Leica IIIc Chrome Rangefinder 1938 Camera Body Serial 297790 Tested

Description

The Leica IIIc is an iconic 35mm coupled rangefinder camera produced by Ernst Leitz Wetzlar in Germany. Recognized historically as the first Leica Barnack camera built using a single die-cast alloy chassis rather than the multi-piece assembled bodies of its predecessors, offering improved structural rigidity and precision. Features a mechanical focal plane shutter with speeds from 1/1000s down to 1/1s plus Bulb and Time settings via the front slow-speed dial, dual eyepieces for coupled rangefinder focusing and 50mm viewfinder composition, diopter adjustment lever below the rewind knob, and thread-mount (LTM / M39) lens compatibility. Serial number 297790, manufactured circa 1938/1939 (originally produced as a Leica IIIa and subsequently upgraded by Leitz to IIIc specification, featuring the die-cast body shell and added flash sync socket on the front). Complete with take-up spool and original baseplate.

Condition

Overall Condition: Good

Cosmetically in well-preserved vintage condition with light patina, brassing, and faint surface marks consistent with age across the top plate, baseplate, and vulcanite body covering. The rangefinder and optical viewfinder are has minor haze but is usable with visible not overly bright patch. Fully tested and operational: shutter curtain is intact and fires across fast and slow speeds, however the trailing curtain is sticking at 1 second. The baseplate lock mechanism engages securely. Serial number 297790. 

Included

• Leica IIIc Rangefinder 35mm Camera Body (Serial No. 297790)
• Original Removable Baseplate
• Internal Take-Up Spool

Key Features

• Classic Ernst Leitz Wetzlar D.R.P. German craftsmanship with die-cast alloy body construction
• Leica Thread Mount (LTM / M39) accepting a vast range of classic Leitz and third-party screw-mount lenses
• Coupled rangefinder mechanism with independent diopter adjustment control lever
• Dual shutter dial system covering fast speeds (1/30s to 1/1000s) and slow speeds (1s to 1/20s, B, T)
• Integrated front PC flash sync port connection
• Pure mechanical operation requiring no batteries

Collector's Notes

Pre-war and wartime Leica IIIc cameras hold a revered place among Barnack Leica collectors. This specific unit (Serial No. 297790) represents a fascinating piece of Leitz history: originally manufactured in 1938 as a Leica IIIa, it was factory-upgraded by Leitz post-war into a IIIc chassis with added flash synchronization—a common service offered to professional photographers during the 1940s and 1950s. A superb user or display piece for any serious Leica enthusiast.

Keywords

Leica IIIc, Ernst Leitz Wetzlar, Vintage Leica Rangefinder, Leica Barnack, LTM M39 Body, Pre War Leica, Tested Leica Body