Leica LTM IIIf RD ST - Help needed

[thirteen]

I could use some help from the experts.
I'm looking at an e-bay item #260085116323 - a IIIf RD ST.
I thought the numbers under the speed setting dial on the top plate (flash synch adjustment??) should be red. On this camera they appear to be black.
The serial # is correct however for a 1954 IIIf RD ST.
Could someone help me on this?

 

[Solinar]

It's a IIIf RD ST - You use a synch setting of 20 for 1/50th of second. At 1/25th and below, set the dial to 0.

Hope this helps.

 

[bob cole]

IIIf RD ST Help Needed

IIIf RD ST Help Needed

I could use some help from the experts.
I'm looking at an e-bay item #260085116323 - a IIIf RD ST.
I thought the numbers under the speed setting dial on the top plate (flash synch adjustment??) should be red. On this camera they appear to be black.
The serial # is correct however for a 1954 IIIf RD ST.
Could someone help me on this?

----------------------
Jim Lager, in his "Leica, An Illustrated History," Vol 1 on Cameras, says that there were three versions of the IIIf: the first has black numbers...The 2d version, starting at No. 615,001 has red numbers...the 3d version, starting at No. 685,001 has red numbers and a self-timer...

Therefore, the IIIf RD ST has red numbers... [the RD ST stands for red dial, self timer]

the numbers, however, do look black...If you're serious about bidding, you could ask him if the numbers are red...

I hope this helps...

 

[OldNick]

I have a Leica IIIf RD, SN 636XXX, and the numbers also appear as black. I think it is an aging thing, that the "red" either gets covered with grime or loses its red tint. The 25 on the shutter speed dial is also losing its red color, though it is visible. The major change, other than color, is that the IIIf BD has speeds of 1/20, 1/30, etc, while the IIIf RD has 1/25, 1/50. As Bob said, the flash synch settings are also different.

Jim N.

 

[thirteen]

Thanks everyone for your replies - they have been very helpful. I intend to contact the seller and ask some questions.

 

[SteveM(PA)]

The Red Dial also has an improved shutter bearing, supposedly making the shutter more acurate. Also, according to Youxin Ye, the rangefinder is more robust. He tells me he often has to re-silver BD mirrors, but very rarely can a RD mirror not be made nearly clear as new with just a simple cleaning.

But it's all good. 🙂 I hope you win it and enjoy it. It's total sweetness. 🙂