Page 18 - Demo

1630Leica IIIb Black PaintThe Leica IIIb was produced between 1938 and 1941 and is normally encountered in chrome finish. It is documented at the Leica Archives that only five examples, serial numbers 295301%u2013295305, were produced in black paint and supplied to New York on 3 September 1938 under the codename %u2018LUDOO schwarz.%u2019 The offered camera, no. 295302, is the second example from this extremely small batch and is in very good original and unrestored condition, retaining its correct chrome fittings, which form an attractive contrast to the glossy black lacquer finish applied over brass. The paint shows only light, honest wear, with a pleasing patina and minimal brassing along the edges. The camera is offered complete with a Leitz Summar 2/5 cm lens, serial no. 496615, and a special black leather case, featuring the correct small 1/4\tripod screw as supplied for this rare camera. Extensive research conducted over the past 25 years has revealed no trace of any additional examples, either in auction records or in known private or institutional collections, underscoring the exceptional rarity of this model. Original black-painted Leica IIIb cameras are exceptionally rare and are only very seldom offered on the market, making this an outstanding opportunity for the most advanced Leica collectors.Start price %u20ac 20.000est. %u20ac 32.000%u2013 36.000Serial no. 295302Year of production: 1938condition: B/A