When did the thread on baseplate change?

[alphonse2501]

I recently bought a Leica IIIc 1945 (395xxx). Body is original except base plate is from late IIIc/IIIf uses. Then I notice the thread mount at base plate has modern 1/4" so I can mount it to tripod without needs a adapter. Compare my first 1950 IIIc, its base plate has old 3/8" thread. I wonder when did Leitz change the size of thread during IIIc - IIIf transition? Maybe my 1945 IIIc got plate swap later then 50s?

 

[sepiareverb]

My M2 has the 3/8" tripod socket.

 

[charjohncarter]

I know nothing about this except my IIIf has new threads. Maybe, you had a choice back then, which is refreshing. There seems to be no choice these days (in cameras), so if I'm right just be happy that at some epoch people did have a choice.

 

[Tom A]

Most of the export LTM cameras came with 1/4" thread. The camers intended for the European market had the 3/8" mount thread. It is not set in stone - but most of my IIIc./IIIf's and M3/M2's has come with the 1/4" mount - but I also have some with the 3/8" thread.
Baseplates are prone to scratches and dents and often exchanged to upgrade the looks of a camera. As long as they work - dont worry about it.

 

[n5jrn]

New-style 1/4" threads on my IIIf RDST (S/N 773xxx). And it doesn't look like there's a thread adapter screwed in there.

 

[LeicaTom]

The tripod adapters were 3/8" "European" and 1/4" was offered after 1947 for cameras "Expoted" to the USA.

I think the M3 was the last Leica to have the 3/8" bottom, for worldwide use Leica went standard to 1/4" with the M4.

ALL Leica IIIC's had the 3/8" bottom up to 1947, if this answers your question, I saw that camera you bought the base plate is wrong, swapped out for a post 1947 era plate......

Tom

 

[alphonse2501]

I see. It also make sense why a sticker at base plate of my 1950 IIIc typed european like mark ("No" 28033).

 

[Paul Luscher]

One way to save the baseplate from further damage: A strip of gaffer tape between the latch and the thread mount.

 

[David Hughes]

I've a 1939 standard with 1/4" and so that means the smaller size on the shorter base plate.

EDIT: I should have said that the 3/8th's versions were "Zu / auf" openers and the 1/4" ones said "open", "close" and "Germany". So we know pre-1940 but I wonder just when they changed.

Regards, David