How Much Is a Used Leica IIIb Worth? (2026 Price Guide)
Live data, refreshed daily. Last updated . Reviewed by Ked, a Leica M shooter (film and digital).
Is the price right? A quick buy-guide for the Leica IIIb
A quick gut-check for any listing below — condition and accessories shift the line, so always read the listing.
Current Leica IIIb Used Price in 2026
As of July 30, 2026: The fair range for a used Leica IIIb — where the middle half of listings sit — is $454–$683, around an asking median of $628. Confirmed sale prices are still thin for this model. The fair range (middle 50% of asking prices) is $454–$683; rare finishes and special editions push the full span far wider. The cheapest active listing right now is $256 (eBay DE).
Market pace19 listed now · half are gone within 27 days, a steady-moving used market.
The Leica IIIb, introduced in 1938, was the last of the pre-war small-body screw-mount Leicas before the die-cast IIIc. It refined the IIIa rather than reinventing it: the viewfinder and rangefinder eyepieces were moved close together (though they remain separate windows), the diopter-correction lever was relocated next to the rewind knob, and the top housing grew about a millimeter taller. It keeps the 1/1000 top speed, slow speeds, and 39mm screw mount of the IIIa. With roughly 31,000 to 33,000 made before production wound down around 1940 (plus a small batch in 1946), the IIIb is distinctly scarcer than the III and IIIa, which lifts its collector interest.
Leica IIIb Price by Region
Excludes special editions, collectables, bundles, and call-for-price listings.
| Region | Listings | Low | High | Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | 7 | $270 | $745 | $580 |
| Europe | 6 | $256 | $1,706 | $754 |
| United Kingdom | 2 | $365 | $864 | $615 |
| North America | 2 | $450 | $549 | $500 |
| Hong Kong | 1 | $449 | $449 | $449 |
| Australia | 1 | $628 | $628 | $628 |
All Leica IIIb Listings
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can a used Leica IIIb still be serviced?
Usually yes. Leica services many current and recent models, and independent specialists handle older and discontinued bodies, including the clean-lube-adjust (CLA) that vintage cameras often need. Parts can be limited on older or electronic models, so budget for a possible service and factor a CLA into the price on a body that has not been serviced recently.
What is the difference between the Leica IIIb and IIIa?
The changes are subtle and ergonomic rather than mechanical. On the IIIb the viewfinder and rangefinder eyepieces sit close together for quicker eye movement between framing and focusing, the diopter-adjustment lever was moved to beside the rewind knob, and the top plate is slightly taller. The shutter, 1/1000 top speed, slow speeds, and lens mount are the same as the IIIa.
Does the Leica IIIb have a combined viewfinder and rangefinder window?
No, and this is a common misconception. The IIIb has two separate eyepieces placed close together, not a single combined window. A truly combined viewfinder and rangefinder is a feature of the later M-series cameras; every screw-mount Leica, including the IIIb and even the IIIg, uses separate windows.
Is the Leica IIIb rare?
It is the scarcest of the common pre-war III models. Combined production of the III and IIIa was several times that of the IIIb, with the IIIb totaling somewhere around 31,000 to 33,000 depending on the source. Genuine wartime Luftwaffe-marked IIIb bodies exist but are rare and heavily faked, so verify any military markings against records.
What should I check when buying a used Leica IIIb?
Confirm both close-set eyepieces are clear and that the rangefinder patch tracks focus, and check that the diopter lever by the rewind knob works. Test all shutter speeds including the slow ones, inspect the curtains in bright light for pinholes, and check the vulcanite covering. Verify the serial against published tables and budget for a service on an unserviced body.