Leotax Model K3 Body Rangefinder camera

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Thorsten Pöllath
Expert
Selected by Thorsten Pöllath

Has 40 years of experience in photography and 25 years of collecting expertise, specialising in M42 lens mounts.

Estimate  € 150 - € 200
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Description from the seller

Golden Era Precision: Leotax Model K3 Rangefinder – A Rare Piece of Japanese Optical History

Description:
Step back into the golden age of Japanese photography with the Leotax Model K3.
As a sophisticated evolution of the Leica-inspired rangefinders, the K3 represents the height of Showa-era engineering by Showa Optical Works.
This particular body carries a dignified patina, with subtle brassing and character marks that tell the story of decades of creative use.
The mechanical soul of this camera remains vibrant; the shutter fires with a reassuring, rhythmic click, and the film advance transports you to a time when every shot was deliberate and cherished.
Holding the K3, you feel the weight of quality and the spirit of the artisans who sought to rival the world's best.
It is not merely a camera, but a vessel for your creative vision, waiting to capture the world through its classic rangefinder soul.

Specifications:

* Release Date: 1958
* Manufacturer: Showa Optical Works (Leotax)
* Product Name: Leotax Model K3
* Type: 35mm focal-plane shutter rangefinder camera
* Lens Mount: Leica L-mount (L39 screw mount)
* Shutter: Mechanical horizontal-travel cloth focal-plane shutter
* Shutterspeed: T, B, 1 to 1/500 sec
* Film Advance: Top-mounted winding lever (Early Leotax lever model)
* Operation: All functions working. Shutter speeds vary correctly, though mechanical precision has not been measured.
* Viewfinder Condition: Presence of minor dust and age-related haze.The double image aligns correctly.
* Shutter Curtain Condition: Good condition.
* Appearance: Presence of rust, scuffs, small dents, and paint loss consistent with age. Leatherette is in good condition.
* Accessories: Take-up spool.

Important Notice: Shipping Suspension to Specific Regions
Due to the worsening situation in the Middle East and its impact on international flight schedules, we have decided to suspend shipping to the following countries until further notice.
Middle East: Israel, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Yemen, and all other countries in the region.
Europe & Africa: Ireland, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Greece, Croatia, Georgia, Czech Republic, Norway, Hungary, Bulgaria, Algeria, Angola, Uganda, Ghana, Zambia, Sudan, Tanzania, Botswana, Mozambique, etc.
If an order is placed for any of these destinations, we will have to cancel it. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.


Shipping Policy: We will ship your order with a tracking number within 1-3 business days after payment confirmation.

Disclaimer: Please note that the product description above was generated with AI assistance. As there may be potential inaccuracies, please refer to the provided photos and the official manufacturer's website for the most accurate and definitive information.

Terms and Conditions
1. What is included in this item is only what is shown in the picture. Please note that batteries and other items not shown in the picture are not included.
2. Import duties, taxes, VAT (Value Added Tax), and other charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These costs are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding or buying.
3. When purchasing a lens, please note that any issues arising from the use of third-party mount adapters are not covered under warranty.
4. Condition ratings and descriptions are based on the seller's subjective evaluation. Since the perception of an item's condition can vary between individuals, please carefully review all provided photos and place your bid based on your own judgment and responsibility.
5. In the event that you are not satisfied with the item or find any discrepancies with the description, the item must be returned to the seller first. A refund will be processed immediately upon the safe return of the item. All return policies are governed by Catawiki's terms and conditions.
6. By placing a bid, you are deemed to have read and agreed to all the terms and conditions stated above.





Golden Era Precision: Leotax Model K3 Rangefinder – A Rare Piece of Japanese Optical History

Description:
Step back into the golden age of Japanese photography with the Leotax Model K3.
As a sophisticated evolution of the Leica-inspired rangefinders, the K3 represents the height of Showa-era engineering by Showa Optical Works.
This particular body carries a dignified patina, with subtle brassing and character marks that tell the story of decades of creative use.
The mechanical soul of this camera remains vibrant; the shutter fires with a reassuring, rhythmic click, and the film advance transports you to a time when every shot was deliberate and cherished.
Holding the K3, you feel the weight of quality and the spirit of the artisans who sought to rival the world's best.
It is not merely a camera, but a vessel for your creative vision, waiting to capture the world through its classic rangefinder soul.

Specifications:

* Release Date: 1958
* Manufacturer: Showa Optical Works (Leotax)
* Product Name: Leotax Model K3
* Type: 35mm focal-plane shutter rangefinder camera
* Lens Mount: Leica L-mount (L39 screw mount)
* Shutter: Mechanical horizontal-travel cloth focal-plane shutter
* Shutterspeed: T, B, 1 to 1/500 sec
* Film Advance: Top-mounted winding lever (Early Leotax lever model)
* Operation: All functions working. Shutter speeds vary correctly, though mechanical precision has not been measured.
* Viewfinder Condition: Presence of minor dust and age-related haze.The double image aligns correctly.
* Shutter Curtain Condition: Good condition.
* Appearance: Presence of rust, scuffs, small dents, and paint loss consistent with age. Leatherette is in good condition.
* Accessories: Take-up spool.

Important Notice: Shipping Suspension to Specific Regions
Due to the worsening situation in the Middle East and its impact on international flight schedules, we have decided to suspend shipping to the following countries until further notice.
Middle East: Israel, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Yemen, and all other countries in the region.
Europe & Africa: Ireland, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Greece, Croatia, Georgia, Czech Republic, Norway, Hungary, Bulgaria, Algeria, Angola, Uganda, Ghana, Zambia, Sudan, Tanzania, Botswana, Mozambique, etc.
If an order is placed for any of these destinations, we will have to cancel it. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.


Shipping Policy: We will ship your order with a tracking number within 1-3 business days after payment confirmation.

Disclaimer: Please note that the product description above was generated with AI assistance. As there may be potential inaccuracies, please refer to the provided photos and the official manufacturer's website for the most accurate and definitive information.

Terms and Conditions
1. What is included in this item is only what is shown in the picture. Please note that batteries and other items not shown in the picture are not included.
2. Import duties, taxes, VAT (Value Added Tax), and other charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These costs are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding or buying.
3. When purchasing a lens, please note that any issues arising from the use of third-party mount adapters are not covered under warranty.
4. Condition ratings and descriptions are based on the seller's subjective evaluation. Since the perception of an item's condition can vary between individuals, please carefully review all provided photos and place your bid based on your own judgment and responsibility.
5. In the event that you are not satisfied with the item or find any discrepancies with the description, the item must be returned to the seller first. A refund will be processed immediately upon the safe return of the item. All return policies are governed by Catawiki's terms and conditions.
6. By placing a bid, you are deemed to have read and agreed to all the terms and conditions stated above.





Details

Era
1900-2000
Brand
Leotax
Model/type nr
Model K3 Body
Physical condition
Near mint
Functional condition
Tested and working
Lens Mount Type
LSM / LTM
Film type
35mm
Serial number
576093
Estimated period
1950-1960
Sold by
JapanVerified
307
Objects sold
98.25%
Privatetop

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