Leica III

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Leica III

Type	35 mm rangefinder camera
Lens mount	Leica screw mount
Focus	manual
Exposure	manual
Flash	cold shoe

The Leica III is a rangefinder camera introduced by Leica in 1933. Several models were produced over the years, with significant improvements and a somewhat confusing numbering scheme.

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 [1]
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

With a 28mm wide-angle lens and optional viewfinder

With a 400mm Telyt lens

[edit] Notes and references

^ 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