plan B: baseplate

[laptoprob]

Is the prewar Leica baseplate interchangeable with the russian counterparts?
If so, I could try to get a russian base to use on my coming IIIa that is lacking the baseplate.

Does anyone know?

 

[Limpovitj]

I don't know if this is of any help, but to make matters a little more complicated, all prewar baseplates aren't the same. The baseplates from my Leica II (which was rebuilt from IC, probably in the early thirties) and my '36 Leica III are not interchangeable. If I remember correctly, it is the connecting lug on the body that Leitz at some point changed in shape and size. The baseplates are the same size of course, and would have fit if it wasn't for this.

(Before anyone suggests it - no, my II isn't a russian fake.)

My II is in a state of disassembly in a box somewhere, but I could perhaps dig it out for a comparison if you need details on the difference.

I have no idea about russian baseplates.

 

[ZorkiKat]

The pre-IIIc models were 'shorter' in length than the IIIc and later cameras. Some Zorki or FED baseplatea may fit your IIIa, but not necessarily lock properly. I will have to look at my III again, but as far I remember, the Zorki's baseplate does not lock. The Leica used a differently shaped latch which served two purposes- one to hold the plate in place, and the other, to open the Leitz film magazine.

Jay

 

[laptoprob]

Thank you all. I will keep on looking for a IIIa baseplate.

 

[ZorkiKat]

Rob

I checked about five different baseplates from five Zorki and FED. They all fit the Leica III, but not all locked. One from a Zorki 1(c) fit and locked. You may have to flatten the small, protruding metal part on the latch to make it engage with the Leica IIIa. The baseplates from Zorki 2C and Zorki-5 also fit, but you may have to modify the locking latch. These cameras are easier to find in scrapped condition. Try asking 'alex-photo' on eBay for these.

Jay

 

[hugivza]

Fed and Zorki measurements

Fed and Zorki measurements

I measured my Zorki 1 and Fed 1 and their base are almost identical measurements were as follows:

Zorki 1 width of base with cover removed = 28.35 mm
length of base with cover removed (tangent to tangent) 132.00mm

Fed 1 width of base (with cover removed) = 28.30 mm
length of base with cover removed (tangent to tangent) 132.00mm

The inside measurement of the base would have to correspond to these with the end radius being say 14.15 mm.

Hope that this is of help.