{"product_id":"leica-iiic-35mm","title":"Leica IIIc Chrome Rangefinder 1938 Camera Body  Serial 297790 Tested","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e\n  body {\n    font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, \"Segoe UI\", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;\n    line-height: 1.6;\n    color: #222;\n    max-width: 800px;\n    margin: 20px auto;\n    padding: 0 20px;\n  }\n  h1 {\n    font-size: 1.5rem;\n    border-bottom: 2px solid #333;\n    padding-bottom: 4px;\n    margin-top: 24px;\n    margin-bottom: 12px;\n  }\n  h2 {\n    font-size: 1.2rem;\n    margin-top: 18px;\n    margin-bottom: 8px;\n    color: #444;\n  }\n  p {\n    margin-bottom: 12px;\n  }\n  ul {\n    margin-top: 4px;\n    margin-bottom: 16px;\n    padding-left: 20px;\n  }\n  li {\n    margin-bottom: 4px;\n  }\n  hr {\n    border: none;\n    border-top: 1px solid #ccc;\n    margin: 24px 0;\n  }\n  .valuation-list {\n    list-style-type: square;\n  }\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall Condition: Good\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCosmetically 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eIncluded\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLeica IIIc Rangefinder 35mm Camera Body (Serial No. 297790)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOriginal Removable Baseplate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInternal Take-Up Spool\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClassic Ernst Leitz Wetzlar D.R.P. German craftsmanship with die-cast alloy body construction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLeica Thread Mount (LTM \/ M39) accepting a vast range of classic Leitz and third-party screw-mount lenses\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCoupled rangefinder mechanism with independent diopter adjustment control lever\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDual shutter dial system covering fast speeds (1\/30s to 1\/1000s) and slow speeds (1s to 1\/20s, B, T)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntegrated front PC flash sync port connection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePure mechanical operation requiring no batteries\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCollector's Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePre-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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKeywords\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeica IIIc, Ernst Leitz Wetzlar, Vintage Leica Rangefinder, Leica Barnack, LTM M39 Body, Pre War Leica, Tested Leica Body\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Leica","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55572435796310,"sku":null,"price":165.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0875\/5213\/1414\/files\/IMGP2682_f6e98134-b412-427e-a5f8-48be1bb3e28a.jpg?v=1790929685","url":"https:\/\/colinscameras.co.uk\/products\/leica-iiic-35mm","provider":"Colins Cameras","version":"1.0","type":"link"}