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E LEITZ WETZLAR LEICA III (Model F) Chrome Body with 5cm f2 Uncoated SUMMAR Lens.
The Leica III was manufactured between 1933 and 1939. It was essentially the same as the Leica II (1932-48), but added five slower shutter speeds below 1/20th - down to 1s. This particular example dates from 1935 (code name AFOOV), making it an early example. It's in good, generally clean condition showing signs of average/light normal use and ageing. Unlike most later IIIc bodies, (which had poor quality chrome due to Wartime shortages) the chrome looks bright and clean - there's no pitting to the chrome surfaces (see pictures), and no dings or dents. There are the expected rub and shine marks (mainly on the base), and some signs of brassing on the strap lugs, but no major scratches or marks. An unusual and attractive feature of this particular Leica III is the way the Vulcanite body covering has faded from black to a sort of Khaki brown colour with handling and use - it gives the camera a nice well-worn 'vintage' appearance, yet avoids making it look shabby. The Shutter is working on all speeds, and seems more or less right - though absolute accuracy not guaranteed. The Viewfinder is clear, and the Rangefinder has a clear focusing patch and is operating correctly. The Leitz Summar lens was made between 1933-40, and thus is exactly contemporary with the III body. It was Max Berek's first design based on the Double Gauss principle, and featured six elements. Apparently, the glass used for the Summar was sensitive to climate and temperature changes, and it's common to find the lens with cracks between the cemented surfaces. However, this example is free from damage. The glass looks clean and bright, and there are no scratches or fungus issues. The front element has a slight natural blooming. Looking through the lens, the glass has that slight 'cloudiness' you see with virtually all uncoated lenses of the pre-war period. It's partly due to internal reflections from the uncoated surfaces, plus the dulling effects of age. Our view is that the lens is in well above average condition, but it is not perfect - it's very clean, but not as it was when it left the Leitz factory back in 1937! Serial number - body 163635; Lens 403859. Nice Leitz Bakelite lens cap included.
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