HMS Tern volunteer Nick has been working with vintage cameras, and this past week he captured stunning photographs around the airfield to test his efforts. Great news. His hard work has truly paid off!
These captivating views were captured using a Leica IIIb camera with Kentmere 200 black and white film, bringing a touch of nostalgia to each shot! They were developed in a darkroom and then scanned for display. If you take a closer look, the film’s delightful grain adds a genuine ambiance from the 1940s and 50s, enhancing the character of every photograph. It’s truly amazing how these images transport us back in time!
The camera was made in 1939 and shipped to the War Department on the 4th of May and is a valuable piece of the HMS Tern collection, which features historical photographic equipment and other items from the operational airfield. This particular Leica model played a significant role during World War II, frequently used by both Royal Navy and Luftwaffe photographers to capture crucial moments and events. With a production run of just over 32,000 units, this camera has become quite rare, making it a sought-after item for collectors and history enthusiasts alike.
Nick aims to raise funds for a fully functional darkroom at HMS Tern, and we will keep you updated as work progresses.
For those of you who enjoy camera specifications, here are the Leica IIIb specs:
- Film format: 35mm (24×36 mm exposures)
- Lens mount: M39 screw mount compatible with various Leitz and third-party lenses, including Summitar, Xenon, and Carl Zeiss Sonnar lenses
- Lens: Collapsible Leitz Elmar 5cm f/3.5, manufactured in 1933
- Shutter speeds: 1s to 1/1000s, using a focal plane curtain with variable speeds adjusted by delaying the second blind
- Body: Vulcanite-covered metal, compact and robust
- Rangefinder: Coupled, swing prism type, with double-image viewing for precise focusing
- Viewfinder: Direct-vision or lens-specific accessory finders; the IIIb moved the rangefinder and viewfinder close together for faster operation
- Diopter correction lever: Positioned under the rewind knob for eye adjustment
- Accessories: Supported rapid winder, attachable filters (yellow, graduated), lens hoods, and Weston Leicameter for metering
Sources: Leica IIIb – Antique and Vintage Cameras, Leica IIIb – Camera-wiki.org – The free camera encyclopedia
Enjoy the photographs!
The feature photograph is the Leica IIIb when HMS Tern exhibited at Orkney Museum.
Leave a Reply