Leica IIIcK Gray. A military-grade cold-resistant model manufactured around 1945. The K stands for Kugellager, the German word for ball bearing. It features ball bearings in the shutter mechanism, designed to prevent freezing in cold climates by removing the grease.
The exterior has a distinctive bluish-gray paint with chrome plating. Pairing it with period-appropriate lenses like the Summitar or Elmar 5cm enhances its authentic appearance. The leather covering is finished in the same gray color.
On March 15, 1945, the Wetzlar factory was occupied by the US Army during World War II. The production of the IIIcK, which was ongoing at the time, continued and was also sold for civilian use. Notably, shortly after this serial number, the Z marking for the bulb setting was changed to the English B marking (reference: Leica Story by Kazuo Nakagawa).
There is some paint loss and bubbling on the corners and other areas. There is a minor ding on the top cover near the rewind knob, but it doesn't detract from the overall appearance. As a gray IIIcK, this is a fairly well-preserved example.
Fully serviced in 2024, including the replacement of the shutter curtains. The original shutter curtains were quite damaged due to deterioration, but the faint K mark was still visible. All parts operate smoothly. The viewfinder is clear, and the rangefinder's double image is sharp. Suitable for practical use as well.
