Germany Ernst Leitz GmbH, Wetzlar Leica collecting
Leica 2 Camera + SCNOO for Leica IIIC Rapid Winder, Фотоаппарат, фотокамера, Лейка
Technical information
Lens name
Focal length
Aperture range
Distance from
Shutter speeds
Mount
Elmar
50
3,5-18
1,0m
Z, 1/20-1/500
M39
General information
Manufacturer
DVD Technik
Remarks
Serial number
387354
Military Leicas have been a source of fascination
from the beginning of collecting interest in the cameras. There has been much
misunderstanding and, since military cameras command a premium, much
misrepresentation. The majority of cameras manufactured at Wetzlar during the
war were not intend for any particular branch of the armed forces. Civilian
production did not cease in Germany until the war was halfway through, unlike
Britain where it generally ended in 1940. After 1942 the whole output went to
government agencies. It was about this time too that, due to shortages of
chromium, cameras were finished in grey paint instead. The paint had no military
significance whatever.
It seems that most cameras intended for official use were sent to a government
purchasing agency in Berlin. Any additional engraving was done after the cameras
were handed over, probably by the service concerned. The exception was the
Luftwaffe who were major users of Leicas cameras and bought at least a
proportion of them direct from the factory. In this case Leitz engraved "Luftwaffen-Eigentum"
(Airforce Property) on the back rim of the top-plate and added what is now
believed to be the military stores number "FI.# 38079" or "FI. # 38078" below
the top-plate engraving. These were mainly 3c`s, but a number of 3b`s were also
supplied in this way. There "L" after the serial numbers of these cameras in the
factory registers. The other services nearly always used the top of the
top-plate for their engraving.
Military markings might also be found on the vulcanite on the back of the body,
in white paint early in the war, or impressed. "Luftwaffen-Eigentum" and "Heer-Eigentum"
are known. The vulcanite on Luftwaffe cameras was often painted grey, which with
age and use can appear black at first sight but is obvious if the camera is put
alongside black one.
Camera is in fully working order. COMPLETE SET:
○ Camera body
○
Elmar 50mm f3,5
○
Take up spool
○
Case
○ Front lens cap Accessories for Leica Cameras
