Leica IIIc to IIIf Upgrade?

[Paul C. Perkins MD]

What I'm asking here is - were these commonly done?

I have what looks like a IIIf - but the serial number <3680XX> corresponds to a Leica IIIc manufactured 1940-41. I'm using the list for screw mount Leicas on Cameraquest.

I am going to sell it - but I don't want to misrepresent what I've got.

I seek insight.

 

[xayraa33]

I have seen these converted cameras at camera shows and such, mostly post war IIIc's.
my general observation is that they sell for less than an untouched IIIc or a genuine IIIf.
but like all old cameras condition plays a big part in price variations.

 

[colyn]

It was common in the 50's for Leitz to upgrade IIIc's to IIIf during service or if the owner specified a conversion.

price wise they sell for roughly the same as an unconverted IIIc.

 

[Luddite Frank]

Weren't the major differences between the III-C & III-F:

a) Top shutter speed increased to 1/1000th

b) Flash sync

 

[xayraa33]

Weren't the major differences between the III-C & III-F:

a) Top shutter speed inscreased to 1/1000th

b) Flash sync

no flash sync on IIIc.
flash sync on all IIIfs.
both the IIIc and IIIf had the 1/1000th Shutter speed.

 

[Luddite Frank]

When did the III step up to 1/1000 ?

 

[colyn]

When did the III step up to 1/1000 ?

The IIIa was the first with 1/1000th shutter speed.

 

[xayraa33]

When did the III step up to 1/1000 ?

1935 if I remember correctly, then it was called the IIIa.

 

[Luddite Frank]

Thanks !

(Still trying to learn all this stuff...)

LF

 

[John Shriver]

Kodachrome -- so slow it caused a surge in demand for flashbulbs! Thus folks wanted to convert their IIIc for practical flash sync (not the special bottom plate). Those who didn't have the bucks for the Leica IIIf upgrade got the butcher job through the front plate below the slow speed dial, or worse.

 

[Paul C. Perkins MD]

Look through the "Show us your Leica I,II,III" thread. There's a IIIc with a flash contact erupting out the TOP of the camera body! It is purely hideous to behold . . .

 

[BillP]

There's a dealer near me with a IIc converted to a IIf. They have it for sale at £499.00 - that's a premium over the normal prices for IIs in this part of the world and more than I paid for my IIIc with lens a year ago.

Regards,

Bill

 

[Graybeard]

Kodachrome -- so slow it caused a surge in demand for flashbulbs! Thus folks wanted to convert their IIIc for practical flash sync (not the special bottom plate). Those who didn't have the bucks for the Leica IIIf upgrade got the butcher job through the front plate below the slow speed dial, or worse.

I had one of these front plate flash sockets removed from a IIIc when the shutter curtains were being replace. The synch was not functional when the camera went into the shop.