Leica LTM Internal details on a Leica IIIa

[Graybeard]

I've been using Barnack Leicas for quite a long time now, but these have all been post WWII models, IIIc's, IIIf's, and IIIg's.

Recently I was handling a IIIa in pretty good (user) cosmetic condition and I noticed some difference ibetween the internals of the IIIa I was examining and the later models with which I am familiar.

Specifically, when looking into the lens mount opening, one of the shutter curtain rolls was visible. In a IIIc, the curtain rolls are covered by a metal baffle. Similarly, when the baseplate was removed, some of the shutter mechanism was visible. In a IIIc and later, the mechanism is covered by the plate which carries instructions for the dimensions of the film leader.

The IIIa I was examining resembled the Russian Leica II clones whch I've seen in the lacking cover plates found in the IIIc.

So, my question is, did the Leica IIIa originally have these cover plates/baffles? (meaning that they had been removed in the IIIa I handled) or were the cover plates an addition to the IIIc and later models?


TIA

 

[dlove5]

I know my IIIa does not have the cover plate or baffles you mention. I'm pretty sure the IIIa did not come with a cover plate like the later models. Not totally sure about the baffles.

Also I just had it CLA'd and I think that would have come up if they were missing.

 

[xayraa33]

the Leica standard, II, III, IIIa and IIIb did not have the baffles on the drum and rollers or the bottom spring plate cover.

 

[Graybeard]

Thank you fellows.

Your responses answered my question well.

I believe I'll add that IIIa to my collection.

 

[dlove5]

You'll like it I'm sure. It may not have as sturdy construction as the later Barnacks, but I like how small it is. I've had mine for about 35 years. Originally it was my grandfather's.

 

[John Shriver]

Lighter than the IIIc as well.

 

[DwF]

There is an article in LHSA Viewfinder (years back) that details this. I will look for it. The "housing" on the iiia is not the same as subsequent models (iiic or f). The frame is therefore not as beefy as the newer models but it works fine. DAG rebuilt the one that I have and shutter mechanism works smoothly even with the slower speeds.
It is interesting that the question would even come up on a iiia (or any Barnack Leica). I recall using the Contax T and Konica Auto S3 and having to carefully stablize the body from twisting while rewinding film. And those cameras have very loyal followings.
David

 

[DwF]

There is an article in Viewfinder (LHSA) 1994 Third Qtr. The Remarkable Leica IIIc

There is a picture that shows the "strong plate" measuring 3mm thick of hard aluminum alloy. This allows the outer shell of the camera to be removed quickly for maintenance or shutter testing without without disturbing critical adjustments. Also the newer design with this plate allowed for mounting heavier (longer ) lenses without distorting the camera body.

From my experience playing with the 50mm f2 Summitar on the iiia, I recall it feeling better suited to the iiic and iif because it was a heavier lens. Having said that, I've kept the iiia around because it is so light and fun to use; takes my Elmar 3.5 or the CV 28 f3.5 beautifully!

For me it goes like this: Leica iiic, f, g feel big after you become accustomed to the iiia. The M6ttl, and M7 feel weird after you become accustomed to the Ms 2,3,4, and 6 Classic. The M8 is massive when you have grown accustomed to any of them!

 

[Rob-F]

the Leica standard, II, III, IIIa and IIIb did not have the baffles on the drum and rollers or the bottom spring plate cover.

Yep! I just took the lens off my II, and it's the same way! I can see the curtains moving on their rollers.

Always something new to learn about Leicas!

 

[[o] Marc]

Just for the record: my IIIa (front view🙂 has a baffle but (bottom view🙂 does show shutter mechanism parts such as the non round wheel at, I believe, the other end of the axis coming from the speed dial wheel (i.e. turning when you wind up); those are not covered by the leader cutting instructions which are (opposite,) on the baseplate.