HuubL
hunter-gatherer
I have a chance to obtain a nice looking black 1933 vintage Leica III. However, according to the Cameraquest list the number corresponds to one from a series of chrome bodies. Could this be an error in the list? How correct is the list and are there other members with black or chrome bodies incorrectly listed?
johannielscom
Snorting silver salts
Sounds interesting, Huub!
Camera could have been converted in the factory to black later. Not sure if this was done by Leica at all though.
You could ask Erik van Straten and Michael (dralowid) in the LTM Conversions forum. They are really knowledgeable on things like these.
Camera could have been converted in the factory to black later. Not sure if this was done by Leica at all though.
You could ask Erik van Straten and Michael (dralowid) in the LTM Conversions forum. They are really knowledgeable on things like these.
HuubL
hunter-gatherer
Thanks Johan. I know Erik and Michael, but didn't know we have an LTM conversion forum... 
johannielscom
Snorting silver salts
john neal
fallor ergo sum
Huub,
Interesting - I recently sold a black III from 1933 (was it to you?) - this one also had a serial that suggested it was from a chromw batch. I think that the 1932 / 33 records are a bit off. If you look at the production figures for the II there are way too many in 1932 compared to 1933, so I think they were not really paying enough attention. Mine was definitely black when made and stayed that way.
Also, I had a 1933 black II - it had a III shell, but the lugs were blanked off with screws (original factory "bodge").
I know the factory did all kinds of reworks, but chrome to black? I doubt it
Interesting - I recently sold a black III from 1933 (was it to you?) - this one also had a serial that suggested it was from a chromw batch. I think that the 1932 / 33 records are a bit off. If you look at the production figures for the II there are way too many in 1932 compared to 1933, so I think they were not really paying enough attention. Mine was definitely black when made and stayed that way.
Also, I had a 1933 black II - it had a III shell, but the lugs were blanked off with screws (original factory "bodge").
I know the factory did all kinds of reworks, but chrome to black? I doubt it
Roberto V.
Le surrèalisme, c'est moi
Like John said, I doubt that Leica themselves would convert a chrome body to black paint. It seems fairly probable that the records might be off for those years.
HuubL
hunter-gatherer
Yes John, that was me to whom you sold your beautiful III. And I did you a promise at the time, which I would like to fulfill. Could you email me your paypal email account number again, I've lost it.
In fact, I just noticed that according to that list, your camera's number corresponds to a chrome Leica II. It is definitely a black Leica III, although the strap eyes are chrome, whereas the rest of the fittings are all nickel.
I just collected the "new" III. That one definitely is also an original black III and with all nickel fittings, including the strap eyes. This body is a little bit later than yours and that corresponds to the placement of the "D.R.P." underneath "Wetzlar", wheras your slightly earlier III had D.R.P. placed directly below the Leica logo.
Also funny, both came with nickel Elmars, your's in feet, the new one in meters, but your lens has a slightly higher (later) number than the new one.
I love these cameras. As far as I'm concerned, nickel on black is the most beautiful combination Leica ever made. Also the new one is in super shape, but it needs a CLA as it is a little dry and the long times are sticky. I'll post pictures later!
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