Finally l have my hands on a stepper IIIc

[lxmike]

That's why a 1942 IIIc stepper is my go-to Leica 🙂

I can see why, for some reason, and l do not have the words for that reason, my IIIc steeper seems a very magical camera. I am lucky its in very very good nick, cosmetically its amazing, mechanically, the rangefinder is contrasty and the faster shutter speeds seem ok, the slower ones are a little sticky, l will send it for a trip to Cameraworks for a shutter overhall🙂

 

[hilltime]

Wouldn't all wartime production IIIc's be considered "steppers"?
I'm not sure how "rare" these are, other than the Grey of Military models.
I know I once had one with a K stamped on one of the shutter curtains and now the one I have is ser# 393XXX, I assume maybe finished in 1946?

Gary Hill

 

[Mr_Flibble]

Yes, basically. Though, there are post-war ones made from wartime parts.

The next generation IIIc cameras underwent some redesign; which included the elimination of the step under the lever by heightening the top plate.

391xxx is from around Summer 1945, so 393xxx for 1946 would be right, if not very close.

 

[lxmike]

Yes, basically. Though, there are post-war ones made from wartime parts.

The next generation IIIc cameras underwent some redesign; which included the elimination of the step under the lever by heightening the top plate.

391xxx is from around Summer 1945, so 393xxx for 1946 would be right, if not very close.

What makes this forum so special is that people with great knowledge freely share it, thank you🙂

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

Are there any material differences between the wartime or post war versions that would, for instance, make one type more reliable, durable, more accurate shutter speeds, etc? I'm not thinking of the K variants here, just the ordinary IIIc production. Yes, there are obvious external differences pre and post war. But is there anything that really matters to reliability, usability or durability? I'm looking at an example of each at present: I gather prices are a little higher for the wartime production, condition being the same?
Thanks in advance.

 

[raid]

Congratulations on the IIIc Stepper.

I once owned a IIIc, and I did not know then about the possibility of being a stepper model or not. I then sold it and got a IIIf. No clue why I did that.

I love reading about the history of some models.

 

[Mr_Flibble]

I don't think there was much difference in materials used or reliability concerning the wartime and post-war IIIc. Curtain travel speed remained the same.
There is some variation in the types of bearings used in the Shutter throughout its production life; Pin bearings early on, full-race roller-bearings on the "K"....Not sure about the post-war shutters. Nobody seems to know if these are the so-called 'half-race' ones. A term that pops up here and there.

I know my 1945 one sold through the US Army PX did have some cheaper material parts, simpler light seals, according to Ron who serviced it some years back. It also still had the synthetic ersatz grease.
Leica probably cut some corners to get that order out the door so sortly after VE-Day with material shortages being what they were.

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

I don't think there was much difference in materials used or reliability concerning the wartime and post-war IIIc. Curtain travel speed remained the same.
There is some variation in the types of bearings used in the Shutter throughout its production life; Pin bearings early on, full-race roller-bearings on the "K"....Not sure about the post-war shutters. Nobody seems to know if these are the so-called 'half-race' ones. A term that pops up here and there.

I know my 1945 one sold through the US Army PX did have some cheaper material parts, simpler light seals, according to Ron who serviced it some years back. It also still had the synthetic ersatz grease.
Leica probably cut some corners to get that order out the door so sortly after VE-Day with material shortages being what they were.

Thanks, Rick! Much appreciated.
The red curtain steppers tend to still be a bit more desirable, and fetch a bit more, yes?

I'm feeling a bit conflicted. On the one hand I was going to fully service one, shoot some rolls, and pass it on. If I get the stepper—chances are, I'll probably want to keep it! 😉
Cheers,
Brett

 

[splitimageview]

I don't think there is any practical difference, it comes down to how well individual cameras were preserved over the years, or how much they were abused. 🙂

 

[Erik van Straten]

In recent years I have increasingly come to the conclusion that the Leica III is a much better camera than the Leica IIIc. I admit the IIIc is easier to take apart, but a III is truly indestructible, except for the small round spring under the transport knob. Be careful with that!

A IIIc contains many parts that break easily during repairs, such as screws that go lame. That has never happened to me with a Leica I, II or III. Leica IIIc cameras often leak light too.

Erik.