Photographica Pages

An online guide to collectable cameras and related stuff

Leica IIIf, Leica IIf and Leica If

In 1950 Leitz introduced what was to become the highest production screw mount Leica, the IIIF. It was essentially a IIIC with the addition of flash synchronization. Underneath the shutter speed is a ring for flash delay setting for flash bulbs. In 1952, at serial number 611000 the shutter speed progression was changed from 1/30, 1/40, 1/60 to 1/25, 1/50, 1/75. Earlier cameras are referred to as "Black Dial" or simply "BD" cameras, later ones are " Red Dial" or "RD" cameras.

Another feature was added in 1954, the self timer. It can be readily identified by the large self timer arm on the front wind side of the camera. These are referred to as IIIF RD ST cameras, or occasionally as IIIF D/A cameras.

It should be noted that any IIIF camera could be sent to the factory and upgraded with a self timer.

Other variations include Canadian examples produces in Midland, Ontario, and black finish cameras for the military.

The IIC was replaced in 1951 by the IIF, a IIIF without the slow speeds. Like the IIC, the IIF had a vulcanite patch where the slow speed dial would have been. It was available both as a Red Dial as well as Black Dial. All black dial cameras, and Red Dial cameras made before 1954 have a top speed of 1/500, while red dial cameras made in 1954 and later have a top speed of 1/1000.

To round out the series, the IC was replaced by the IF in 1952. It was a IIF without the rangefinder or viewfinder. Like the IC, it had two accessory shoes on the top. Like the other cameras in this series, it was available both in red and black dial versions. Total production was just under 17,000 cameras, ending in 1958.

Leica IIIF RD ST, made in Midland, Ontario Canada, with matching Leicavit winder.

Leica IIIF BD in rare black finish, with matching black 50/3.5 Elmar.

Leica IIF RD body.

Production figures by year:

Leica IIIf