Leotax Special DIII                                                                                                          
Manufacturer:
Showa Kogaku (Tokyo)

Country of origin:

Produced:

Number made:

Serial no. range:

Shutter speeds:

Standard lens:

Japan

1947 - 1949

1000 - 1500

37xx - 6xxx *

T,1,2,4,8,20 (slow speed dial) Z,20,30,40,60,100,200,500

Letana Anastigmat 3.5/50
Simlar 3.5/50

The Special DIII is similar to the Special DII, but with the addition of slow speeds. It does not have flash synchronization.
Normal Special Dlll cameras have the engraving shown right, on the top plate. The pictured camera has Leotax in printed letters above Showa Optical Company Limited, which is considerably rarer.
This camera, which has a 57xx serial number, is unusual for having strap lugs, as these were added on the DIV model. Whether these were a later addition to this particular DIII is not known.
* HPR in Leica Copies gives the serial number range for this model as 37xxx to 59xxx. I have, however, been informed of a DIII with serial number 6055. This has the rarer printed engraving on the top plate and is fitted with a Simlar 3.5/50. It also has an error in the engraving on the bottom plate which reads "Made in Occupied Japa"
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