luftwaffe leica

[sscrooge]

Now i have the leica bug i have chance of buying this can anybody tell me if it looks ok, i know the luft lens is no longer on it but the markings on this do look good to me, rgds Dave

[seekwhence]

It looks like a nice Leica IIIc from late 1941 - early 1942. The problem is the serial number does not correspond with any of the known Luftwaffe cameras from that block. Apparently there were only 17 - IIIc's delivered to the Luftwaffe with serial numbers 383576 to 383592. The next earliest is 382492.
I'd be very careful; especially since "ordinary" Leica's are now being expertly engraved to turn a $400 camera into a $4000 camera!

seekwhence

[AndyC]

Here is pictures of one that i have had for many years ago



Andy

[AndyC]

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[AndyC]

3

[seekwhence]

Andy - very nice Luftwaffe IIIc with a legitimate serial number! Are you saying that you've had it for many years or you sold/traded it many years ago?

seekwhence

[sscrooge]

Thank you very much seekwhence on your help with this camera, i emailed leica germany yesterday and asked them if they have any records on it being luftwaffe, im crossing my fingers that they may hold some records on it,and thanks Andy for posting that lovely example , rgds Dave

[AndyC]

I sold it for many years ago to someone in US, i dont remember who


Andy

[Longbranch303]

I highly doubt that you'll be able to get any information from Leica. The current owners have nothing to do with the owners of the company during WWII, and consequently, don't have much incentive to maintain the records. I believe they do have the records, they just don't release any information from them. There are a few researchers over at www.rangefinderforum.com who specialize in the wartime era Leica cameras. There is a thread at this site, written by someone using the handle "LeicaTom" which discusses the IIIcK (a variation of Leica used by the German army) and other war-time Leica cameras. Look for it under the LTM Leica section. Contacting him may be a good way to find the information you need.

You should also get the serial number for the lens. If records are available for this camera, then the lens (if any) it was originally sold with will have its serial number recorded as well. Obviously, a camera with its matching lens is more valuable than one in which the lens has been replaced.

Still, it's a beautiful camera nonetheless!