Leica LTM What are the differences between a III and a IIIa

[lxmike]

I have winging its way in the post a leica III, (circa 1935), which brings me to my question, 'what are the differences between a III and a IIIa'. Thanks in advance for any help/answers

 

[Erik van Straten]

The difference is exactly 1/500 of a second.

Erik.

 

[lxmike]

The difference is exactly 1/500 of a second.

Erik.

many thanks

 

[xayraa33]

I don't remember the last time I ever used 1/1000 of a sec.on any of my cameras that has that shutter speed on the dial.

 

[Dralowid]

...and the III comes in black. The legend of a black IIIa is unproven...unless it is a conversion.

 

[lxmike]

...and the III comes in black. The legend of a black IIIa is unproven...unless it is a conversion.

l must admit black Leica II look so pretty

 

[nikonosguy]

I have a BP iid they are gorgeous

 

[lxmike]

I have a BP iid they are gorgeous

do you have a pic for us to drool over

 

[Mr_Flibble]

As said, the biggest difference is the 1/1000th shutter speed on a IIIa (never had a need for it myself).
The diopter adjustment lever has a different shape, but that's no deal-breaker either.

Doesn't the IIIa have straplugs where as the III originally did not? Though with all the intermediate models and upgrades it's hard to tell.

Looks like the shutter button collar is missing on your III in that photo.

 

[mcfingon]

BP III of 1933 with Elmar:

 

[lynnb]

BP III of 1933 with Elmar

Now that's beautiful.

 

[Erik van Straten]

Doesn't the IIIa have straplugs where as the III originally did not? Though with all the intermediate models and upgrades it's hard to tell.

The III had straplugs from the start.

Erik.

 

[lxmike]

BP III of 1933 with Elmar:

thanks for sharing a picture of an absolutely stunning Barnack

 

[Pioneer]

BP III of 1933 with Elmar:

Identical to my 36 BP III.

I do use the 1/1000 second speed on my Barnacks that have them, but I can't say I really miss it when shooting those that don't.

The extra step on the shutter dial is nice, but not that critical under most circumstances. I have however been photographing motorcycle races where 1/1000 just didn't seem fast enough.

Which reminds me, I need to locate a Minolta 9xi in good working order for my next trip to the races in Las Vegas. (Just what I need, another camera!!)

 

[Luddite Frank]

Also, for pre-c Barnacks that have a true 1/1000 shutter speed, when set to 1/1000, the shutter speed dial sits a bit higher on the body than for all the other speeds.

( Just in case somewhere in the past a camera had a later shutter-speed dial swapped-on. )

 

[mcfingon]

thanks for sharing a picture of an absolutely stunning Barnack

I'm glad you enjoyed it! I feel lucky to have and use such a lovely camera.

 

[MikeMGB]

Also, for pre-c Barnacks that have a true 1/1000 shutter speed, when set to 1/1000, the shutter speed dial sits a bit higher on the body than for all the other speeds.

( Just in case somewhere in the past a camera had a later shutter-speed dial swapped-on. )

And the number doesn't quite line up with the mark on the body, on mine at least.