Leica IIIC Gray 1941 with 5cm f2 Summitar
The Leica IIIc with serial number 389279K was produced during wartime in 1941. The "K" suffix denotes a special variant of the Leica IIIc, distinguished by the use of ball bearings in the shutter mechanism—a feature referred to in German as "Kugellager." This technical enhancement was primarily designed to improve performance in cold environments, making these cameras well-suited for military use during World War II.
The camera is in good original vintage condition and fully functional. It comes with a Summitar 5cm f/2 lens, serial number 585097, which is period-correct for this body. The lens shows slight Separation and cleaning marks which do not affect image Quality.
Leica IIIC gray No. 389279K with 2/5cm Summitar Wartime1941. full original
The Leica IIIC gray from 1941 is a rare and historically significant rangefinder camera, representing the engineering standards of its era. This specific unit, featuring the sought after K designation, is paired with a period correct Ernst Leitz 5cm Summitar f/2 lens. It remains a fascinating choice for collectors who appreciate the history of wartime production and the mechanical precision of classic Leica rangefinders.
Condition
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Optical condition: | The camera body shows a beautiful and authentic patina consistent with its age and history. The metallic surfaces are well preserved for a piece from 1941. The lens shows minor cleaning marks and slight separation, typical for vintage glass of this age, which do not impact the resulting image quality. |
| Notes: | This camera is a wartime production model featuring the K suffix, which indicates the implementation of ball bearings in the shutter mechanism for improved operation in cold climates. |
| Function: | The camera and lens are fully functional. All mechanical operations have been verified for smooth performance. |
| Arsenal Check | B |
Arsenal Photo Condition Grades
| Grade | Definition |
|---|---|
| Brand New | With full warranty |
| A+ | Absolutely like new condition, absolutely without any signs of wear. |
| A | Like new condition, without signs of wear, no scratches. |
| AB | Near mint, very light signs of wear, absolutely fully functional good condition. |
| B | Absolutely fully functional condition, good condition, signs of normal use. |
| B- | Absolutely fully functional condition, good condition, with marks & scratches. |
| C | Signs of heavier use, with marks & scratches, sales without warranty. |
| D | Very bad condition, not examined, sales without warranty. |
Features of Leica IIIC gray No. 389279K with 2/5cm Summitar Wartime1941. full original
This Leica IIIC gray is an iconic piece of camera history. Produced in 1941, the K variant stands out due to its specialized shutter design incorporating ball bearings. This modification was intended to ensure reliable performance even in harsh, cold conditions. The included 5cm Summitar f/2 lens complements the body perfectly, offering the classic rendering and soft bokeh that portrait and street photographers seek. As a fully mechanical rangefinder, this setup provides a tactile experience that modern digital cameras cannot replicate. It is an excellent addition for any serious collector or enthusiast of historic rangefinder equipment.
Leica IIIC gray 1941 analog rangefinder camera with 5cm Summitar. Perfect for collectors and historical photography enthusiasts.
Contents of Leica IIIC gray No. 389279K with 2/5cm Summitar Wartime1941. full original
Contents as pictured.
- Camera: Leica IIIC gray 1941 body, Ernst Leitz 5cm Summitar f/2 lens
Technical Data
- Camera type: 35mm rangefinder camera
- Serial number: 389279K
- Mount: Leica screw mount
- Special features: Wartime production K variant with ball bearing shutter mechanism
*Technical specifications subject to change without notice.*
Arsenal Photo Service
Arsenal Photo (PhotoAlps GmbH) buys and sells used and collectible analog cameras, lenses and photo accessories. We ship worldwide, with tax-free export available for buyers outside the EU. Questions about the item will be answered by the team via email. Purchase of collections, estates, and individual items is possible at any time. The camera and lens will be carefully packed in specialized shock-absorbent material for secure global transit. Please note that this is a historical collector's item.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does the K designation mean on this Leica IIIC?
- The K suffix stands for Kugellager, referring to the use of ball bearings in the shutter mechanism. This was a technical upgrade to maintain reliable shutter speeds in extremely cold environments.
- Does the slight lens separation affect my photos?
- No, the minor separation and cleaning marks on the Summitar lens are age-typical and do not have any noticeable impact on image quality.
- Is this camera suitable for daily use?
- Yes, it is fully functional and mechanically sound. We recommend handling it with the care appropriate for an authentic 1941 collector's piece.
- Is the lens period-correct for this camera?
- Yes, the included 5cm Summitar f/2 lens with serial number 585097 is a period-correct match for this 1941 camera body.
- Does this Leica require a battery?
- No, this is a fully mechanical rangefinder camera that does not require batteries to operate.
