The Gray Visoflex III
E.Leitz, Inc. New York contracted with a NYC professional photography studio to produce product photos using the 8x10 format. A print dated approximately 1963 shows a Visoflex III in gray finish.This paint motif is similar to that applied to the gray Leica MD in 1964 at 1102501-1102510. The photo also shows a milled surface at the front of the OUBIO foot required for installation onto the focusing mount of the 400mm 1:5 Telyt. Please refer to page 198 of my Volume III-Accessories.
The gray Visoflex III usually accompanies the gray MD. A cutout is present at the 6 o’clock position on the front flange of the Visoflex. The purpose of this cutout remains a mystery.
Does the gray Visoflex III exist without the cutout ? Were the very first evaluation samples prepared in gray motif ? Does the specimen in the Leitz New York photo have the cutout? There are many unanswered questions.
The illustrations detail the marbled gray finish on the Visoflex III and Leica MD. The cutout is clearly evident on the close up. A recent photo contrasts a gray eye level finder to a typical Visoflex III housing.
LHSA and Leica Historica members are invited to help unravel the gray Visoflex III story. Could the Leica Department have borrowed paint from the Micro Department ? As is well understood Leitz Scientific Instruments typically utilized the marbled gray finish.
