Rare Leica IIIf Midland Canada w/50mm f/2 Summarit AS-IS

Super low-production number Leica.

We are selling this camera "AS-IS" as a collectible. The camera needs an overhaul to be useable. The shutter fires but is not opening properly and speeds need to be adjusted to use. The rangefinder is working, is bright and in alignment.

The vulcanite covering has a chip missing next to the slow-speed dial. There is an ID number etched on both the bottom plate and on the rear of the camera by the PC socket.

The take-up spool is marked "Germany".

The lens has cleaning marks and small scratches on the front element. It too has an ID number etched onto it. The lens is marked "Germany" so was probably not original to the camera.

About:

• Production Origin: Between 1952 and 1955, roughly 5,000 to 5,367 Leica IIIf rangefinder bodies were assembled in Midland, Ontario, using parts shipped from Wetzlar, Germany.

• The "Canada" Engraving: Only about 200 of these units bear the special top-plate engraving reading "Ernst Leitz Canada Limited Midland Ontario". Early consumers often perceived Canadian-assembled cameras as inferior to German ones, leading Leitz to quickly drop or change the distinct engraving.

• Collectors' Value: Because of the extremely low number of engraved units, the rare Ernst Leitz Canada-engraved IIIf bodies and complete outfits (frequently paired with Midland-engraved lenses like the Summarit 50mm, Summicron 9cm, or Stemar stereo systems) command high prices at auctions and specialty dealers, often ranging from €10,000 to over €22,000+ depending on the exact kit and condition.