Leica III
Leica IIIf fitted with a Summarit 50mm f/1.5 and a viewfinder. This particular model does not feature a self-timer.
Type:	35 mm rangefinder camera
Lens mount:	M39 lens mount
Focus:	manual
Exposure:	manual
Flash:	cold shoe

The Leica III is a rangefinder camera introduced by Leica in 1933, and produced in parallel with the Leica II series. Several models were produced over the years, with significant improvements.

The Leica III uses a coupled rangefinder distinct from the viewfinder. The viewfinder is set for a 50mm lens; use of shorter or longer lenses requires installing an alternate viewfinder on the accessory socket^[1].

Leica III models

Model name	Manufacturing dates	Features or improvements
Leica F (Leica III)	1933–1939	like II but with slow speeds on frontal dial
Leica 250	1933–1946	Leica III or IIIa with 250-image magazines (10 metres of film)
Leica G (Leica IIIa)	1935–1940	adds 1/1000 speed
Leica IIIb	1938–1940	rfdr. and viewer windows close together
Leica IIIc	1940–1951	die-cast body, slightly longer, redesigned shutter
Leica IIId	1940–1945	Very rare, only 427 were built
Leica IIIf	1950–1952/53	postwar improvements, and some have self-timer lever. Flash synchronisation.
Leica IIIg	1957–1960	change in body configuration to facilitate manufacture, larger and brighter viewfinder. Frames for 50 and 90mm lenses. Rare.

[edit] Accessories and miscellaneous images

With a 28mm wide-angle lens and optional viewfinder	With a 400mm Telyt lens	With an adapter for stereo-photography	Amber lens attachment for the Leica III camera posed alongside the camera.
A Leica III camera with the Amber lens attached.	A Leica III camera with Clear and Amber lenses	Self-portrait of Stanley Kubrick with a Leica III

[edit] Notes and references

1. ^ Unification of the rangefinder and the viewfinder occurred with the introduction of the Leica M3, allowing quick framing and focusing in a single operation. The M3 viewfinder is also able to display viewlines for 50, 90 and 135mm lenses

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Leica III

• Leica III by Karen Nakamura
• History of the Screw Mount Leicas
• Leica III made since 1933
• Leica Screwmount