slow shutter speeds and body strap lugs, the 1933 Leica III represents a major milestone in rangefinder evolution. Paired with the iconic collapsible 50mm f/3.5 Elmar lens, this complete setup offers an authentic, highly tactile vintage photography experience. Early 1933 examples in clean, fully working condition with their original take-up spool and metal cap are increasingly sought after by collectors.

Keywords

Leica III 1933, Ernst Leitz Wetzlar, Leitz Elmar 5cm f3.5, Leica Model F, Vintage Leica Rangefinder, LTM M39 Screw Mount, Tested Leica III