Specification
■ Production details
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|
| Announced: | 1950 |
| Order No.: | LOOHW / 10050 - body without lens |
| LOOPN / 10055 / 10056 - body with ELMAR 50/3.5 | |
| LOOKX / 10060 - body with SUMMITAR 50/2 | |
| LUOOX / 10061 / 10063 - body with SUMMICRON 50/2 | |
| LOOIT / 10065 / 10066 - body with SUMMARIT 50/1.5 | |
| LOOHWSOONC / 10070 - body with SUMMARON 35/3.5 | |
| System: | ● Leica SM (1930) |
■ Imaging plane
|
|
| Maximum format: | 35mm full frame |
| Mount and Flange focal distance: | Leica screw mount [28.8mm] |
| Imaging plane: | 36 × 24mm film |
■ Shutter
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|
| Type: | Focal-plane |
| Model: | Mechanical |
| Speeds: | 1 - 1/1000 + B |
■ Exposure
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| Exposure metering: | None |
| Exposure modes: | Manual |
■ Rangefinder and Viewfinder
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| Rangefinder: | Built-in |
| Viewfinder: | Built-in |
| Finder magnification: | 1.5x |
| Actual rangefinder base: | 39mm |
| Effective rangefinder base: | 58.5mm |
| Bright-line frames: | - |
| Parallax compensation: | - |
■ Physical characteristics
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|
| Weight: | <No data> |
| Dimensions: | <No data> |
■ Accessories
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| Body cap: | 14055 |
| LOPEN / 35355 | |
| ORTVO / ORTVOCHROM / 66870 | |
Manufacturer description #1
From the LEICA photography magazine (Christmas 1950, Vol. 3, No. 12):
THE NEW LEICA IIIF WITH BUILT-IN SYNCHRONIZATION
E. Leitz, Inc. is proud to introduce the new Leica IIIf with built-in flash synchronization for all flash bulbs and all shutter speeds up to 1/1000 and strobe.
This long awaited innovation has been the subject of years of experiment and research by the Leitz Works at Wetzlar. While built-in synchronization is no new development, a built-in system which synchronizes perfectly at all shutter speeds is a novel addition. In true Leitz fashion, all the skill and craftsmanship that made Leica the forerunner in 35mm. photography has been utilized.
The automatic synchronizer dial is located at the base of an improved, easier-to-read, shutter speed dial. This dial is calibrated from 0 to 20. Before setting this dial, choose the desired flash bulb and shutter speed and locate the flash factor on the handy reference table supplied with each flash unit (this card fits readily into the back of the Eveready carrying case). When the correct flash factor is located on the table, a red figure indicates the proper dial setting. After moving the notched dial to the proper location you may fire away. The correct setting for zero delay strobe units is also given and no modifications to the camera or extra accessories are needed.
One exclusive feature is the miniature flash unit - the most compact, powerful unit of its type yet developed. A special plastic holder accepts four standard pencil-type batteries and supplies 6v of power for surer, faster firing.
Only a handful in size, the miniature flash unit weighs 9 1/2 ozs., including batteries, and fits easily into your pocket or combination case. NO FACTORY INSTALLATION IS NEEDED. Simply slide the shoe of the unit into the camera accessory clip.
In addition, a synchro-contact point has been added to the camera near the view-finder window. The synchro-contact plug of the connecting cord fits on the point easily, rotates 90°, and locks securely into position. The pins of the connecting cord plug are of an especially polarized type which fit snugly. They have different diameters and are marked for proper insertion so that they assume the correct polarity of the electric circuit.
A revolutionary part of this compact unit is the dull-finish, aluminum reflector which folds like a ladies' fan. It diffuses light and eliminates hot spots. The handle has four notches which permit adjustments in height so that all size bulbs are correctly centered.
Slipping easily and securely into the regular bulb holder, is a midget bulb adaptor. Also, a new spring-clip ejector is built-in to the adaptor - no need to burn your fingers. Built-in to the battery case base is a threaded tripod socket which permits the unit to be mounted independently. For those interested in multiple flash, a special three-way socket is available.
Another outstanding feature of the Illf is the new, handy film-speed indicator built-in to the winding knob, which "remembers" the type film in the camera in both A.S.A. and Weston ratings.
After loading, but before setting the counter to "0", lift the knurled knob and turn it to the right for black and white and left for color (the "color" dial is red).
Manufacturer description #2
This is the LEICA that has helped to establish amateur and professional photographic reputations the world over. It has every feature that makes the name "Leica" famous. One of the things you will like best about it, is the way you can build a marvellously versatile outfit around it. Unsurpassed for all-around use to begin with, the III f makes you master of every specialized branch of photography as you add accessories. Choose from among over 200.
Accepts any of 10 superbly corrected, interchangeable Leica lenses in screw mounts, focal lengths 35-400 mm. Twin-eyepieces for coupled, built-in range finder (with 1.5 X magnification) and viewfinder for 50 mm lenses. Focal plane shutter speeds 1 sec. to 1/1000th, "B" and "T"; synchronized for electronic and conventional flash. Simultaneous shutter wind and film advance, built-in delayed action timer, film-type indicator, semiautomatic exposure counter.
Manufacturer description #3
Similar to Model IIf, but with focal plane shutter from 1 to 1/1000 of a second, with built-in synchronization for all flash bulbs and zero delay strobe flash units, and with film speed indicator built into the winding knob which "remembers" the type of film in the camera in both ASA and Weston ratings. The Leica Model IIIf is the finest photographic instrument for 35mm. photography.
Manufacturer description #4
The Leica IIIf is the most versatile of the cameras in the "f" series. It has shutter speeds from 1 second to 1/1000th second including Time and "bulb". You get a built-in viewfinder for the 50mm lenses and a coupled rangefinder which magnifies 1.5X for extreme accuracy of focus. You also get a built-in self-timer for taking your own picture or tripping the camera on an unsteady support.
Manufacturer description #5
Black synchronizing dial without self-timer, available from 1950: as model III c, but with built-in full flash synchronization and film indicator built into film winding knob. Serial No. from 525000.
Red synchronizing dial without self-timer, available from 1952: as before, but international shutter speeds. Serial No. from 615000.
With self-timer, available from 1954: as model III f with red synchronizing dial, but with self-timer of approximately 12 seconds delay. Serial No. from 685000.
Manufacturer description #6
From the LEICA photography magazine (Winter 1952, Vol. 5, No. 4):
NEW FEATURES ON LEICA CAMERAS... In accordance with a recommendation by the International Standards Association to standardize the shutter speeds of cameras, all current Leica models are now supplied with the following shutter speeds: slow speeds (Model Illf only) - time, 1, 1/2, 1/5, I/10, 1/15 second; fast speeds, 1/25, 1/50, 1/75, 1/100, 1/200, 1/500, 1/1000 second and bulb.
Leica cameras with these new shutter speeds have their synchro-scales marked in red to distinguish them from previous models. Accurate synchronization requires the use of the correct flash factor card.
On the baseplate of all recent models is a new vertical bar which has been added to keep film in position while it is being wound through the camera. Previously, there were some cases where the film was out of alignment due to the variation in cartridge tolerances. This alignment bar can be added to all Ic, lIc, IIlc, llf, and Illf cameras, and our Repair Department now offers this service.
Manufacturer description #7
From the LEICA photography magazine (Summer 1953, Vol. 6, No. 2):
CORRECTION... Recently we announced that the new speeds on the Leica camera were changed as a result of the International Standards Association recommendations. This was an error, since there is no I.S.A. in existence. These speeds were changed because more cameras throughout the world are so calibrated.
From the editor
The Leica IIIf introduced in 1950 was the successor to the IIIc. The innovation par excellence was built-in flash synchronization controlled by selector dial at base of top shutter speed ring. Mechanical specifications and operation similar to IIIg except for smaller viewfinder, no bright-line field indicator and no automatic parallax compensation. Some early production did not have built-in self-timer. As with the IIIc, the top plate consists of one piece. The diopter compensation is also located under the rewind button. As with the IIIb, the eyepieces of the viewfinder and rangefinder are located directly next to each other.
The IIIf was manufactured in Wetzlar from 1950 to 1957. As a rule, the body had chrome finish, however a small batch was made in black finish for the Swedish army and engraved with three crowns.
In total, Leitz produced 184,100 units of the IIIf. 5,367 cameras were made at the Canadian plant in Midland.
Similar cameras (41)
35mm full frame • Manual focus • Film • Rangefinder • Leica screw mount mount
| Model | Shutter | Metering | Modes | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon 7 | M, 1/1000 | Window | M | 1961 |
| Canon 7s | M, 1/1000 | Window | M | 1965 |
| Canon II-A | M, 1/1000 | -- | M | 1952 |
| Canon II-AF | M, 1/500 | -- | M | 1953 |
| Canon II-AX | M, 1/500 | -- | M | 1953 |
| Canon II-B | M, 1/500 | -- | M | 1949 |
| Canon II-C | M, 1/500 | -- | M | 1950 |
| Canon II-D | M, 1/500 | -- | M | 1952 |
| Canon II-D1 | M, 1/500 | -- | M | 1952 |
| Canon II-D2 | M, 1/500 | -- | M | 1955 |
| Canon II-F | M, 1/500 | -- | M | 1953 |
| Canon II-F2 | M, 1/500 | -- | M | 1955 |
| Canon II-S | M, 1/500 | -- | M | 1954 |
| Canon II-S2 | M, 1/500 | -- | M | 1955 |
| Canon III | M, 1/1000 | -- | M | 1951 |
| Canon III-A | M, 1/1000 | -- | M | 1951 |
| Canon IV | M, 1/1000 | -- | M | 1951 |
| Canon IV-F (IV-S) | M, 1/1000 | -- | M | 1952 |
| Canon IV-SB | M, 1/1000 | -- | M | 1952 |
| Canon IV-SB2 | M, 1/500 | -- | M | 1954 |
| Canon L1 | M, 1/1000 | -- | M | 1957 |
| Canon L2 | M, 1/500 | -- | M | 1957 |
| Canon L3 | M, 1/500 | -- | M | 1957 |
| Canon P | M, 1/1000 | -- | M | 1959 |
| Canon VI-L | M, 1/1000 | -- | M | 1958 |
| Canon VI-T | M, 1/1000 | -- | M | 1958 |
| Canon VL | M, 1/1000 | -- | M | 1958 |
| Canon VL2 | M, 1/500 | -- | M | 1958 |
| Canon VT | M, 1/1000 | -- | M | 1956 |
| Canon VT de luxe | M, 1/1000 | -- | M | 1957 |
| Cosina Voigtlander BESSA-R | M, 1/2000 | TTL • WA | M | 2000 |
| Minolta-35 Model A | M, 1/500 | -- | M | 1947 |
| Minolta-35 Model B | M, 1/500 | -- | M | 1947 |
| Minolta-35 Model C | M, 1/500 | -- | M | 1948 |
| Minolta-35 Model D | M, 1/500 | -- | M | 1949 |
| Minolta-35 Model E | M, 1/500 | -- | M | 1951 |
| Minolta-35 Model F | M, 1/500 | -- | M | 1952 |
| Minolta-35 Model II | M, 1/500 | -- | M | 1953 |
| Minolta-35 Model IIB | M, 1/500 | -- | M | 1958 |
| Yashica YE | M, 1/500 | -- | M | 1959 |
| Yashica YF | M, 1/1000 | -- | M | 1959 |
Table of contents
Clickable
Leica SM system cameras
Clickable
- Leica ‘Prototype 2’ Replica with Anastigmat 50mm F/3.5
- Leica 0-Serie Replica with Anastigmat 50mm F/3.5
- Leica I (Model A)
- Leica I (Model B)
- Leica I (Model C)
- Leica Ic
- Leica If
- Leica Ig
- Leica II (Model D)
- Leica IIc
- Leica IIf
- Leica III (Model F)
- Leica IIIa (Model G)
- Leica IIIb (Model G)
- Leica IIIc
- Leica IIId
- Leica IIIf
- Leica IIIg
- Leica Standard (Model E)
- Ur-Leica