Leica IIIc “Luftwaffen-Eigentum” Astro Rifle

The only known and the most sophisticated military Astro Berlin camera outfit developed for the German Luftwaffe. This unique outfit was designed for handheld and tripod operation, the construction is lightweight and includes two wood handles, a left-hand shutter release and a padded rest for the face for maximal stability. The lens (Astro Fernbildlinse 5/300mm no.38912) and the viewfinder are painted in olive green, the cradle and tripod mount in grey. The rifle is paired with an unusual Luftwaffen Leica IIIc no.390415, finished in green paint, in a similar shade to the lens, it is also one of the latest Luftwaffen-Eigentum cameras listed in the Leica Archives.

This exact Astro rifle is showcased in Lager I 'Cameras' on page 87.

Photo credit: © Leitz Photographica Auction