Reid lll (Type II)                                                                                                        
Manufacturer:
Reid & Sigrist Ltd. (Leicester)

Country of origin:

Produced:

Number made:

Serial no. range:

Shutter speeds:

Standard lens:

England

1953 - 1964

1200 approx.

P1501 - P30xx

T,1,2,4,8,20 (slow speed dial) B,20,30,40,60,100,200,500,1000

Taylor-Hobson 2 inch f/2

This model is also known as the Reid llla. It is similar to the Reid lll Type l, but has flash synchronization through two sockets on the front (labelled E for electronic and B for bulb). There are also some Reid lll cameras with a single synchronization socket on the front. It is thought probable that they are an interim model bridging the gap between the lll Type l with no synchronization and the lll Type ll.

Reid lll Type II specification cameras are known with serial numbers less than 1500. It is likely that they are factory conversions (Reid & Sigrist did offer this service).

The high speed dial is engraved B (Z on the Type l) and this may also help to identify conversions of Reid lll Type l models)

This model incorporates diopter adjustment (lever by the film rewind knob).

The top of the camera is engraved 'Reid' in script with a serial number to the right. Towards the back is 'Reid & Sigrist Ltd. LEICESTER. Eng.
Lens caps appear in at least two forms. These are with, or without, a dot above the letter 'i' in Reid. I have seen both types on a number of Reid cameras. A few of these had quite strong provenances, suggesting that both types of cap are genuine. Both styles are relatively heavy, and well made.
The box in which the camera shown (S/N P1977) was supplied is pictured below, together with the more mundane grey box used for cameras supplied to the British War Department.
A high quality leather ever ready case was available for Reid cameras. The one shown below has military markings to the rear.
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