Lars Netopil, internationally recognized Leica specialist, has researched the double stroke black paint finished Leica M3 and reported his findings in the Leica Historica magazine VIDOM #105 from 2013. Lars lists by serial number this infrequently encountered M3 variant.

Undoubtedly prepared on request for specialist applications, i.e. photojournalists wanting to remain as inconspicuous as possible. If you locate a black finish double stroke M3 it may have been factory prepared in this motif. Or it may have been converted from a chrome camera. Leitz Wetzlar and worldwide Leitz service agencies as well as independents could complete such conversions. Check the serial number and the finish (usually a high gloss black lacquer) and seek assistance if you have questions.

Single stroke black M3’s constitute the majority of production. The illustrations show examples that many consider the most distinctive of all M Leicas.

ILLUSTRATIONS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

James L. Lager received his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Ohio State University. In 1971 he joined the Leica Technical Center of E. Leitz, Inc. Rockleigh, N.J. Since 1975 Jim has worked in the retail sector of the photo industry. The author’s previous books are; LEICA ILLUSTRATED GUIDE, (1975). LEICA ILLUSTRATED GUIDE II, (1978). LEICA ILLUS-TRATED GUIDE III, (1979), LEICA LITERATURE, (1980) and LEICA, AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY, VOLUME I – CAMERAS, (1993) and VOLUME II – LENSES, (1994).

Jim is a past president of the Leica Historical Society of America (LHSA) and past editor of its official publication, VIEWFINDER, in which he wrote and illustrated over 100 articles. His photographs have been published in LEICA FOTOGRAFIE and LEICA PHOTOGRAPHY. Over 22 years of almost daily contact with the Leica camera on both pragmatic and esthetic levels, has given Jim Lager a unique perspective on this engaging subject.

Perhaps the most comprehensive Leica catalog prepared by E.Leitz, Inc. New York was booklet #1275 dated March 1939. Leicas and their accessories from the “golden age” of the 1930’s were presented to entice legions of minicam enthusiasts. The Leica IIIb was the premier model. The Standard (E), II (D), III (F), and 250 (Reporter) provided a range of features and prices.

Lenses were available 28-400mm. Specialty models included the Thambar, Xenon,73mm Hektor,and 200/400mm Telyts. An extensive array of viewfinders, rangefinders, filters, lens hoods, timers, straps, tripods, tripod heads, stereo apparatus, flash units, cases, darkroom supplies, viewers, printers, copy and reproduction devices, enlargers, projectors , binoculars, and special lenses for macrophotography were listed. The Leica Gun was designed for wildlife/nature photographers.

During the Spring and Summer of 1939 American Leica customers leafed through the pages of #1275 and decided how to begin/expand their Leica System. Patience was required while waiting for delivery of the more exotic items . Most orders were completed but without question some were not.

Events to come in September 1939 surely had a sobering effect on Leica sales. Could equipment still be obtained? Did New York continue to receive merchandise? Delivery ledgers presently secured at Leitz Park suggest the last direct shipments from Wetzlar are dated 3.6.40 (June 3 , 1940). Included are the Leica IIIb and Elmars 35, 50,and 90mm plus a few 50mm Summitars and 135mm Hektors. Five Leica 250’s ( Reporters) equipped with the 73mm Hektor were shipped earlier on 23.10.39.

Supplementary #1275 price sheets effective October 1 , 1940 list the then nearly unknown VIOOH image erecting universal viewfinder as #66006 at 48 dollars. As far as I can ascertain the VIOOH was never directly shipped toNew York. It appears New York sold only from stock after June 1940. Of course later shipments could have come through neutral channels. I suspect evaluation sample VIOOH’s reached New York in this way and these samples became the basis for the New York manufactured IMFIN of 1944. The United States and Germany were officially at war from December 11, 1941. E.Leitz, Inc. New York was promptly seized by the Alien Property Custodian. During 1941-1945 New York managed to survive by offering equipment fabricated domestically. The IMFIN, VIOAD, VUDAK, and four Wollensak lenses come to mind.

ILLUSTRATIONS from #1275

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

James L. Lager received his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Ohio State University. In 1971 he joined the Leica Technical Center of E. Leitz, Inc. Rockleigh, N.J. Since 1975 Jim has worked in the retail sector of the photo industry. The author’s previous books are; LEICA ILLUSTRATED GUIDE, (1975). LEICA ILLUSTRATED GUIDE II, (1978). LEICA ILLUS-TRATED GUIDE III, (1979), LEICA LITERATURE, (1980) and LEICA, AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY, VOLUME I – CAMERAS, (1993) and VOLUME II – LENSES, (1994).

Jim is a past president of the Leica Historical Society of America (LHSA) and past editor of its official publication, VIEWFINDER, in which he wrote and illustrated over 100 articles. His photographs have been published in LEICA FOTOGRAFIE and LEICA PHOTOGRAPHY. Over 22 years of almost daily contact with the Leica camera on both pragmatic and esthetic levels, has given Jim Lager a unique perspective on this engaging subject.

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The Leitz mirror reflex housing (Visoflex 1) circa 1950-1958 was typically equipped with the PEGOO 45 degree magnifier. The 45 degree viewing angle made close-up photography more convenient than when the straight up and down LVFOO magnifier was attached. Nature photographers especially valued the tripod mounted Visoflex1/Bellows1/135mm Hektor assemblage for their precise and demanding work.

The latest digital M’s can be fitted to this vintage equipment now nearly 70 years old. The Leica body can be positioned for compositions with the Visoflex1/ PEGOO remaining in a fixed position. The modern incarnation of the PEGOO is represented by the electronic Visoflexes 18767 and 18753. The electronic Visoflex permits a PEGOO like 45 degree viewing angle for horizontals. Owners of the digital Sl and SL2 can utilize vintage Leica lenses with adapters. There is no provision for 45 degree viewing.

Some enthusiasts who want to use their old lenses with 45 degree viewing have chosen digital cameras not manufactured by Leica. The lightweight Nikon Z6 has become a favorite. The Fuji GH1 ( and later models) provides full articulation of the viewing screen for 45 degree viewing for both horizontals and verticals.

The illustrations show the PEGOO circa early 1950’s. The 45 degree viewing angle can be acheived with the electronicVisoflex on the digital M, the Nikon Z6, and the Fuji GH1.

ILLUSTRATIONS

PEGOO in use 1950’s

 Z6, Bellows R,135mm Elmar

GH1, Bellows II,65mm Elmar, horizontal motif

GH1, Bellows II,135mm Elmar,vertical motif

Z6, Bellows R/100mm Macro Elmar, horizontal motif 0505

Digital Leica M, electronic Visoflex, set at 45 degrees Bellows II/135mm Hektor

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

James L. Lager received his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Ohio State University. In 1971 he joined the Leica Technical Center of E. Leitz, Inc. Rockleigh, N.J. Since 1975 Jim has worked in the retail sector of the photo industry. The author’s previous books are; LEICA ILLUSTRATED GUIDE, (1975). LEICA ILLUSTRATED GUIDE II, (1978). LEICA ILLUS-TRATED GUIDE III, (1979), LEICA LITERATURE, (1980) and LEICA, AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY, VOLUME I – CAMERAS, (1993) and VOLUME II – LENSES, (1994).

Jim is a past president of the Leica Historical Society of America (LHSA) and past editor of its official publication, VIEWFINDER, in which he wrote and illustrated over 100 articles. His photographs have been published in LEICA FOTOGRAFIE and LEICA PHOTOGRAPHY. Over 22 years of almost daily contact with the Leica camera on both pragmatic and esthetic levels, has given Jim Lager a unique perspective on this engaging subject.

One thousand Leica IIIc cameras dispatched to at least 18 countries including neutrals Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. All during 1942 with no direct deliveries to the Allies.

Just under 480 units to Leitz agent Schmidt in Shanghai.China in June 1942. Range of serial numbers between 386056-386715. Shipped with 5cm Elmar (LOOGI), 5cm Summitar (LOOQA), or 5cm Xenon (LOOSB).

After nearly five decades of research this 1000 camera batch continues to prove elusive.

Where are these Leicas?

Were most of them consumed during World War II?

From my notes:

386101 to China as LOOQA

386434                         ”

386479                         ”

386569 to China as LOOGI

386277 no entry in delivery ledger

386278                         ”

386588 to the Luftwaffe as LOOGI on 2.4.42 shipment 29653

Do you have a 386001-387000 Leica IIIc you will share with us ?

Contact Sam Shoshan with your observations. (Sam@Classicconnection.com)

ILLUSTRATION:

Luftwaffen-Eigentum Leica IIIc 386588 delivered 2.4.42

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

James L. Lager received his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Ohio State University. In 1971 he joined the Leica Technical Center of E. Leitz, Inc. Rockleigh, N.J. Since 1975 Jim has worked in the retail sector of the photo industry. The author’s previous books are; LEICA ILLUSTRATED GUIDE, (1975). LEICA ILLUSTRATED GUIDE II, (1978). LEICA ILLUS-TRATED GUIDE III, (1979), LEICA LITERATURE, (1980) and LEICA, AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY, VOLUME I – CAMERAS, (1993) and VOLUME II – LENSES, (1994).

Jim is a past president of the Leica Historical Society of America (LHSA) and past editor of its official publication, VIEWFINDER, in which he wrote and illustrated over 100 articles. His photographs have been published in LEICA FOTOGRAFIE and LEICA PHOTOGRAPHY. Over 22 years of almost daily contact with the Leica camera on both pragmatic and esthetic levels, has given Jim Lager a unique perspective on this engaging subject.

James Lager Vol III An Illustrated History Leica Accessories Signed Book New $119