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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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