My grandmother recently gave me my grandfather's Leica camera. He died in 1996 and never allowed anyone to touch it. He purchased the camera in the late 1930's in Havana, Cuba. I know it does not take flash pictures. It has a tripod insert at the bottom, but it does not accept my regular tripod screw. Is there an adapter for it? Also, can you tell me what model camera it is? It's bronce in color and has a leather lining. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Someone suggested it's a II-A, but your opinion would help me clear any misunderstandings. Thanks.

Carlos Enriquez

-- Carlos Enriquez (cenriquez@prodigy.net), December 21, 2001

Answers

Hi Carlos, from the serial number it appears to be a Leica III in chrome produced towards the end of 1933. This was the year the Leica III was introduced, being improved on the previous Leica II by the addition of slow speeds (and other minor improvements). The tripod mounting on the older Leicas' is indeed smaller than today's standard fitting, any good camera shop should have a simple adaptor to match the thread.

Regarding the finish, do you mean bronze? I too have an old well used Leica III and in many places the chrome is worn through to show the brass below - this all adds to the wonderful history. Treasure the camera all the more for it and imagine all those moments captured by your grandfather!

-- Giles Poilu (giles@monpoilu.icom43.net), December 21, 2001.