4525944. LEICA. “Swedish Army”, model IIIF, with serial number 822928, Ernst Leitz, manufactured in 1956.
Description
Provenance: Försvarets materielverk (FMV)
[Press release: “Defence Materiel Works sells exceptional camera at auction"] (https://www.mynewsdesk.com/se/auctionet/pressreleases/foersvarets-materielverk-saeljer-exceptionell-kamera-paa-auktion-3406122)
Camera no. 822928 is part of the legendary series of 100 Leica IIIF in black lacquer, specially made for the Swedish Army in 1956. Serial numbers 822901—823000 were recorded in Leica's archives with the listing “matt. schwarz”. The cameras were delivered via Brandt AB in Stockholm to the Swedish Defence Materielverk and were designed to withstand arctic conditions — in Leitz terminology they were called “Kältefest”.
The fact that such a rare model has been preserved with accessories and documented provenance from the Swedish Armed Forces makes No. 822928 one of the most significant known copies of the Leica IIIF “Swedish Army”. It is a camera developed during the Cold War for soldiers in snow and cold, but is today a collector's item of international rank.
Unlike the regular, chromed IIIF models, the Swedish Army variant appears as strictly military. The matte black surface eliminated reflections, and the specially lubricated bearings allowed the shutter to work even in extreme cold. The provenance is unbroken: this camera has belonged to the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration since its delivery in 1956, which means that it had only one owner before it has now left the Agency's stock.
The specimen is well preserved and is presented together with a range of accessories including:
- Black painted headlight cover (Leitz FOOKH) with original box, designed for Elmar 5 cm f/3.5.
- 2 filters in black frame, mountable on the lens. One of which is a deep, unmarked filter and backlight tube, probably military special manufacture with green filters.
- Original brown leather bag with embossed Leica logo and complete carrying strap.
- Black original cover with Leica logo.
- Gebrauchsanleitung for Leica IIif and IIIif, printed by Ernst Leitz GmbH in Wetzlar.
Update of catalogue text 2025-09-23: Clarification of provenance of FMV and link to press release.
Condition
Camera body and lens in very good, original condition. Minor traces of use on top cover and shutter speed dial, light surface marks on bottom plate. The Vulcanite cladding is intact and well preserved. The black paintwork is largely untouched with only minimal wear. The Elmar 5 cm f/3.5 lens is not fully examined and is additionally secured with a screw. Engravings are crisp and fully legible.
Grade: B (very good condition).
Please contact us at info@formstad.se in case you need more detailed pictures or a further fitness review. Viewing the item takes place only after a verified appointment.
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Body and lens in very good, original condition. Minor traces of use to top plate and shutter dial, light surface marks on base plate, vulcanite covering intact and well preserved. Black paint finish largely intact with only minimal brassing. The Elmar 5 cm f/3.5 lens has not been fully examined and is additionally secured with a screw. Engravings sharp and fully legible.
Grading: B (very good condition).
Please feel free to contact us at info@formstad.se if additional detailed images are required or if you would like a thorough condition report. Viewing the item is only possible by verified appointment.
4525944. LEICA. “Swedish Army”, model IIIF, with serial number 822928, Ernst Leitz, manufactured in 1956.
Description
Provenance: Försvarets materielverk (FMV)
[Press release: “Defence Materiel Works sells exceptional camera at auction"] (https://www.mynewsdesk.com/se/auctionet/pressreleases/foersvarets-materielverk-saeljer-exceptionell-kamera-paa-auktion-3406122)
Camera no. 822928 is part of the legendary series of 100 Leica IIIF in black lacquer, specially made for the Swedish Army in 1956. Serial numbers 822901—823000 were recorded in Leica's archives with the listing “matt. schwarz”. The cameras were delivered via Brandt AB in Stockholm to the Swedish Defence Materielverk and were designed to withstand arctic conditions — in Leitz terminology they were called “Kältefest”.
The fact that such a rare model has been preserved with accessories and documented provenance from the Swedish Armed Forces makes No. 822928 one of the most significant known copies of the Leica IIIF “Swedish Army”. It is a camera developed during the Cold War for soldiers in snow and cold, but is today a collector's item of international rank.
Unlike the regular, chromed IIIF models, the Swedish Army variant appears as strictly military. The matte black surface eliminated reflections, and the specially lubricated bearings allowed the shutter to work even in extreme cold. The provenance is unbroken: this camera has belonged to the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration since its delivery in 1956, which means that it had only one owner before it has now left the Agency's stock.
The specimen is well preserved and is presented together with a range of accessories including:
- Black painted headlight cover (Leitz FOOKH) with original box, designed for Elmar 5 cm f/3.5.
- 2 filters in black frame, mountable on the lens. One of which is a deep, unmarked filter and backlight tube, probably military special manufacture with green filters.
- Original brown leather bag with embossed Leica logo and complete carrying strap.
- Black original cover with Leica logo.
- Gebrauchsanleitung for Leica IIif and IIIif, printed by Ernst Leitz GmbH in Wetzlar.
Update of catalogue text 2025-09-23: Clarification of provenance of FMV and link to press release.
Condition
Camera body and lens in very good, original condition. Minor traces of use on top cover and shutter speed dial, light surface marks on bottom plate. The Vulcanite cladding is intact and well preserved. The black paintwork is largely untouched with only minimal wear. The Elmar 5 cm f/3.5 lens is not fully examined and is additionally secured with a screw. Engravings are crisp and fully legible.
Grade: B (very good condition).
Please contact us at info@formstad.se in case you need more detailed pictures or a further fitness review. Viewing the item takes place only after a verified appointment.
----------------------
Body and lens in very good, original condition. Minor traces of use to top plate and shutter dial, light surface marks on base plate, vulcanite covering intact and well preserved. Black paint finish largely intact with only minimal brassing. The Elmar 5 cm f/3.5 lens has not been fully examined and is additionally secured with a screw. Engravings sharp and fully legible.
Grading: B (very good condition).
Please feel free to contact us at info@formstad.se if additional detailed images are required or if you would like a thorough condition report. Viewing the item is only possible by verified appointment.
