Leica IIIb (G)
The Leitz IIIb is a 35mm screw-mount rangefinder introduced in 1938, the successor in the Leica III series that brought the rangefinder and viewfinder eyepieces closer together for easier use. It was positioned as a top-tier professional rangefinder when new and saw military as well as civilian distribution, which is why a long list of service-marked variants (Wehrmacht Heer, Luftwaffen Eigentum, Kriegsmarine and others) exists alongside standard chrome bodies.
At recent UK auction, standard civilian IIIb bodies have been hammering in a fairly tight band: the five most recent sales (2024–2025) run from £140 to £280, with a median around £240. These are wholesale saleroom results rather than dealer asking prices, and as of 2026 that is broadly what a plain chrome example is worth today; military-marked and presentation variants sell for considerably more, with one Leitz-auction example reaching £700 in 2020 and an earlier Christie's lot realising over £1,100, so variant identification has a direct effect on value.
Variants
Select a variant to filter the sales history below.
| Variant | Years | Edition | Sales | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| black | — | — | 0 | — |
| chrome | — | — | 23 | £49 – £950 |
| Cut-Away | — | — | 0 | — |
| DANA (Allgemeine Nachrichtenagentur) | — | — | 0 | — |
| Heer | — | — | 0 | — |
| Luftwaffen Eigentum | — | — | 0 | — |
| M (Kriegsmarine) | — | — | 1 | £6,238 – £6,238 |
| military | — | — | 1 | £8,338 – £8,338 |
| N-L (Netherlands Odin) | — | — | 0 | — |
| Royal Air Force | — | — | 0 | — |
| S-T (Specialite Tiranty) | — | — | 2 | £240 – £877 |
| W.H. (Wehrmacht Heer) | — | — | 0 | — |
| with MOOLY | — | — | 1 | £1,500 – £1,500 |
Sales History
Prices shown are realised prices — auction results and completed eBay sales, never asking prices. Most saleroom figures are hammer prices, before commission; some houses publish a premium-inclusive figure, and we do not adjust for condition. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher. How this figure is calculated.
Rows marked offer accepted did sell, on the date shown, but eBay does not publish the amount that was accepted. The figure we show is what the seller was asking, so the true sale price was lower — treat it as an upper bound. These rows are excluded from every price range, average and valuation on this site.
Prices updated: July 2026
| Date | Price | Value GBP | Source | Variant | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 2026 | £440 | £440 | 🇬🇧 eBay | — | |
Title: Leica IIIb with 5cm F2 Summar Lens & Leather screw mount Case 1937
Description:
This design allowed photographers to quickly shift their eye between focusing and framing without moving their head, a major layout evolution that paved the way for modern rangefinder viewfinders. Location: Sunderland, United Kingdom |
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| Jul 2026 | EUR 219 | £187 | 🇪🇺 eBay | chrome | |
Title: Leica IIIb Chrome NOTTESTED
Description:
JBV Check NOTTESTED. The Leica IIIb, introduced in 1938, is renowned for its compact design and high-quality construction. It utilizes the versatile M39 screw mount, allowing access to a wide array of classic lenses. Location: Nürnberg, Germany |
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| Jun 2026 | EUR 330 | £285 | 🇪🇺 eBay | — | |
Title: 1938 Leitz Leica IIIB All Working Perfectly Working
Description:
Condizioni molto buone. I AM NOT A DEALER. Location: San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy |
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| Jun 2026 | £435 | £435 | 🇬🇧 eBay | — | |
Title: Leica IIIb Rangefinder Film Camera Working w/ Summitar 5cm F/2 Lens & Case
Description:
W/ Summitar 5cm F/2 Lens & Original Case. We do NOT test with film. The lens may require a clean, potentially internal dust / haze. #027 - Pandora Charm - As Seen on Screen. #046 - Pandora Charm - As Seen on Screen. Location: Leeds, United Kingdom |
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| May 2026 | £200 | £200 | 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services | — | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 444) Title: A Leitz Wetzlar Leica IIIb Rangefinder Camera
Description:
A Leitz Wetzlar Leica IIIb Rangefinder Camera, serial no 319612, 1939, shutter working, rangefinder working, body G, some slight chrome wear front |
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| May 2026 | asked £3,015.70 — sold for less offer accepted | — | 🇬🇧 eBay listing | Heer | |
| May 2026 | USD 300 | £222 | 🇺🇸 eBay | chrome | |
Title: Leica IIIB 35mm Film Rangefinder Camera Body, Chrome (M39 Screw Mount)
Description:
Product images are of the actual item up for sale. Location: Smyrna, Georgia, United States |
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| Apr 2026 | £312 | £250 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 1) Title: A Leica IIIb 35mm Rangefinder Camera
Description:
chrome, serial number 349576, body VG, shutter works, RF patch visible, red filter on RF window, with a Summar f/2 5cm collapsible lens, barrel G, |
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| Jan 2026 | USD 2,200 | £1,627 | 🇺🇸 pedia_sales_tamarkin | — | |
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Auction: 2026 Spring Results (Lot 204) Title: Leica IIIb Luftwaffen-Eigentum Nr. 321386
Description:
Leica IIIb Luftwaffen-Eigentum Nr. 321386 |
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| Nov 2025 | EUR 1,200 | £1,056 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 47 (Lot A02455) Title: Leica IIIb chrome with Leica-Motor MOOLY
Description:
Beautiful Leica IIIb chrome in almost mint condition, with Elmar 3.5/5cm no.544890 (front lens cap), good optics only showing a few light cleaning marks, with Leica-Motor MOOLY no.1905 with release linkage, export version with 'Germany' engraving. |
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| Nov 2025 | £1,875 | £1,500 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | with MOOLY | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 7) Title: A Leica IIIb 'Spécialités Tiranty' Paris Rangefinder Camera
Description:
with MOOLY Motor, 1939, chrome, serial no. 321062, with Leitz Summar f/2 50mm lens, chrome, serial no. 482453, body, VG, shutter working, lens, VG, |
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| Jul 2025 | £275 | £220 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 5) Title: A Leica IIIb 35mm Rangefinder Camera
Description:
silver, serial number 326124, body G, shutter speeds all work with a slight squeak from the second curtain, with a Elmar f/3.5 5cm collapsible lens, |
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| Jun 2025 | EUR 1,700 | £1,445 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 46 (Lot A01873) Title: Leica IIIb chrome with MOOLY
Description:
Beautiful Leica IIIb chrome in almost mint condition, with Elmar 3.5/5cm no.742340 (front lens cap, FISON hood and SBOOI finder with leather case), optics showing some cleaning marks, with Leica-Motor MOOLY no.2248 with release linkage, with original bottom plate. Estimate: EUR 1,400 - EUR 1,600 |
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| Apr 2025 | £350 | £280 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 28) Title: A Leica IIIb Rangefinder Camera
Description:
silver, serial number 326722, body G, usage marks to top and bottom plate, shutter working, rangefinder patch moving, with f/2 5cm Summar lens, |
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| Mar 2025 | £139 | £110 | 🇬🇧 Chiswick Auctions | chrome | |
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Auction: Photographica (Lot 212) Title: A Leica IIIb Rangefinder Camera
Description:
A Leica IIIb Rangefinder Camera Serial No: 281103 (1938) Body: F - some vulcanite lift and marks to chrome Shutter: working Lens: Leitz 9cm f/4 Elmar (Qty: 1) ... read more |
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| Nov 2024 | EUR 10,000 | £8,338 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | military | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 45 (Lot A01165) Title: Leica IIIb 'British Royal Navy' outfit
Description:
Very rare Leica IIIb engraved with 'PATT 8665' on the top plate, used by the British Royal Navy during WWII, in good condition and working order, flash sync. added later, with leather case, together with matching feet scale Elmar 3.5/5cm no.432428 with 'PATT 8670' engraved on the barrels, with unusual Aluminium/Brass version hood and front lens cap, meter scale black/chrome Elmar 4/9cm no.374994 without military engravings, with both caps and light yellow filter, feet scale Hektor 4.5/13.5cm no.310063 with 'PATT 8674' engraved on the barrels with FIKUS hood and both caps, feet scale VIDOM in all chrome finish (with leather case), together with an original military pocket watch Cyma with Royal Air Force arrow and engravings, in perfect working order (leather strap and protection), all in leather outfit case with military brass plate on the top. Estimate: EUR 10,000 - EUR 12,000 |
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| Nov 2024 | £1,375 | £1,100 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 12) Title: A Leica IIIb "N-L' Rangefinder Camera Outfit
Description:
1939/40, chrome, serial no. 346040, with Leitz Summitar f/2 50mm lens, chrome, seiral no. 560919, body, F, shutter working, lens, F, some signs of |
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| Oct 2024 | £240 | £240 | 🇬🇧 Harper Field Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Buying & Selling (Lot 1673) Title: Leica IIIb 35mm rangefinder camera, serial number 328205, circa 1939, with Ernst Leitz Summar f=
Description:
Leica IIIb 35mm rangefinder camera, serial number 328205, circa 1939, with Ernst Leitz Summar f= |
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| Oct 2024 | £190 | £190 | 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services | — | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 396) Title: A Leitz Wetzlar Leica IIIb Rangefinder Camera
Description:
A Leitz Wetzlar Leica IIIb Rangefinder Camera, serial no 231845, shutter sticking, rangefinder working, body G, some surface oxidation to two screw |
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| Aug 2024 | £275 | £220 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Auction (Lot 6) Title: A Leica IIIb 35mm Rangefinder Camera
Description:
chrome, serial number 351346, body G, light marks to the bottom plate, shutter works, rangefinder clear, self-timer works, with Leitz Summitar f/2 |
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| Jun 2024 | £90 | £90 | 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services | — | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 562) Title: A Leitz Wetzlar Leica IIIb Model G Rangefinder Camera body
Description:
A Leitz Wetzlar Leica IIIb Model G Rangefinder Camera body, serial no 265223, 1937, shutter working, body G, brassing to mount & strap lugs, some |
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| Jun 2024 | £240 | £240 | 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services | — | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 303) Title: A Leitz Wetzlar Leica IIIb Model G Rangefinder Camera
Description:
A Leitz Wetzlar Leica IIIb Model G Rangefinder Camera, serial no 283342, 1930, shutter working, body F-G, brassing to shutter speed dial, some |
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| Jun 2024 | EUR 5,000 | £4,232 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 44 (Lot A00959) Title: Leica IIIb chrome 'Royal Air Force'
Description:
Very rare Leica IIIb from the British Royal Air Force, bottom plate engraved with the military arrow and the contract number '14A/1970', in almost mint condition, the shutter needs attention, with body cap and ORAKO rangefinder orange filter, delivered to London on 19.05.1938. Estimate: EUR 2,400 - EUR 2,600 |
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| Jun 2024 | £275 | £220 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | chrome | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Auction (Lot 24) Title: A Leica IIIb Rangefinder Camera
Description:
chrome, serial no. 283868, body, G, shutter working, small mark to bottom plate, with Leitz Elmar f/2.8 5cm lens, serial number 1618198, chrome, |
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| Apr 2024 | £220 | £220 | 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services | chrome | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 545) Title: A Leitz Wetzlar Leica IIIb Model G Rangefinder Camera
Description:
A Leitz Wetzlar Leica IIIb Model G Rangefinder Camera serial no 350886, 1940, shutter working, rangefinder working, body G, some light marks to top & |
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| Nov 2023 | £138 | £110 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | chrome | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 12) Title: A Leica IIIb 35mm Rangefinder Camera Body
Description:
1938, chrome, serial no. 286451, body G-VG, shutter working but all speeds same, requires service, RF patch bright & clear, (Qty: 1) |
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| Oct 2022 | £562 | £450 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 38) Title: A Leitz Leica IIIb Rangefinder Body
Description:
chrome, serial no. 284628, 1938, body G, shutter working, with SCNOO rapid wind base plate Note: Lot imported under Temporary Admission. 5% UK import |
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| Aug 2022 | £475 | £380 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 299) Title: A Leica IIIb 35mm Rangefinder Camera Outfit
Description:
c.1937/8, chrome, serial no. 240727, body G, shutter working, RF patch bright & clear, alignment appears good, viewfinder window clear & bright, some (Qty: 1) |
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| Apr 2022 | £325 | £260 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 8) Title: A Leica IIIb 'Military' Rangefinder Camera
Description:
1939/40, chrome, serial no. 346711, body, G, shutter working Note: Engraved 'Fi. No.38079', no other marks on the body Note: Lot imported under |
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| Apr 2022 | £1,000 | £800 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 6) Title: A Leica IIIb British Military Rangefinder Camera
Description:
1938, chrome, serial no. 294050, with Leitz Summitar f/2 50mm lens, 1939, chrome, serial no. 523768, body, G, shutter working, lens, VG-E Note: |
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| Dec 2021 | £285 | £230 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | chrome | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 359) Title: A Leica IIIb Rangefinder Camera
Description:
chrome, serial no. 265699, with Leitz Elmar f/3.5 50mm lens, body, G-VG, shutter working, slowest speeds sticking, lens, G, some internal haze and |
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| Dec 2021 | £273 | £220 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 368) Title: A Leica IIIb Rangefinder Camera
Description:
chrome, serial no. 321633, with Leitz Elmar f/3.5 50mm lens, body, G, shutter working, G-VG, some internal haze |
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| Nov 2021 | EUR 110,000 | £93,265 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 39 (Lot AI_39_39580) Title: Leica IIIb +Summar 2/5cm Marine outfit
Description:
a beautiful Leica IIIb body engraved on the top plate with Reichsadler and 'M' (Marine), with matching 1938 chrome Summar 2/5cm no.449698 (engraved with Reichsadler), very rare rapid winder SCNOO engraved with large M for Marine, also rare EPZOO leather case for the camera with rapid winder attached (stamped on the back with Reichsadler and M!), inside of the case we've found a small owner's note: 'OBtsm Rudolf Mühlbauer 27. März 1945' (OBtsm - Oberbootsmann was a higher military rank at German Navy). It is for sure one of the best military Leica outfits we have seen! Estimate: EUR 14,000 - EUR 16,000 |
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| Nov 2021 | EUR 8,000 | £6,783 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 39 (Lot AI_39_39655) Title: Leica IIIb 'Luftwaffen-Eigentum'+Elmar 3.5/5cm+MOOLY outfit
Description:
an original, very rare original Luftwaffen Leica IIIb, including an original 'Luftwaffen-Eigentum' Elmar 3.5/5cm no.534884, 2-speed MOOLY Leica-Motor no.481, rare EWOON case for the camera with attached motor, everything in excellent cosmetic condition and working order, the camera has been delivered to Luftwaffe Berlin on 06.04.1940, the lens on 03.02.1942 Estimate: EUR 6,000 - EUR 7,000 |
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| Nov 2021 | £744 | £600 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science (Lot 17) Title: A Leica IIIb 'Luftwaffe-Eigentum' Rangefinder Body
Description:
1939/40, chrome, serial no. 346401, body, F-G, shutter working, slow speeds sticking Notes: Engraved 'FI. No.38079' to top plate and blanking plate |
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| Nov 2021 | USD 2,000 | £1,486 | 🇺🇸 pedia_sales_tamarkin | — | |
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Auction: November 2021 Auction Results (Lot 182) Title: Leica IIIb “Luftwaffen Eigentum” Nr. 348459 "Bud" Rawlings
Description:
Leica IIIb “Luftwaffen Eigentum” Nr. 348459 "Bud" Rawlings |
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| Nov 2020 | EUR 300 | £269 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 37 (Lot AI_37_38627) Title: Leica IIIb
Description:
Body in excellent cosmetic condition and good working order, with body cap Estimate: EUR 400 - EUR 500 |
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| Nov 2020 | EUR 7,000 | £6,272 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 37 (Lot AI_37_38576) Title: Leica IIIb chrome 'Royal Air Force'
Description:
very rare IIIb with military engravings of UK Royal Air Force, special number '14A/1970', matching Summar 2/5cm no.269640 with engraving 'RAF' on the barrel, and well-made custom leather case Estimate: EUR 3,000 - EUR 3,400 |
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| Jun 2020 | EUR 700 | £629 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | chrome | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 36 (Lot AI_36_38198) Title: Leica IIIb
Description:
body in very good condition (vulcanite repair on the back), with chrome Summar 2/5cm no.448812 (slight cleaning marks), inclusive stereo-attachment Stereoly no.1987 Estimate: EUR 600 - EUR 700 |
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| Nov 2019 | EUR 600 | £515 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 35 (Lot AI_35_37604) Title: Leica IIIb 'S-T' (Specialites Tiranty)
Description:
quite rare Leica IIIb engraved on top plate 'S-T' for the sales agent in France, in good original condition Estimate: EUR 1,000 - EUR 1,200 |
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| Jun 2019 | EUR 7,000 | £6,238 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | M (Kriegsmarine) | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 34 (Lot AI_34_37203) Title: Leica IIIb Marine
Description:
IIIb chrome engraved with a Reichsadler and swastika + M, red shutter, inclusive a Summar 2/5cm no.526051 engraved with Reichsadler and 'W.haven' (Wilhelmshaven - the naval port of the Kriegsmarine during WWII), SCNOO winder and lens cap Estimate: EUR 4,800 - EUR 5,200 |
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| Nov 2018 | EUR 500 | £441 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 33 (Lot AI_33_36923) Title: Leica IIIb 'N-L'
Description:
IIIb in good condition, shutter needs service, N-L engraved for the Leitz agency Odin in the Netherlands, with Summitar 2/5cm no.528709, meter scale, with cap Estimate: EUR 1,000 - EUR 1,200 |
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| Nov 2018 | USD 2,500 | £1,938 | 🇺🇸 pedia_sales_tamarkin | — | |
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Auction: November 2018 Auction Results (Lot 336) Title: Leica IIIb Nr. 346750 "Luftwaffen Eigentum"
Description:
Leica IIIb Nr. 346750 "Luftwaffen Eigentum" |
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| Mar 2018 | EUR 6,500 | £5,739 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 32 (Lot AI_32_36376) Title: Leica IIIb black paint
Description:
early custom painted body with nice patina, in good condition, with unnumbered nickel Elmar 3.5/50mm, ever ready case - the black paint IIIb is one of the most rare Leica cameras, only four were officially produced Estimate: EUR 1,000 - EUR 1,200 |
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| Mar 2018 | EUR 1,300 | £1,148 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 32 (Lot AI_32_35919) Title: Leica IIIb 'Luftwaffen-Eigentum'
Description:
IIIb for German Air Force, top plate engraved 'FL No.38079', 'Luftwaffen-Eigentum' stamped on vulcanite, with Elmar 3.5/5cm no.533687 (cap), camera delivered as LEYOO to Luftwaffe BLN Berlin on February 26th, 1940 (delivery number 7989), with brown everready case 'Luftwaffeneigentum' - IIIb military cameras are much more rare than IIIc cameras Estimate: EUR 1,600 - EUR 2,000 |
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| Oct 2017 | £624 | £520 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | chrome | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 3) Title: A Leica IIIb Rangefinder Camera
Description:
chrome, serial no. 339334, with Leitz Hektor f/2.5 50mm lens, chrome, serial no. 168928, body, G, shutter working, lens, G-VG, some light internal |
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| Oct 2017 | £204 | £170 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 11) Title: A Leica IIIB Rangefinder Camera
Description:
chrome, serial no. 326499, with Leitz Elmar f/3.5 50mm lens, chrome, serial no. 906260, body, G, shutter working, slow speeds sticking, lens, G, some |
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| Jun 2017 | EUR 450 | £395 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 31 (Lot AI_31_35158) Title: Leica IIIb chrome
Description:
in near mint condition and perfect working order, with body cap Estimate: EUR 600 - EUR 700 |
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| Jun 2017 | EUR 1,000 | £877 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 31 (Lot AI_31_35329) Title: Leica IIIb 'German Army'
Description:
early military IIIb, rear of top plate stamped with 'Reichsadler', Elmar 3.5/5cm no.436282 with same engraving Estimate: EUR 1,200 - EUR 1,400 |
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| Nov 2016 | EUR 650 | £565 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 29 (Lot AI_29_33740) Title: Leica IIIb 'W.H.'
Description:
chrome body engraved on the top plate with 'W.H.' (Wehrmacht Heer - German Army), with body cap Estimate: EUR 1,200 - EUR 1,400 |
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| Nov 2016 | EUR 800 | £695 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 29 (Lot AI_29_33529) Title: Leica IIIb 'German Army'
Description:
early military IIIb body engraved with 'Reichsadler' on rear of top plate, Elmar 3.5/5cm no.436282 with same engraving Estimate: EUR 1,600 - EUR 1,800 |
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| Nov 2016 | EUR 600 | £521 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 29 (Lot AI_29_33400) Title: Leica IIIb chrome
Description:
in near mint condition, with chrome Elmar 3.5/5cm no.731131, front cap Estimate: EUR 1,200 - EUR 1,400 |
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| Jul 2016 | £260 | £260 | 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services (archive) | — | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica Including The Mike Simkin Magic Lantern Collection Thursday 7th July 2016 at 10:00 (Lot 703) Title: A Leica IIIb Model G Rangefinder Camera
Description:
A Leica IIIb Model G Rangefinder Camera, chrome, serial no. 283334, with Leitz Summar f/2 50mm lens, chrome, serial no. 482191, body, VG, shutter working, lens, G-VG, some internal haze and one small scratch to front element, in maker's leather case; engraved to base plate 'J. Lizars, Edinburgh' Estimate: £150 - £250 |
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| May 2014 | USD 150 | £89 | 🇺🇸 pedia_sales_tamarkin | — | |
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Auction: May 2014 Auction Results (Lot 276) Title: Leica IIIb Nr. 289164 Chrome.
Description:
Leica IIIb Nr. 289164 Chrome. |
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| Nov 2012 | HKD 6,000 | £485 | 🇭🇰 Bonhams | — | |
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Auction: The Leica Sale (Lot 2106) Title: Leica IIIB,
Description:
No. 342933, with 50mm f3.5Elmar lens No. 329915, rangefinder housing has FL No. 38078 engraving and the grey volcanite is stamped Luftwaffen-Eigentum in cyrillic script, repeated to lens, complete with manufacturer's cap, top plate re-chromed. Estimate: HKD 6,100 - HKD 8,500 |
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| Nov 2012 | HKD 5,000 | £404 | 🇭🇰 Bonhams | — | |
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Auction: The Leica Sale (Lot 2051) Title: Leica IIIb
Description:
No. 283735, with Elmar 50mm f3.5 lens No. 231269; and rare Leica motor No. 239 with release arm, lens cap, spare baseplate and instruction booklet, in maker's box, vulcanite loss to back. Estimate: HKD 6,100 - HKD 8,500 |
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| May 2012 | EUR 900 | £723 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 21 (Lot AI_21_13976) Title: IIIb + MOOLY
Description:
IIIb body with Leica-Motor MOOLY no.2170, engraved 'Germany', release arm, cap Estimate: EUR 800 - EUR 1,000 |
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| Dec 2010 | EUR 610 | £517 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 18 (Lot AI_18_11968) Title: IIIb + MOOLY
Description:
war-time body with unnumbered Elmar 3.5/5cm, MOOLY Leica-Motor no.596 with transmission arm, FISON hood Estimate: EUR 1,000 - EUR 1,200 |
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| May 2010 | EUR 2,000 | £1,714 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 17 (Lot AI_17_11063) Title: IIIb Chrom Schnittmodell
Description:
very rare original Leitz cut-away model in near mint condition Estimate: EUR 1,200 - EUR 1,400 |
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| May 2009 | EUR 360 | £318 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 15 (Lot AI_15_19083) Title: IIIb 'N-L'
Description:
IIIb in good working order, N-L engraved for the Leitz agency Odin in Netherlands, Elmar 3.5/5cm no.871377, meter scale, cap, OKARO rangefinder orange filter Estimate: EUR 500 - EUR 600 |
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| Jun 2007 | £168 | £140 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Leica, Nikon, 35mm & Other Photographic Equipment (Lot 208) Title: Leica IIIb no. 290069
Description:
Leica IIIb no. 290069 Estimate: £150 - £200 |
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| Jun 2007 | £1,440 | £1,200 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Leica, Nikon, 35mm & Other Photographic Equipment (Lot 209) Title: Leica IIIb no. 348455
Description:
Leica IIIb no. 348455 Estimate: £900 - £1,200 |
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| Nov 2006 | £120 | £100 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | chrome | |
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Auction: Cameras, Photographs and Optical Toys (Lot 191) Title: Leica IIIb no. 240602
Description:
Leica IIIb no. 240602 Estimate: £120 - £180 |
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| Jul 2006 | £144 | £120 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | chrome | |
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Auction: Leica Cameras. The John Patrick Duigenan Collection (Lot 61) Title: Leica IIIb no. 281774
Description:
Leica IIIb no. 281774 Estimate: £100 - £140 |
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| May 2006 | £168 | £140 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | chrome | |
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Auction: Cameras, Magic Lanterns and Photographs (Lot 117) Title: Leica IIIb no. 351634
Description:
Leica IIIb no. 351634 Estimate: £150 - £200 |
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| Feb 2006 | £132 | £110 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Cameras and Photographic Equipment including the Property of a Photographer (Lot 17) Title: Leica IIIb no. 323441
Description:
Leica IIIb no. 323441 Estimate: £100 - £150 |
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| Nov 2005 | £660 | £660 | 🇬🇧 Bonhams | — | |
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Auction: Mechanical Music, Police, Fire, Railwayana and Cameras (Lot 231) Title: Leica cased outfit, a green felt lined fitted leather case containing a Leica IIIb chrome No. 294131.
Description:
A green felt lined fitted leather case containing a Leica IIIb chrome No. 294131 with a Leitz Xenon 5cm/f1.5 lens No. 426104 and cap, with the following lenses, all chrome unless otherwise stated: Summar 5cm/f2 No. 383478, caps, Elmar 3.5cm/f3.5 No. 450714, caps, 9cm/f4 rigid Elmar black/chrome No. 517356 with shade, Hektor 7.3cm/f1.9 black/chrome No. 141346, rear cap, Elmar 135mm/f4.5 black/chrome, two black/chrome 'Nooky' type close up devices, Vidom chrome universal finder, right angle viewfinder chrome, four mounted filters, six cased cassettes, 'Aufsu' type 50mm reflecting finder black, Weston meter and sundries. (qty) See illustration Estimate: £350 - £650 |
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| Jun 2005 | £144 | £120 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: LEICA, NIKON AND 35MM CAMERAS (Lot 274) Title: Leica IIIb no. 418210
Description:
Leica IIIb no. 418210 Estimate: £180 - £220 |
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| Jun 2005 | £168 | £140 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | chrome | |
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Auction: LEICA, NIKON AND 35MM CAMERAS (Lot 273) Title: Leica IIIb no. 351300
Description:
Leica IIIb no. 351300 Estimate: £180 - £250 |
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| May 2005 | £230 | £230 | 🇬🇧 Bonhams | — | |
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Auction: Mechanical Music, Police, Fire, Railwayana and Cameras (Lot 214) Title: Leica IIIB camera, chrome 323288, chrome with an Elmar 5cm/f2.5 lens No. 473706, cap, maker's ER case and other items. (quantity)
Description:
No. 323288, chrome, with an Elmar 5cm/f3.5 lens No. 473706, cap, maker's ER case, a screw fit, chrome, Elmar 9cm/f4 lens No. 1603146 with caps, a Vidom chrome universal viewfinder, Leica-meter MC and a reloadable cassette in it's can. (9) Estimate: £260 - £340 |
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| Feb 2005 | £240 | £200 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | chrome | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 31) Title: Leica IIIb no. 281918
Description:
Leica IIIb no. 281918 Estimate: £200 - £300 |
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| Nov 2004 | £119 | £100 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS, MAGIC LANTERNS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 81) Title: Leica IIIb no. 265765
Description:
Leica IIIb no. 265765 Estimate: £200 - £300 |
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| Dec 2003 | £282 | £240 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | S-T (Specialite Tiranty) | |
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Auction: LEICA CAMERAS THE PROPERTY OF A COLLECTOR (Lot 31) Title: Leica IIIb no. 242773
Description:
Leica IIIb no. 242773 Estimate: £200 - £300 |
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| Sep 2003 | £411 | £350 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | chrome | |
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Auction: CAMERAS & PHOTO EQUIP, INCLUDING A EUROPEAN LEICA COLLECTION (Lot 23) Title: Leica IIIb no. 294444
Description:
Leica IIIb no. 294444 Estimate: £200 - £300 |
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| Sep 2003 | £164 | £140 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS & PHOTO EQUIP, INCLUDING A EUROPEAN LEICA COLLECTION (Lot 24) Title: Leica IIIb no. 326375
Description:
Leica IIIb no. 326375 Estimate: £200 - £300 |
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| Sep 2003 | £1,116 | £950 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | chrome | |
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Auction: CAMERAS & PHOTO EQUIP, INCLUDING A EUROPEAN LEICA COLLECTION (Lot 25) Title: Leica IIIb no. 335426
Description:
Leica IIIb no. 335426 Estimate: £600 - £900 |
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| Jun 2002 | £2,937 | £2,500 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: LEICA, NIKON AND 35MM CAMERAS (Lot 150) Title: Leica IIIb no. 424443*
Description:
Leica IIIb no. 424443* Estimate: £2,500 - £3,500 |
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| Feb 2002 | £282 | £240 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | chrome | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 26) Title: Leica IIIb no. 319313
Description:
Leica IIIb no. 319313 Estimate: £150 - £200 |
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| Feb 2002 | £293 | £249 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | chrome | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 24) Title: Leica IIIb no. 283734
Description:
Leica IIIb no. 283734 Estimate: £100 - £150 |
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| Nov 2001 | £470 | £400 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | chrome | |
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Auction: MAGIC LANTERNS, OPTICAL TOYS AND CAMERAS (Lot 181) Title: Leica IIIb no. 323876
Description:
Leica IIIb no. 323876 Estimate: £150 - £200 |
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| Jun 2001 | £58 | £49 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | chrome | |
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Auction: LEICA, NIKON AND 35MM CAMERAS (Lot 147) Title: Leica IIIb no. 349901
Description:
Leica IIIb no. 349901 Estimate: £150 - £200 |
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| Jun 2001 | £1,762 | £1,500 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: LEICA, NIKON AND 35MM CAMERAS (Lot 145) Title: Leica IIIb no. 348455
Description:
Leica IIIb no. 348455 Estimate: £1,200 - £1,800 |
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| Oct 2000 | £329 | £280 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | chrome | |
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Auction: LEICA, CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT (Lot 241) Title: Leica IIIb no. 319415
Description:
Leica IIIb no. 319415 Estimate: £200 - £300 |
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| Jan 2000 | £632 | £550 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | chrome | |
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Auction: Photographs, Cameras and Photographic Equipment (Lot 141) Title: Leica IIIb no. 323892
Description:
Leica IIIb no. 323892 Estimate: £150 - £250 |
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| Nov 1999 | £299 | £260 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: Magic Lanterns, Optical Toys and Cameras (Lot 268) Title: Leica IIIb no. 281400
Description:
Leica IIIb no. 281400 Estimate: £200 - £300 |
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| Nov 1998 | £287 | £250 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: KOSLOV COLLECTION OF CAMERAS AND SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS (Lot 43) Title: Leica IIIb no. 319009
Description:
Leica IIIb no. 319009 Estimate: £150 - £200 |
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| Jul 1998 | £230 | £200 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | — | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 46) Title: Leica IIIb no. 345322
Description:
Leica IIIb no. 345322 Estimate: £250 - £350 |
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| Jun 1998 | £207 | £180 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | chrome | |
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Auction: LEICA AND 35MM CAMERAS (Lot 207) Title: Leica IIIb no. 284303
Description:
Leica IIIb no. 284303 Estimate: £20 - £300 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Leitz IIIb worth today?
Recent UK hammer prices for standard chrome examples have sat between roughly £140 and £280, with a median near £240.
How much does a military-marked IIIb sell for?
Service-marked variants (Heer, Luftwaffen, Kriegsmarine and similar) sell for a clear premium over civilian bodies, with confirmed auction results from £700 up to over £1,100 depending on markings and condition.
What affects the price of a Leica IIIb most?
Condition of the shutter curtains and rangefinder, originality of finish, and — above all — whether the body carries an authentic military or agency engraving, which is the single biggest driver of value.
Is the IIIb the same as the IIIa?
No. The IIIb followed the IIIa in 1938 and repositioned the rangefinder and viewfinder eyepieces next to each other, which is the quickest way to tell them apart externally.