LEICA IIIB

Leica IIIb is known as G-1938²⁶⁴

Finishes

The variation in body metal finishes is quite intriguing. On September 3, 1938, five black IIIb cameras, with serial numbers ranging between 295301 and 295305, were shipped to Ernst Leitz in New York based on delivery records. These cameras were "undoubtedly prepared to special order." German Leica expert Lars Netopil has reported seeing one of these cameras, specifically with serial number 295302, in its original black paint condition. He also noted that the shipment is labeled as "LUDOO schwarz" (meaning black) in the factory records, which suggests a combination of the IIIb camera and the Summar lens. Additionally, it was recorded that SUMUS Schwarz lackierte (black paint) cameras, with serial numbers from 446261 to 446265, were included in the same lot. The five black IIIb cameras are among the rarest of the rare, making the black IIIf and IIIg models appear relatively common in comparison.²⁶⁴

Technical Specifications

One reason for its rarity is the low production number compared to similar models, making it less common. The number of Leica IIIb cameras produced was nearly exhausted within just three years (1938-1940). In contrast, the total production of Leica III Model F and Leica IIIa Model G cameras exceeds five times that of the IIIb, and even during its peak production years, more IIIa and IIIf models were manufactured.²⁶⁴

Many IIIb models were lost during World War II, making it difficult to find one in pristine condition.²⁶⁴

The body of the IIIb has been significantly reinforced with internal stiffeners. The lens flange is attached to the body using brass inserts. This modification addresses the increased weight of some new telephoto lenses and prevents warping, which was an issue with the flanges on earlier models.²⁶⁴

Measurements: 133 x 30 x 68 mm²⁶⁴

Weight: 432 gr (with spool)²⁶⁴

• IIIb made in 1938 has code ATOOH²⁶⁴
• IIIb made in 1939 has code LIGOO²⁶⁴
• IIIb and 50mm f/3.5 Elmar lens made in 1938 has code ARHOO²⁶⁴
• IIIb and 50mm f/3.5 Elmar lens made in 1939 has code LEYOO²⁶⁴
• IIIb and 50mm f/2.5 Hektor lens has code ?²⁶⁴
• IIIb and 50mm f/2 Summar lens made in 1938 has code AZOOB²⁶⁴
• IIIb and 50mm f/2 Summar lens made in 1939 has code LUDOO ²⁶⁴
• IIIb and 50mm f/1.5 Xenon lens made in 1938 has code AMXOO²⁶⁴
• IIIb and 50mm f/1.5 Xenon lens made in 1939 has code LOOBT²⁶⁴
• IIIb and rifle and 135mm f/4.5 Hektor lens has code RIPBO²⁶⁴
• IIIb and rifle and 400mm f/5 Telyt lens has code RITEL²⁶⁴
• IIIb and rifle and 200mm f/4.5 Telyt lens RITOO has code ?²⁶⁴

Leica IIIb cameras can be found with the letters "N-L" or "S-T" engraved on the top cover, located between the "D.R.P." (Deutsches Reichspatent) and "Ernst Leitz" engravings. The "S-T" marking stands for "Spécialités Tiranty," indicating official importation by Tiranty, the Leitz agent for France. On the other hand, the "N-L" marking represents "Netherlands" ("Nederlande"), signifying official importation by Odin, the Leitz agent for the Netherlands. In a letter received from Odin in 1979, it was confirmed that the "N-L" engraving was performed by Leitz in Wetzlar. It is highly likely that Leitz also engraved the "S-T" marking²⁹¹.

Deliveries of Leica cameras were not made to the United States, England, Australia, or New Zealand. Germany had been at war since September 1939, and the United States did not officially enter World War II until December 1941. The last deliveries of Leica cameras, specifically the Leica IIIb, to the significant American market occurred in June 1940²⁶². 

Preliminary production data for the IIIb according to cameraquest.com²⁶⁴ is as follows:

Compared to Other Models

The differentiation of the IIIb from the IIIa primarily lies in the positioning of the rangefinder and viewfinder eyepieces, which are now adjacent to each other. This change results in a slight increase in the height of the housing by 1 mm. Additionally, many experts highlight the relocation of the diopter adjustment lever, which has moved from the rangefinder window to a position aligned with the rewind knob. This adjustment is particularly beneficial in practical use because it eliminates the need to reset the lever after closing and reopening the film advance.²⁶⁴

Another commonly recognized change is that the new accessory shoe is now attached with four screws instead of three, making it more secure. More importantly, two springs have been added, which replace the previous requirement for grooved holders. This successful design principle was employed by Leitz until 1976.²⁶⁴

The new diopter level is now better sealed, and the viewfinder has been modified by adding prisms in its path. This enhancement not only improves the overall viewing experience but also makes the edges of the viewfinder appear sharper and more defined.²⁶⁴

The specifics of these changes will not be fully understood until a detailed mechanical comparison between the IIIa and IIIb models is conducted. We cannot determine how, if at all, the IIIc model offers any mechanical advantages until a similar examination is performed on it. It's important to note that ball bearings were already introduced in the IIIb model; these were incorporated into both the shutter and film transport mechanisms^.264

The die-cast construction of the IIIc should provide better protection against dust and moisture, and its rigid alloy cast shutter crate is expected to be superior to the assembled brass crate of the IIIb. However, the introduction of die-casting methods was likely driven more by economic reasons than by concerns for quality; as die-cast components can be machined quickly. In contrast, pre-war camera bodies were made from drawn ductile materials known for their durability, while casting methods—being less reliable—were strictly avoided. This makes the IIIb the pinnacle of traditional Leitz camera construction and the best (and last) example of the true, almost hand-built, Barnack cameras^{. 264}

Gifts and Special Editions

The Leica IIIb camera with serial number 350000 was awarded in 1941 to Dr. Wilhelm Schneider, who was the co-inventor of Agfacolor film⁴⁸. Unfortunately, this camera was lost, and he received a replacement: a Leica IIIc, in 1946.²⁶⁴

There is a potentially rare version of the Leica IIIb that features an old-style viewfinder window frame with a bulge on one side. The Leica II Model D, Leica 250, Leica III Model F, and Leica IIIa Model G, all manufactured no later than 1937, have L-shaped frames. In contrast, all cameras produced in 1938 and later, including the previously mentioned models, have rectangular frames. Any earlier cameras that were upgraded after this design change received a rectangular frame as well. However, it is important to note that the accessory shoe was not changed during this process.²⁶⁴

Military

There are no significant model variants; however, some cameras feature military engravings. Some 420 Luftwaffe IIIb cameras had gray-painted vulcanite.²⁶⁴

Most military Leicas were IIIc models, though some IIIa Model G and IIIb models had military features as well.⁵²

Jim Lager's research as of mid-1980 has revealed various "versions" of the Luftwaffen Leica, and one of them was IIIb Chrome with "Fl. No. 38079" engraving ¹⁰⁴

Leica IIIb camera with serial number 294388 dating year 1939 with "Fl. No. 38078" engraving  had "Luftwaffen-Eigentum" ("Property of the Air Force") marking in the following style: Small, delicate letters on vulcanite ²²⁵

Leica IIIb camera with serial number 346598 dating years 1939-40 with "Fl. No. 38079" engraving  had "Luftwaffen-Eigentum" ("Property of the Air Force") marking in the following style: Heavy, bold letters on vulcanite ²²⁵

In early November 1939, Leitz began providing the IIIb model, with shipments continuing until June 1940. About 450 of these cameras were sent to Berlin, with nearly 300 dispatched in February 1940.²⁴⁵

Luftwaffe IIIb with 50mm f/2 Summar lens (LUDOO in reality, but LOODU by mistake?)  with serial numbers 345640-345650 were delivered to Luftwaffe on 22-01-1940, shipment number 7384. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY.²⁴⁵

Luftwaffe IIIb with 50mm f/2 Summar lens (LUDOO in reality, but LOODU by mistake?)  with serial numbers 345676-345700 were delivered to Luftwaffe on 22-01-1940, shipment number 7384. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY.²⁴⁵

Luftwaffe IIIb with 50mm f/3.5 Elmar lens (LEYOO) with serial numbers 346401-346409 were delivered to Luftwaffe on 26-02-1940, shipment number 7989. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY.²⁴⁵

Luftwaffe IIIb with 50mm f/3.5 Elmar lens (LEYOO) with serial numbers 346501-346530 were delivered to Luftwaffe on 26-02-1940, shipment number 7989. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY.²⁴⁵

Luftwaffe IIIb with 50mm f/3.5 Elmar lens (LEYOO) with serial numbers 346531-346536 were delivered to Luftwaffe on 07-02-1940, shipment number 8317. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY.²⁴⁵

Luftwaffe IIIb with 50mm f/3.5 Elmar lens (LEYOO) with serial numbers 346537-346540 were delivered to Luftwaffe on 26-02-1940, shipment number 7989. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY.²⁴⁵

Luftwaffe IIIb with 50mm f/3.5 Elmar lens (LEYOO) with serial numbers 346541-346545 were delivered to Luftwaffe on 07-02-1940, shipment number 8317. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY.²⁴⁵

Luftwaffe IIIb with 50mm f/3.5 Elmar lens (LEYOO) with serial numbers 346546-346551 were delivered to Luftwaffe on 26-02-1940, shipment number 7989. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY.²⁴⁵

Luftwaffe IIIb with 50mm f/3.5 Elmar lens (LEYOO) with serial number 346552 was delivered to Luftwaffe on 07-02-1940, shipment number 8317. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY.²⁴⁵

Luftwaffe IIIb with 50mm f/3.5 Elmar lens (LEYOO) with serial number 346553 was delivered to Luftwaffe on 26-02-1940, shipment number 7989. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY.²⁴⁵

Luftwaffe IIIb with 50mm f/3.5 Elmar lens (LEYOO) with serial numbers 346554-346555 were delivered to Luftwaffe on 07-02-1940, shipment number 8317. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY.²⁴⁵

Luftwaffe IIIb with 50mm f/3.5 Elmar lens (LEYOO) with serial numbers 346556-346580 were delivered to Luftwaffe on 26-02-1940, shipment number 7989. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY.²⁴⁵

Luftwaffe IIIb with 50mm f/2 Summar lens (LUDOO in reality, but LOODU by mistake?)  with serial numbers 346581-346584 were delivered to Luftwaffe on 10-02-1940, shipment number 9008. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY.²⁴⁵

Luftwaffe IIIb with 50mm f/2 Summar lens (LUDOO in reality, but LOODU by mistake?)  with serial number 346585 was delivered to Luftwaffe on 10-02-1940, shipment number 9017. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY.²⁴⁵

Luftwaffe IIIb with 50mm f/3.5 Elmar lens (LEYOO) with serial numbers 346586-346587 were delivered to Luftwaffe on 26-02-1940, shipment number 7989. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY.²⁴⁵

Luftwaffe IIIb with 50mm f/3.5 Elmar lens (LEYOO) with serial numbers 346588-346590 were delivered to Luftwaffe on 07-02-1940, shipment number 8317. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY.²⁴⁵

Luftwaffe IIIb with 50mm f/3.5 Elmar lens (LEYOO) with serial numbers 346591-346595 were delivered to Luftwaffe on 26-02-1940, shipment number 7989. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY.²⁴⁵

Luftwaffe IIIb with 50mm f/2 Summar lens (LUDOO in reality, but LOODU by mistake?)  with serial numbers 346596-346597 were delivered to Luftwaffe on 10-02-1940, shipment number 9008. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY.²⁴⁵

Luftwaffe IIIb with 50mm f/3.5 Elmar lens (LEYOO) with serial number 346598 was delivered to Luftwaffe on 26-02-1940, shipment number 7989. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY.²⁴⁵

Luftwaffe IIIb with 50mm f/2 Summar lens (LUDOO in reality, but LOODU by mistake?)  with serial numbers 346599-346600 were delivered to Luftwaffe on 10-02-1940, shipment number 9008. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY.²⁴⁵

Luftwaffe IIIb with 50mm f/3.5 Elmar lens (LEYOO) with serial numbers 346601-346762 were delivered to Luftwaffe on 26-02-1940, shipment number 7989. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY.²⁴⁵

Luftwaffe IIIb with 50mm f/3.5 Elmar lens (LEYOO) with serial numbers 347001-347017 were delivered to Luftwaffe on 26-02-1940, shipment number 7989. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY.²⁴⁵

Luftwaffe IIIb with 50mm f/3.5 Elmar lens (LEYOO) with serial numbers 347701-347717 were delivered to Luftwaffe on 06-03-1940, shipment number 9004. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY.²⁴⁵

Luftwaffe IIIb with 50mm f/3.5 Elmar lens (LEYOO) with serial numbers 348451-348486 were delivered to Luftwaffe on 06-04-1940, shipment number 9117. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY.²⁴⁵

Luftwaffe IIIb  with serial number 350066 was delivered to Luftwaffe on 17-06-1940, shipment number 9606. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY.²⁴⁵

Luftwaffe IIIb  with serial numbers 350701-350717 were delivered to Luftwaffe on 07-05-1940, shipment number 9006. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY.²⁴⁵

Luftwaffe IIIb  with serial numbers 351301-351315 were delivered to Luftwaffe on 04-06-1940, shipment number 9281. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY.²⁴⁵

Luftwaffe IIIb  with serial numbers 351316-351320 were delivered to Luftwaffe on 25-05-1940, shipment number 9468. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY.²⁴⁵

Luftwaffe IIIb  with serial numbers 351326-351330 were delivered to Luftwaffe on 25-05-1940, shipment number 9468. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY.²⁴⁵

Luftwaffe IIIb  with serial numbers 351331-351332 were delivered to Luftwaffe on 02-06-1940, shipment number 9281. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY.²⁴⁵

Luftwaffe IIIb  with serial number 351419 was delivered to Luftwaffe on 17-06-1940, shipment number 9606. Format of the shipment date is DD-MM-YYYY.²⁴⁵