Leotax K3
The Leotax K3 is a LTM-mount film rangefinder camera, introduced in 1958. Leica camera price index →
Reference maintained by Thomas Boots
General
- Mount
- LTM
- Release Year
- 1958
- Type
- Film
- Model Number
- K3
- Serial Range
- Approximately 57305x to 57799x, observed collector range
Dimensions
Viewfinder & Shutter
- Framelines
- Reflected bright-line frame for 50 mm, with a limited outer field usable as an approximate 35 mm view
- Shutter Speeds
- 1/8 s, 1/15 s, B, 1/30 s, 1/60 s, 1/125 s, 1/250 s and 1/500 s
- Shutter Type
- Cloth
Features
- Hot Shoe
- No
- Tripod Socket
- Yes
- Self Timer
- No
- Flash Sync
- 1/30 s
Leotax K3
The Leotax K3 is the most reduced member of the 1958 TV-derived range. It retains the LTM mount, coupled rangefinder, reflected 50 mm bright-line finder and automatic FP/X synchronization, but provides only 1/8 and 1/15 second on its slow-speed dial [1].
Its cloth focal-plane shutter also supplies B and 1/30 to 1/500 second. Because the slow-speed dial lacks 1 second, the green changeover position on the main dial is marked simply 30 rather than 30-1 [1].
History
Development and Launch
Released in 1958, the K3 was derived from the T2 by removing the longest slow speeds. It occupied the lowest specified position in the Leotax TV generation [1].
Production Evolution
The K3 retains the enlarged TV-style finder housing and knob wind. Observed body serials extend from approximately 57305x to 57799x [1].
Special Variants
Likely original outfits use Fujinon or Topcor 5 cm f/2.8 lenses. Claims involving later Leonon lenses remain uncertain and should not define the camera profile.
Collector Notes
Check the two-position slow-speed dial, plain 30 marking, absence of a self timer, 50 mm bright-line finder and serial range. Do not confuse the K3 with the earlier K, which has no slow speeds and the older finder generation.
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