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Leica IIIa 1935 Rangefinder Body with Summar 5cm F2 Lens – Serial 169870

Description

A 1935 Leica IIIa rangefinder body paired with the classic Summar 5cm F2 lens. This early pre‑war combination represents one of Leica’s most iconic setups, offering the refined IIIa shutter mechanism and the distinctive rendering of the fast Summar. The IIIa introduced higher top shutter speeds and improved usability, while the Summar delivers a unique vintage character prized by collectors and creative photographers alike.

Condition

Overall Condition: Very Good

Shutter sticking at below 1/40th would need a service to be fully usable

Lens optics very good

Included

Leica IIIa body (serial 169870)
Leitz Summar 5cm F2 lens

Collectors Notes

Leica IIIa bodies from the mid‑1930s are highly desirable due to their early production, mechanical refinement and historical significance. When paired with a Summar F2, the combination becomes especially collectible, as the Summar is one of Leica’s most recognisable pre‑war fast lenses. Its classic rendering, soft glow wide open and sharpness when stopped down make it a favourite among both collectors and film shooters. Matching period‑correct sets like this continue to appreciate in value.

Key Features

Leica IIIa body produced in 1935
Serial number 169870
Paired with Summar 5cm F2 lens
Classic Barnack design
Leica M39 screw mount
Fast F2 aperture for low‑light shooting
Compact, precision‑engineered brass construction

SEO Keywords

Leica IIIa 1935, Leica IIIa body, Leica 169870, Summar 5cm F2, Leica Summar lens, Leica screw mount camera, Barnack Leica, vintage Leica rangefinder, Leica LTM camera, collectible Leica set

Photographs of item

Note that all the photographs are of the item for sale that you will receive. If you notice that the photographs in any way do not match the title or description please contact me and let me know.

Equipment Testing

I will carry out a standard set of testing for all equipment I am selling and will highlight any issues found as well as the perceived condition of the item. Not all tests will be appropriate for a specific camera or lens, but the appropriate ones will be carried out.

	Test
Digital Camera	Camera powers on with no errors It is possible to write to memory card It is possible to read from memory card Inspect test image for any noticeable sensor issues Standard controls/buttons work LCD screens work and display correctly The viewfinder is clear If the camera uses removable lenses, test that lenses mount correctly and functions work.
Film Camera	Test that the camera winds on Does the shutter release Test the shutter through all speeds and note whether the speed varies appropriately (speed accuracy not tested or guarenteed) Shutter curtains open and close as expected Self timer functions If the cameras has a light meter that the meter works and varies appropriately (accuracy of meter not tested or guarenteed) Condition of the viewfinder Condition of the mirror Rangefinder functions correctly Bellows condition (specifically looking for cracks and light leaks)
Lens	Shine a bright light through and check for fungus, haze, dust and scratches Attach the lens to an appropriate camera body Test the function of aperture ( does it open and close appropriately) Test the function of focus (AF and Manual) Function of zoom Is movement excessively stiff or loose

Equipment Grading

Grade	Condition
Mint	As new condition, no marks, fully working
Excellent	very minor usage marks detected, fully working
Very good	Some minor usage marks or small scratches, fully working
Good	Marks consistent with use, minor wear on edges, small scratches, fully working
Fair	Heavier wear marks, possibly some minor issues with functionality, but usable
Poor	Heavy wear, not fully working, would require work, should be considered as a renovation project

Notes of Condition

Please note the following:

All the equipment we are selling is used and unless specifically stated it has not been serviced.
Most older lenses will have some degree of dust.
Film cameras will not have had any light seals replaced and they will most likely be degraded, for optimum performance they should be replaced.
We will not specifically note individual marks on a piece of equipment, please refer the the photographs.

Shipping

Shipping

The item will be shipped within 2 working days after your payment has been received & cleared. It will often be sent quicker than this.

All items will be sent securely packaged. Please note that although the majority of packing materials we use are new, we will reuse materials when available and encourage all of our customers to do the same.

Items below £150 in value will be sent by Royal Mail 48, those above this value will be sent via Special Delivery in the UK.

We are happy to send internationally.

Returns

All items sold come with a 30 day no fuss return guarantee with the exception of items sold as faulty or for parts.