Original, black version of iconic German camera in red clamshell.
When Ernst Leitz took a chance on his designers radical concept- a compact, high precision camera, shooting 35mm film horizontally- unlike the movie cameras it was borrowed from- little did he know that the Leica Leitz-Camera would set the standard for the next 100 years of personal photography. Not only did the Leica camera establish a format that persists even in today's digital world, but also a reputation for absolute quality- many of photography's preeminent heavy-weights have sworn by Leica; and many of the most cherished images from the last 100 years of photographic history were captured by the slim, rugged perfection of Leica cameras and lenses. For auction is this early rare, 1935 black edition (No. 151403) of the Leica III camera- featuring adjustable diopters, built in rangefinder, a coveted black enamel finish, and original folding Elmar 3.5 F50mm lens. The III series introduced most of the features that would define Leicas for the next 50 years- a broad range of shutter speeds, removable lenses using the M39 screw format, and meticulous attention to detail. This camera comes in a chamois leather zip up pocket case and a red velvet lined hard-shell Leica case. While all cameras sold through Whitley's are offered in as-is and un-serviced condition unless otherwise noted, this Leica IIIs winding knob and shutter release operate as expected, and the curtain appears to be in good cosmetic condition with no obvious signs of kinking or mechanical damage. All shutter speeds index and fire with the exception of 1-second slow speed, and remain un-verified.

Issued: 1935
Dimensions: 7"L x 4"D x 2"H, in case
Edition Number: 151403 Edition Size: 1200
Manufacturer: Leitz
Country of Origin: Germany

Condition: Age and use related wear, as-is