Leotax NR III
The Leotax NR III is a LTM-mount film rangefinder camera, introduced in 1949. Leica camera price index →
Reference maintained by Thomas Boots
General
- Mount
- LTM
- Release Year
- 1949
- Type
- Film
- Model Number
- NR III
- Serial Range
- 1003 to 1060, observed collector range
Dimensions
Viewfinder & Shutter
- Framelines
- None, separate fixed 50 mm viewfinder and conventionally arranged coupled rangefinder
- Shutter Speeds
- B, 1/20 s, 1/30 s, 1/40 s, 1/60 s, 1/100 s, 1/200 s and 1/500 s
- Shutter Type
- Cloth
Features
- Hot Shoe
- No
- Tripod Socket
- Yes
- Self Timer
- No
- Flash Sync
- None
Leotax NR III
The Leotax NR III is a scarce circa-1949 LTM rangefinder associated with United States military news reporting. Its construction is related to the late Special D series, but the top plate is engraved NR III without the normal Leotax or maker name [1].
The camera has a B-marked cloth focal-plane shutter with speeds from 1/20 to 1/500 second and no slow-speed dial. Typical surviving outfits use collapsible 50 mm f/3.5 Simlar or C.Simlar lenses [1].
History
Development and Launch
Collector literature dates the NR III to around 1949 and reports that it was produced for United States military news-reporting use during the Korean War period [1].
Production Evolution
Known bodies are engraved Made in Occupied Japan along the front edge of the finder housing. Observed serials extend from 1003 to 1060 [1].
Special Variants
Fewer than 50 cameras have traditionally been claimed, although the observed serial span suggests that production may have approached 60. The exact total remains unverified [1].
Collector Notes
The NR III is a distinct model, not a Special D III edition tag. Verify the sparse top-plate engraving, unusual location of the occupied-Japan marking, B shutter dial and serial number. Military provenance should be documented separately.
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