Dunk
Established
This is the "incomplete' military Leica M3 outfit recently acquired. TTBOMK no data is available as to the number of actual military M3 outfits issued - but the numbers of military M3 cameras issued are known. It is very probable that "outfits" were put together using cameras and lenses manufactured in different years. Most items are engraved/stamped with German army military contract numbers. All cameras are painted olive green. I hope the colour shows up in the pictures - I am colour blind and may not have set the white balance correctly before taking the pictures. Only 144 olive green M3 cameras were manufactured including 100 in 1957. This example is from serial number sequence 1206962-1206999 which was the very last batch of 38 Leica M3 bodies made in 1968 ... S/N 1206983 is one of the last 17 made. Production of normal chrome M3 cameras ceased in 1966; anything made thereafter would have used existing parts inventory plus some "green paint" . Apologies if some of the comments hereunder appear a bit patronising or unnecessary to the experts here but the essay was initially prepared for a non-camera forum where members are unfamiliar with Leica products.
If you have a copy of the Leica Pocket Book 7th Edition the actual serial numbers of olive green military Leica M3 cameras are documented in the M3 section on page 37 . Similarly, the military S/Ns are also documented in "Leica Collectors Guide" first edition on page 79.
This the M3 camera fitted with the 50mm f3.5 Elmar and lens hood
Closer view of top plate
The back of the top plate shows the military "Bundeswehreigentum" engraving (as does the lens hood above)
Rear view; both flash sync. covers included
Back door opened to reveal the film plane, shutter blinds and film pressure plate
M3 baseplate
Minor vulcanite damage. Might require stabilizing to prevent spread. This is the most complete vulcanite I have seen compared to other photographs of known olive green M3 cameras.
With the Leicameter-MC fitted ... the meter is coupled to the camera shutter speed dial - the meter also has a military engraving but on the underside ... see picture below
Another picture with the meter attached
The Elmar lens S/N 1335790 is interesting because it was made in 1956 over 10 years prior to the camera. But, there was also a military contract in 1957 so presumably the lens could have been issued under the 1957 contract and then swapped over at a later date. Also note that Elmar 50/3.5 lenses in M bayonet mount were only made from 1954 until 1961 and total bayonet mount production was only 13198 compared to total 50/3.5 Elmar L39 screw mount lens production of 365852. The Leitz 50/3.5 Elmar was in production from 1925 until 1961 in virtually the same design/configuration. The only major upgrade was lens coating introduced in the late 1940's. 50mm Elmars are still sought after today for their particular type of "fingerprint" and "bo-ke" ie the pleasant transition of sharp to unsharp out of focus areas in the image.
Military engravings on the lens and lens hood. I need to investigate the military contract numbers to try and date them and hopefully maybe prove the number on the lens corresponds with a 1957 contract. But on the other hand it would have been possible for the 1956 lens to be in storage for up to 12 years before the outfit was put together. Lens hoods do not have Leitz serial numbers so it is not possible to date them. The hood has the Leitz code IROO and was suitable for both 35mm and 50mm lenses.
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa318/kirkwo
[img]http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa318/kirkwoo
This is the 135mm f4 Leitz Tele-Elmar S/N 2421032 which dates it to 1970. This version of the lens was in production from 1965 to 1985 and is a superb performer. The MTF graphs are are almost straight lines thus giving excellent edge to edge sharpness and contrast. There is no military contract number engraved on the lens but there is a "BUNDESWEHR" engraving. Given the date of manufacture this lens could have been a replacement ... or maybe the outfit was not issued until 1970?
cont'd ...
If you have a copy of the Leica Pocket Book 7th Edition the actual serial numbers of olive green military Leica M3 cameras are documented in the M3 section on page 37 . Similarly, the military S/Ns are also documented in "Leica Collectors Guide" first edition on page 79.
This the M3 camera fitted with the 50mm f3.5 Elmar and lens hood
Closer view of top plate
The back of the top plate shows the military "Bundeswehreigentum" engraving (as does the lens hood above)
Rear view; both flash sync. covers included
Back door opened to reveal the film plane, shutter blinds and film pressure plate
M3 baseplate
Minor vulcanite damage. Might require stabilizing to prevent spread. This is the most complete vulcanite I have seen compared to other photographs of known olive green M3 cameras.
With the Leicameter-MC fitted ... the meter is coupled to the camera shutter speed dial - the meter also has a military engraving but on the underside ... see picture below
Another picture with the meter attached
The Elmar lens S/N 1335790 is interesting because it was made in 1956 over 10 years prior to the camera. But, there was also a military contract in 1957 so presumably the lens could have been issued under the 1957 contract and then swapped over at a later date. Also note that Elmar 50/3.5 lenses in M bayonet mount were only made from 1954 until 1961 and total bayonet mount production was only 13198 compared to total 50/3.5 Elmar L39 screw mount lens production of 365852. The Leitz 50/3.5 Elmar was in production from 1925 until 1961 in virtually the same design/configuration. The only major upgrade was lens coating introduced in the late 1940's. 50mm Elmars are still sought after today for their particular type of "fingerprint" and "bo-ke" ie the pleasant transition of sharp to unsharp out of focus areas in the image.
Military engravings on the lens and lens hood. I need to investigate the military contract numbers to try and date them and hopefully maybe prove the number on the lens corresponds with a 1957 contract. But on the other hand it would have been possible for the 1956 lens to be in storage for up to 12 years before the outfit was put together. Lens hoods do not have Leitz serial numbers so it is not possible to date them. The hood has the Leitz code IROO and was suitable for both 35mm and 50mm lenses.
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa318/kirkwo
[img]http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa318/kirkwoo
This is the 135mm f4 Leitz Tele-Elmar S/N 2421032 which dates it to 1970. This version of the lens was in production from 1965 to 1985 and is a superb performer. The MTF graphs are are almost straight lines thus giving excellent edge to edge sharpness and contrast. There is no military contract number engraved on the lens but there is a "BUNDESWEHR" engraving. Given the date of manufacture this lens could have been a replacement ... or maybe the outfit was not issued until 1970?
cont'd ...
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Dunk
Established
Underside of the meter showing military engravings. This is a selenium meter. Note the meter cell calibration/adjustment screw on the LHS.
This is a plumb-bob also with a military engraving and is probably a variant of the Leitz FLOTH dating from 1931. It would have been used with a Leitz copying device ie the brass plumb bob would have been suspended from the centre of the lens to facilitate centring of the document/photograph being copied. The copying device could have been a collapsable "quadpod" type of which Leitz made several eg the BEHOO or BOOWU . Unfortunately the device is missing. The plumb-bob may also have had a clip to attach the plate to the lens.
Interior of the outfit case. Note the bayonet M mounts for storing the lenses. The plumb bob is stored in the sheath on the LHS. The case needs some stitching repairs which will be attended to asap via a local saddler.
Military marking on the case lid
Provision inside the case lid for storing film cassettes
Unused camera strap
Still have some research to do ref the missing items and will be checking out old auction records to ascertain what was included in Christies sold lots over the years. So far have found 8 other military M3 cameras sold by Christies between 1996 and 2001. I have not used the camera yet. The slow shutter speeds appear to be a bit erratic so will probably have the camera serviced. I have another Leica military camera c 1941 which is due back from service shortly ... it is not as scarce as this one and it has proven provenance ... will do a shorter photo essay for it asap.
All these photos were taken with a Fuji F30 compact in macro mode using natural window light diffused through a white net curtain ... and with polystyrene reflectors opposite the window and above the subjects. And the background was made using off-white cartridge paper draped over a giant size cornflake box thus making a small infinity screen. Used some Blu Tac too.
Cheers
dunk
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Roger Hicks
Veteran
Dear Dunk,
Thanks for the information.
MUCH more interesting than 'I've just bought a readily available current-production camera and here are numerous boring pictures of it'!
Even though I don't collect any more, I found this very interesting indeed, especially such things as the Bundeseigentum hood.
Cheers,
R.
Thanks for the information.
MUCH more interesting than 'I've just bought a readily available current-production camera and here are numerous boring pictures of it'!
Even though I don't collect any more, I found this very interesting indeed, especially such things as the Bundeseigentum hood.
Cheers,
R.
Mackinaw
Think Different
This is one good looking camera. Almost makes me want to have my M3 de-chromed and painted olive drab.
Jim B.
Jim B.
yoyo22
Well-known
The unit I served in had one of those sets. That time I wasn't into rangefinders, but used my private Canon to take photos of all the brass, diplomats and politicians there.
One day the supply-sergeant came to collect it for destruction - "too old to be still useful", he said. I tried to save it and I failed. He later confirmed to me that the entire gear consisting of the olive M3, three lenses, several filters, the olive case and more were "rendered useless" in a large garbage compactor.
One day the supply-sergeant came to collect it for destruction - "too old to be still useful", he said. I tried to save it and I failed. He later confirmed to me that the entire gear consisting of the olive M3, three lenses, several filters, the olive case and more were "rendered useless" in a large garbage compactor.
Vickko
Veteran
Wow.
I have a liking for military cameras. I have a KE-7A myself.
Is it fair to think that it was quite expensive?
Vick
I have a liking for military cameras. I have a KE-7A myself.
Is it fair to think that it was quite expensive?
Vick
Roger Hicks
Veteran
Aaargh!
I seem to recall a punk song with the refrain, I WANNA BE A DRILL INSTRUCTOR.
Anyone else remember it?
Cheers,
R.
Al Kaplan
Veteran
Interesting, VOVO22. It makes you wonder what else "got compacted" over the years. Probably enough to make a dent in the national debt if it had been auctioned.
Dunk
Established
It was expensive. Thought I was a bit mad at the time. But has proved interesting researching other OG M3 cameras.
Cheers
dunk
dovevadar
DoveVadar
DUNK>
thats a real head-turner you have! How much did you pay for it? I have been looking around for one but no luck so far... anyone chanced upon one of these?
thats a real head-turner you have! How much did you pay for it? I have been looking around for one but no luck so far... anyone chanced upon one of these?
Dunk
Established
I do not wish to divulge the price but suffice to say it was very expensive. Last year I also bought an Ilford Witness with two lenses which was just as expensive. They both came from the same dealer and I negotiated deals which were less than the original asking prices. In the case of this OG M3 I also negotiated the price to include a Leica 1 Model A with a lowish 4 figure serial number. Sometimes I see a camera and think "shall I get it?" and then I hesitate ... and then someone else is quicker off the mark and buys it. Lots of collectors say we should not buy cameras as investments but sometimes a camera is so expensive you have to consider "how much would I lose on this if I had to sell it" . I figured I would not lose too much and that I will get a lot of enjoyment from the camera so I bought it. If the price had been so high that it would have been chucking money down the drain I would not have bought it. Some might say it is safer than money in the bank at the moment. However, I bought the camera 3 weeks ago ... before the financial crisis had reached its current peak ... I expect that if the same dealer were to offer the camera for sale now it might be an even more negotiable price. But none of us has a crystal ball.
Cheers
dunk
EDIT 13.18 hrs GMT
Have found this link which shows auction hammer price for a complete outfit sold in Auction No. 12 Lot 104 November 2007
http://www.westlicht-auction.com/index.php?id=112093&refererid=7132&_ssl=off&lang=default
I think that price was cheap considering the completeness of the outfit. The camera is part of a 1957 military batch.
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maddoc
... likes film again.
Interesting ! I just wonder who bought this set originally from the German government. They have a special federal auction agency (http://www.vebeg.de/web/en/start/index.htm) selling all kind of stuff to the public.
SolaresLarrave
My M5s need red dots!
Really good photographs of this outfit, Dunk. Thanks for posting and for the information! 
LeicaTom
Watch that step!
Das ist wunderschone!!!!
Long long time since I`ve seen one of these BW issue cameras.......(Like back in Germany in 1992)
A complete set is crazy rare and that standard issue f3.5/50 M I always found interesting, that hood is really kool and everything`s stamped.
*ohh here`s a good question about the f3.5/late mount, did they ever make these in LTM for the IIIFRDST or the IIIG?* - at like 13,000 lenes they are rare in M mount, but if they made this mount in LTM it must be even rarer than the LTM Summilux!
Enjoy!
Tom
PS: What`s the 1941 Military camera? A "Luftwaffen" chrome red curtain? - I have four pretty rare one`s myself, *see the top three cameras in my signature*
Long long time since I`ve seen one of these BW issue cameras.......(Like back in Germany in 1992)
A complete set is crazy rare and that standard issue f3.5/50 M I always found interesting, that hood is really kool and everything`s stamped.
*ohh here`s a good question about the f3.5/late mount, did they ever make these in LTM for the IIIFRDST or the IIIG?* - at like 13,000 lenes they are rare in M mount, but if they made this mount in LTM it must be even rarer than the LTM Summilux!
Enjoy!
Tom
PS: What`s the 1941 Military camera? A "Luftwaffen" chrome red curtain? - I have four pretty rare one`s myself, *see the top three cameras in my signature*
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Dunk
Established
The WW2 camera is a IIIb with 50/3.5 Elmar both with military markings and both s/n's are shown in the book "30 Jahre Leica HISTORICA ... Screwmount cameras with military engravings (WWII) " and also in James L Lager's book "Wehrmacht Leica". I hope to have the camera back from servicing soon ... it is finished but also sent several other cameras for servicing at the same time including an M2 for which a new slow speed train was required and that is being fitted this week.
Cheers
dunk
Dunk
Established
I also posted this photo essay on the Military Watch Resource in the "Off Topic" forum where was surprised to receive a reply from James Dowling ( author of "Rolex ... The Unauthorised History" ) he commented on the OG M3 and posted pictures of his M4 MOT US Navy outfit ... and it is black paint too. Also of interest is the US Navy method of "engraving" the military ID
Here is the link http://www.mwrforum.net/forums/showthread.php?p=63478
Cheers
dunk
Here is the link http://www.mwrforum.net/forums/showthread.php?p=63478
Cheers
dunk