Gamma III, Italian Air Force version. The lens is made by Som Berthiot of France. The top cover is engraved with AERONAUTICA MILITARE, and the lens barrel base bears the engraving A.M. The Type III was produced between 1950 and 1951.
Gamma is a superbly styled Italian-made Leica copy with unique mechanisms. However, it is often criticized for poor machining accuracy, and functioning examples are exceedingly rare.
This particular unit is the final Gamma model, the Type III, which adopted the Leica screw mount. The Type I used a proprietary bayonet mount, the Type II adopted the Leica screw mount but lacked slow speeds, and this Type III retained the L-mount while adding slow shutter speeds. Total production across Types I to III is said to be just over 2,000 units, with the Type III accounting for approximately 800 to 1,000 of them.
Gamma cameras feature a double cassette system (compatible with standard cassettes) and do not have a rewind knob. The back cover opens in one piece, similar to the Rollei 35, Contax I, and some Voigtländer Vitessa models. Since film cannot be rewound, it must be cut with a film cutter after shooting is completed.
The shutter curtain is metal and round-shaped. The rangefinder roller is located beneath the lens mount, but the camera is compatible with Leica screw mount lenses, allowing a wide variety of lenses to be used.
Although its shape resembles a Leica, it shares no real similarity with any other Leica copy produced around the world—it is a uniquely Italian creation in both spirit and execution.
Several attractive interchangeable lenses were available for the Gamma, including the Koristka Victor 55mm, and lenses by Officine Galileo, Som Berthiot, and Angenieux in 50mm and 90mm focal lengths.
This particular unit comes with the rare Som Berthiot 50mm f2.8 lens. It features a 3-group 4-element construction. The lens bears a strong visual resemblance to the Angenieux 50mm f2.9, which was also supplied for the Gamma.
A true rarity.
This item was previously sold by our store and has now made its way back to us, having been cherished by the customer for many years. Originally acquired from a collector in Northern Italy in the early 2000s, it has returned to us after two decades. Welcome home.
There are numerous scuff marks on the baseplate, but the top plate and other areas remain relatively clean in appearance. No dents or dings are visible.
Both the body and lens were overhauled in 2025. Although Gamma cameras are notoriously difficult to repair, this one is currently operating smoothly. The shutter uses heavy metal curtains that travel laterally, and the top speed of 1/1000 sec now performs at around 1/400 sec, which was likely close to its original accuracy at the time. The viewfinder has some prism corrosion, making the rangefinder image slightly faint, but it should not interfere with shooting. For a Gamma, this is considered excellent operational condition.
However, due to inherent issues in manufacturing precision, it cannot match the reliability of Leica or high-quality Japanese Leica copies, so it may not be suitable for intensive daily use.
The rangefinder coupling between the Gamma body and the attached Berthiot lens is accurate. When using other L-mount lenses, the rangefinder alignment may vary depending on the lens, and some may be difficult to mount or remove.
The Berthiot 50mm f2.8 lens features a beautiful blue coating and can be used without issue on other Leica bodies, including digital M models. The lens shows light cleaning marks and coating wear on each element, with some faint fungus traces around the edge of the inner element. These are stable and unlikely to worsen. The image quality remains good, as shown in our sample gallery.
This is a mechanical marvel that will surely delight camera enthusiasts. Fully serviced and ready to shoot with confidence. Also highly suitable for collectors.
