Leotax Special D III
The Leotax Special D III is a LTM-mount film rangefinder camera, introduced in 1947. Leica camera price index →
Reference maintained by Thomas Boots
General
- Mount
- LTM
- Release Year
- 1947
- Type
- Film
- Model Number
- Special D III
- Serial Range
- Approximately 509x to 529x and 557x to 6095, observed collector ranges with maker-name changes
Dimensions
Viewfinder & Shutter
- Framelines
- None, separate fixed 50 mm viewfinder and conventionally arranged coupled rangefinder
- Shutter Speeds
- T, 1 s, 1/2 s, 1/4 s, 1/8 s, Z or 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 Special D III
The Leotax Special D III is the slow-speed counterpart to the Special D II. Released in 1947, it combines an LTM lens mount, coupled rangefinder, separate fixed finder and cloth focal-plane shutter reaching 1/500 second [1].
The front slow-speed dial provides T and 1 to 1/8 second. Earlier bodies use Z on the main dial, while late transitional examples use B [1].
History
Development and Launch
Showa Kogaku introduced the D II and D III after redesigning the rangefinder along conventional Leica lines. The pair replaced the unusual window geometry of the Special A, Special B and postwar Special [1].
Production Evolution
Late D III bodies replace the usual maker inscription with Showa Optical Company limited, use heavier serif Leotax lettering and may omit the model name. These are transitional production features rather than a separate model [1].
Special Variants
Some late cameras bear Japanese CPO markings associated with sales through United States military exchanges. Such markings describe distribution history and do not create a separate edition [1].
Collector Notes
Confirm the slow-speed dial, conventional finder arrangement, serial block, maker engraving and Z or B shutter marking. Simlar and coated C.Simlar 50 mm f/3.5 lenses are typical [1].
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