"Null-Serie"("0-Serie")

The "Null-Serie" cameras began with a pilot run of 25 unitsproduced in 1923⁵⁴⁰. The initial production of handmade models received serial numbers ranging from 101²⁹to 125⁴²⁴. They were first introduced to the public at the Spring Fair in Leipzig in 1925, and, at that time, they did not have a specific model designation²⁹.

Technical Specifications

These cameras were equipped with several notable features. Film advance was intricately linked with shutter cocking²⁹ . An "automatic " exposure counter was calibrated to 40²⁹ . The non-interchangeable collapsible 50mm lens ensured maximum compactness and ease of transport²⁹ . The bottom-loading design included an accessory clip and self-closing film cassettes²⁹ . In contrast to the original Ur-Leica prototypes, which lacked cassettes and utilized a focal plane shutter with a fixed slit width of 4 centimetres, the "Null-Serie" cameras introduced the variable slit width²⁹ .

This meant that the exposure time could be adjusted by manipulating the slit width, which was controlled via a small dial located at the top of the camera²⁹. To change the slit width, users turned a winding knob until a dot on the shutter speed dial (more accurately known as the "slit width dial") aligned with an index on the camera's top²⁹. After aligning the dot, the dial could be depressed and turned until a pin engaged with a hole next to the desired setting²⁹. One important aspect of this setup was that the selected setting could be read even when the shutter was wound²⁹.

Interestingly, on the "Null-Serie" cameras, the highest number displayed on the speed dial indicated the slowest speed¹⁰⁰. The various slit widths corresponded to specific shutter speeds: a slit width of 2 allowed for 1/1000 of a second, while a setting of 5 corresponded to 1/500 of a second, and so forth, down to 50 for 1/30 seconds²⁹. However, it was likely that the original spring tensions were lower, restricting the maximum shutter speed to 1/500 of a second²⁹. Furthermore, the focal plane shutter in the initial pilot models was not self-capping, requiring the insertion of a lens cap before advancing the film or rewinding it into the cassette²⁹. This inconvenience was subsequently addressed after the pilot run of "Null-Serie" cameras²⁹.

In the initial cameras from "Null-Serie" series, there was a single negative viewfinder lens paired with a collapsible post²⁹. This design necessitated holding the camera at nearly arm's length from the eye, resulting in a diminutive image²⁹. This impractical feature was quickly replaced by a more familiar optical viewfinder that could be held closer to the eye for a better experience²⁹. This optical tubular viewfinder came in 2 variations: with alignment crosshairs and without them⁵⁴⁰.

The frame counter index was marked by a small line that was positioned perpendicularly to the back edge of the top deck and concentric with the winding knob²⁹.

Not all of the "Null-Serie" cameras were completed as fully functional models, and delivery book records suggested that only about 22 of these cameras reached full assembly²⁶⁹.

During the developmental phase of "Null-Serie" cameras, the cameras were known as Barnack's cameras³³⁸. Only when production began did it receive the official name, "Leica"³³⁸. Interestingly, one of the early names considered for Leica I Model A was "LECA," a unique spelling featured in an early brochure³³⁸. Ultimately, the more appealing name Leica, which stood for "LEItz CAmera," was chosen³³⁸. Production of the actual series started with Leica I Model A number 126⁵⁹⁶ and several significant improvements were implemented based on user feedback from the "Null-Serie" pilot run²⁹.

Known Whereabouts

In 1923, Leitz distributed between 20 and 30 cameras from "Null-Serie" series to the factory personnel and a select group of trusted individuals³³⁷. These models aligned with Barnack's expectations; however, his colleague Anton Baumann expressed concern that photographers might forget to cover the lens when cocking the shutter for the next shot, as the shutter curtains did not overlap³⁵⁷. Barnack addressed this concern, and by the spring of 1924, he had constructed four cameras equipped with a new shutter design³⁵⁷. This change happened with Leica I Model A number 131 and that camera was the first one to receive self-capping mechanism²⁹. In addition, the shutter speed dial was recalibrated to display fractions of a second, providing users with greater precision in their settings²⁹. The design of the top "deck" of the camera was also revamped²⁹. Furthermore, the lens mount and knobs transitioned from their original black finishes to a more refined nickel-plated appearance²⁹.

"Null-Serie" 101

Brief history of whereabouts of this camera:

The camera was produced in the first of two phases of "Null-Serie" camera production⁵⁰¹.
It was given to August Bauer, an employee of Leitz³⁵⁷(however, according to Dirk Daniel Mann, this camera never had association to Mr. Bauer - this camera was believed to have remained in the Leitz family's possession)⁵⁰¹.
In 1983, this camera was in private collection³⁶⁰ (most likely in Germany (author's note)). It had the first type of viewfinder that featured a folding design with a negative lens and a pivoting foresight³⁶⁰. It included a crossline graticule on the negative lens to assist with sighting³⁶⁰. However, this type was often inaccurate, as the foresight must be positioned at least 10 cm away from the eye, which could also lead to camera shake³⁶⁰. The viewfinder was attached to the top plate using two 4.7 mm screws³⁶⁰.
In 1984, this camera was in private collection⁵⁹⁸.
In 2005, this camera was in private collection⁵³⁴.
This camera was illustrated on the advertisement for Lars Netopil Classic Cameras in 2019 (p.124 5/2019 Leica Fotografie International magazine).

"Null-Serie" 102

Brief history of whereabouts of this camera:

The camera was produced in the first of two phases of "Null-Serie" camera production⁵⁰¹.
It was given to Ernst Leitz³⁵⁷. This camera remained in the Leitz family's possession⁵⁰¹. It had the first type of viewfinder that featured a folding design with a negative lens and a pivoting foresight³⁶⁰. It included a crossline graticule on the negative lens to assist with sighting³⁶⁰. However, this type was often inaccurate, as the foresight must be positioned at least 10 cm away from the eye, which could also lead to camera shake³⁶⁰. The viewfinder was attached to the top plate using two 4.7 mm screws³⁶⁰.

"Null-Serie" 103

Brief history of whereabouts of this camera:

The camera was produced in the first of two phases of "Null-Serie" camera production⁵⁰¹.
It was in possession of Kipper Berghäuser of Oberhausen, Germany³⁶¹/ (Bergassessor Kipper, Oberhausen (Mining Assessor Kipper, Oberhausen))⁵⁹⁷
This camera remained in the Leitz family's possession⁵⁰¹.
In 1970s, Rolf Fricke acquired the camera in Wetzlar and held onto to it until 2025⁵⁹⁷. This camera had the first type of viewfinder that featured a folding design with a negative lens and a pivoting foresight³⁶⁰. It included a crossline graticule on the negative lens to assist with sighting³⁶⁰. However, this type was often inaccurate, as the foresight must be positioned at least 10 cm away from the eye, which could also lead to camera shake³⁶⁰. The viewfinder was attached to the top plate using two 4.7 mm screws³⁶⁰.
In 1990s, this camera was illustrated on page 13 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰. The photograph was credited to "Leitz Wetzlar Photo"⁵⁴⁰. The illustrated camera had a central tubular viewfinder and missed the lens cap attached by a short string⁵⁴⁰.
In 2005, this camera was in private collection⁵³⁴.
This camera was illustrated on the advertisement for the 8th Wetzlar Camera Auctions in July of 2026 (5/2026 Leica Fotografie International magazine).
The camera was expected to be auctioned off at the 8th Wetzlar Camera Auctions on October 10, 2026⁵⁹⁷. The camera came from Rolf Fricke collection⁵⁹⁷.

"Null-Serie" 104

Brief history of whereabouts of this camera:

The camera was produced in the first of two phases of "Null-Serie" camera production⁵⁰¹.
This camera possibly remained in the Leitz family's possession after its production⁵⁰¹.
On October 31, 1979, a major exhibition was organized at the Munich City Museum to celebrate Oskar Barnack's 100th birthday ⁵⁹² . At this exhibition, the "Null-Serie" number 104 was displayed alongside the Ur-Leica (the original Leica) and Barnack's handmade prototype camera (Barnack's Handmuster Camera 1) ⁵⁹² .
In 1983, the "Null-Serie" number 104 was displayed in the Leitz Factory Museum in Wetzlar, Germany³⁶⁰. This camera had the first type of viewfinder that featured a folding design with a negative lens and a pivoting foresight³⁶⁰. It included a crossline graticule on the negative lens to assist with sighting³⁶⁰. However, this type was often inaccurate, as the foresight must be positioned at least 10 cm away from the eye, which could also lead to camera shake³⁶⁰. The viewfinder was attached to the top plate using two 4.7 mm screws³⁶⁰.
In 1984, this camera was in Leica collection of Leitz⁵⁹⁸.
In 1984, it was illustrated in Kikuo Urago's "Leica MANUAL" book⁵⁹⁸.
It was illustrated in the 1984 "Leica Manual Book" (1st Edition) by Kikuo Urago (Towa Photo Forum Co Ltd.)⁵⁹⁸.
In 1985, it was illustrated on pages 55-56 of the "10 Jahre Leica HISTORICA: Beiträge zur Geschichte der LEICA" book⁵⁹⁵.
In 1994, the camera was in Leica Collection in Solms, Germany⁵⁰¹.
The camera was illustrated on the page 50 of the Dennis Laney's "Leica Collector's Guide" (2^nd edition)⁵³⁴. The camera was "modified...with tubular viewfinder in off-set position and accessory shoe cover lens axis partially covering the engraving "Ernst""⁵³⁴.
The camera was illustrated on pages 30 and 31 of Dr. Hans-Günter Kisselbach's "Barnack's First Leica" book ⁵⁹² .
In 2005, this camera was in the factory museum in Solms⁵³⁴.
Thai collector Surat Osathanugrah owned this camera at one time⁵¹¹.
The camera was illustrated in Lars Netopil's "Prototyp Leica" book (see Viewfinder 43, Number 4, 2010).

"Null-Serie" 105

Brief history of whereabouts of this camera:

The camera was produced in the first of two phases of "Null-Serie" camera production⁵⁰¹.
It was commonly believed that this camera belonged to Oscar Barnack¹⁴⁸. This ownership was supported by the letters his son, Conrad Barnack, wrote to Jim Forsyth in October 1960¹⁵¹. According to notes from Oskar Barnack and the delivery records from 1923, the "Null-Serie" number 105 was initially intended for Henri Dumur³³⁶, board member and co-director of Ernst Leitz G.m.b.H.³³⁸.
It was known that Conrad Barnack, who used the "Null-Serie" number 105 until 1939, loaned it to the Photographic Technology Display at the Deutsches Museum in Munich³³⁸.
The camera then remained at the Deutsches Museum in Munich from 1939 to 1945³³⁸.
After World War II, it was returned to Conrad (for the period of time 1945 and 1954³³⁸), who later sent it back for another exhibition from 1954 to 1960³³⁸.
In 1960, Conrad decided to sell this "Null-Serie" camera to American collector Jim Forsyth³³⁸. A letter dated October 9, 1960, from Conrad to Forsyth discussed the potential sale of this significant piece of photographic history³³⁸.
In 1969, Forsyth sold the camera to its next owner, Frank Christian³³⁷.
It was known, however, that the camera was serviced in the early 1970s at the Leica facility in Rockleigh, New Jersey, although no parts were replaced at that time³³⁷. A letter from Manfred Neul indicated that he remembered repairing one of the first Leica cameras, numbered 105⁵⁹³. The camera had been sent to him with strict instructions to make it functional without replacing any parts⁵⁹³. In the years following, Frank Christian sold the "Null-Serie" camera to Al Clarke, a founding member of the Leica Historical Society of America³³⁸. Al Clarke cherished the camera for about 25 years, from the early 1970s until the mid-1990s, selling it to its next owner³³⁸. This camera was modified to include the new tubular viewfinder, a feature that later became standard on the "Null-Serie" models and subsequent Leica I Model A cameras, extending to the Leica Standard Model E³³⁸. Despite the update, traces of the original folding viewfinder remained visible on the body of the camera, including marks and a screw-plugged hole where the front post used to attach³³⁸.
At the beginning of 1990s, the photographs of this camera appeared on page 14 James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰. The illustrated camera had a central tubular viewfinder and missed the lens cap attached by a short string⁵⁴⁰.
In 2021, visitors were able to admire this historic camera at the reopening of the Ernst Leitz Museum in Wetzlar⁵⁹³.
On June 11, 2022, it was sold for a staggering 14400000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 40th Leitz Photographica Auction³³⁷.
In October of 2025, it was displayed in Yodobashi Fujisawa Camera Museum in Tokyo, Japan.

The "Null-Serie" number 105 was especially noteworthy because it features the name "Oskar Barnack" engraved on its viewfinder, reflecting an Anglicised version of his name¹⁵¹. Though well-crafted, the engraving can be hard to notice due to its light-colored filling merging with the patina of the viewfinder¹⁵¹. The engraving and the spelling is very controversial³³⁸. The identity of the individual responsible for this unusual spelling and the engraving itself remains a mystery³³⁸.

Notably, it was believed that the "Null-Serie" camera with serial number 105 originally came with a folding finder that had crosshairs³³⁷. However, over time, it was replaced by one of the tubular Galilean types without a crosshair³³⁷.

The "Null-Serie" number 105 originally featured a rewind knob that was later replaced with a newer design used in the Leica I Model A³³⁷. Ottmar Michaely noted that the update was necessary to accommodate standard Leica FILCA film cassettes, as the original cassettes for the "Null-Serie" cameras had become increasingly rare by the late 1920s³³⁷.

The first batch of "Null-Serie" cameras were designed with non-capping shutters³³⁷. The lens had to be capped during the winding and shutter-cocking process³³⁷. A clip on the front of the camera held a short string attached to a leather lens cap³³⁷. In addition to the leather cap, the "Null-Serie" number 105 also came with a metal cap featuring the initials "O.B."³³⁷.

"Null-Serie" 106

The camera was produced in the first of two phases of "Null-Serie" camera production⁵⁰¹. The author of this website could not find evidence of this camera's existence and believed that it had not survived to the present day.

"Null-Serie" 107

Brief history of whereabouts of this camera:

The camera was produced in the second of two phases of "Null-Serie" camera production⁵⁰¹.
This camera was delivered to Patent Office in New York, United States in 1923³⁶¹ .
In 1983, the "Null-Serie " 107 was in private collection in Belgium and it was illustrated on the page 25 of Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck's "The Leica: A History Illustrating every Model and Accessory" book³⁶⁰ . In that photograph, it lacked the leather covering³⁶⁰ . This camera had frame counter that went from 5 to 40, without the crossed circle below 40³⁶⁰. It had the first type of viewfinder that featured a folding design with a negative lens and a pivoting foresight³⁶⁰. It included a crossline graticule on the negative lens to assist with sighting³⁶⁰. However, this type was often inaccurate, as the foresight must be positioned at least 10 cm away from the eye, which could also lead to camera shake³⁶⁰. The viewfinder was attached to the top plate using two 4.7 mm screws³⁶⁰.
In 1984, this camera was in private collection in Belgium⁵⁹⁸.
In 2005, this camera was in private collection⁵³⁴ .
On November 17, 2007, the camera was sold for 336000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 12th WestLicht Camera Auction⁴¹².
The camera was sold for 1320000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 19th WestLicht Camera Auction on May 28, 2011⁴⁰⁵ . The lot was described as "...in excellent and fully working condition, all parts including the paintwork are original, though the camera was published years ago without lens and leather covering. The original Leica 0-series lens and the contemporary Leitz leather have been mounted by Ottmar Michealy in Wetzlar, the folding finder has been replaced by the later Galilean finder as usual. It is the only camera known with 'Germany' engraving on the top plate. The factory record indicates delivery to New York for patent applies. This means that this camera is not only one of the major rarities existing, it is also the first Leica being exported. This is the second 0-series Leica ever being offered in a public auction and the unique chance to buy the most important collectable Leica camera. "⁴⁰⁵

"Null-Serie" 108

The camera was produced in the second of two phases of "Null-Serie" camera production⁵⁰¹.

It was originally delivered to Rudolph Zak, manager at Leitz³⁶¹.

The author of this website could not find evidence of this camera's existence and believed that it had not survived to the present day.

"Null-Serie" 109

Brief history of whereabouts of this camera:

The camera was produced in the second of two phases of "Null-Serie" camera production⁵⁰¹.
This camera was originally delivered to Kutschinsky, Leitz dealer in Berlin, Germany³⁶¹.
In 1970, the camera was displayed in the George Eastman House in Rochester, New York State, United States (see Viewfinder, Volume 3, No 3B from July-August 1970). This camera had the first type of viewfinder that featured a folding design with a negative lens and a pivoting foresight³⁶⁰. It included a crossline graticule on the negative lens to assist with sighting³⁶⁰. However, this type was often inaccurate, as the foresight must be positioned at least 10 cm away from the eye, which could also lead to camera shake³⁶⁰. The viewfinder was attached to the top plate using two 4.7 mm screws³⁶⁰.
In 1984, this camera was in the George Eastman House in Rochester, New York State, United States⁵⁹⁸.
In 2005, it was still in the George Eastman House in Rochester, New York State, United States⁵³⁴.

"Null-Serie" 110

Brief history of whereabouts of this camera:

The camera was produced in the second of two phases of "Null-Serie" camera production⁵⁰¹.
This camera was originally delivered to Kittner in Vienna, Austria³⁶¹.
In 1979, it was illustrated in the 1979 Kazuo Nakagawa's "Leica History" (Reprint, 1994) book.
In 1983, the "Null-Serie" number 110 was in private collection in Japan³⁶⁰. At some point in time, it was owned by Eiichi Kawahara of Osaka, and was the only "Null-Serie" camera in Japan⁵⁹⁰. This camera had the first type of viewfinder that featured a folding design with a negative lens and a pivoting foresight³⁶⁰. It included a crossline graticule on the negative lens to assist with sighting³⁶⁰. However, this type was often inaccurate, as the foresight must be positioned at least 10 cm away from the eye, which could also lead to camera shake³⁶⁰. The viewfinder was attached to the top plate using two 4.7 mm screws³⁶⁰.
In 1984, it was illustrated in Kikuo Urago's "Leica MANUAL" book⁵⁹⁸. At that time, camera was in private collection in Japan⁵⁹⁸.
Sometime before March 25, 2004, this camera was donated to the Japan Camera Museum (JCII / 日本カメラ博物館) by Ichizo Kawahara, son of Eiichi Kawahara⁵⁹⁰.
The camera was illustrated on page 88 of Camera Review No. 71 (Leica-Book '04)⁵⁹⁰.

"Null-Serie" 111

Brief history of whereabouts of this camera:

The camera was produced in the second of two phases of "Null-Serie" camera production⁵⁰¹.
It was originally delivered to Zieler, Leitz dealer in New York, United States³⁶¹. Wolfgang Zieler, who served as a Technical Representative at Leitz, was believed to have been loaned this camera in 1923⁵⁶⁸.
According to Alan Stokes' research, the camera underwent updates since 1923 (the date of these updates was unknown, but was estimated to be around 1930)⁵⁶⁸. Its original fold-up viewfinder was replaced with a later Galilean optical finder⁵⁶⁸. Additionally, the original 5-element 50mm f/3.5 Leitz Anastigmat lens was substituted with a later 50mm f/3.5 Elmar lens (circa 1930) in a non-standardized focusing mount that would have originally been fitted to a camera with a serial number ending in 674⁵⁶⁸.
The camera was housed in the Leitz factory museum in 1938, where its museum reference number was M738⁵⁶⁸.
Leitz service records indicated that this camera received some work in the Leitz service department in September/October 1955, although the specifics of the work were not documented⁵⁶⁸. A later color photograph of the "Null-Serie" number 111 showed it equipped with an 50mm f/3.5 Leitz Anastigmat lens, prompting Alan Stokes to suggest that this modification might have occurred at Leitz in 1955⁵⁶⁸.
In 1995, the camera was part of Kenjiro Nakamura's collection and was exhibited at the "History and Development of Imaging" exhibition at the Memorial Museum of the Machine Industry⁵⁶⁹. It was known that the exhibited camera featured cylindrical viewfinder, a leather lens cap, and the original strap of the lens cap⁵⁶⁹.
The photographs of the camera were featured on the cover and on the pages of Camera Review No. 37 (Leica-Book '96), published by Asahi Sonorama (Tokyo) in 1996⁵⁶⁹.

"Null-Serie" 112

Brief history of whereabouts of this camera:

The camera was produced in the second of two phases of "Null-Serie" camera production⁵⁰¹.
Historical records Werkstattbuch and Auslieferungsliste³³⁸ indicated that camera with the serial number 112, was originally in Oskar Barnack's possession³³⁷. However, evidence has emerged suggesting that he later utilized the camera number 105³³⁷. It was illustrated on page 27 of Viewfinder, Volume 28, Number 1, Q1 of 1995, with text suggesting that the camera belonged to George Sauppe, who was a partner in Spindler and Sauppe, the earliest West Coast Leitz distributors. The camera was later owned by his son, Norman Sauppe.
In 1983, the "Null-Serie" number 112 was in private collection³⁶⁰. This camera had the second type of viewfinder utilized a tubular negative front lens (equipped with a crossline graticule) and a positive lens as the eyepiece³⁶⁰. This version was secured to the top plate by four 1.4 mm screws³⁶⁰.
In 1984, this camera was in private collection⁵⁹⁸.
On June 9, 1994, this camera was offered at Christie's auction⁵⁰², but later withdrawn due to not reaching the reserve price of GBP 100000, according to William Fagan's article titled "46th Leitz Auction: After 100 Years, camera No. 112 leads the way" that appeared on June 3, 2025 on MACFILOS.
During the weekend of October 20-22, 1995, this camera was displayed at the Leica Historical Society of America's 27th Annual Meeting at Lexington's Radisson Plaza Hotel (Viewfinder, Volume 28, No. 4, 1995).
The camera was illustrated on the page 49 of the Dennis Laney's "Leica Collector's Guide" (2nd edition)⁵³⁴.
In 2005, this camera was in private collection⁵³⁴.
On March 4, 2025, Leica announced that this camera will be presented for sale at the 46th Leitz Photographica Auction in on June 27th, 2025.
On June 27, 2025, the camera was sold for 7200000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 46th Leitz Photographica Auction³⁷⁷.

"Null-Serie" 113

Brief history of whereabouts of this camera:

The camera was produced in the second of two phases of "Null-Serie" camera production⁵⁰¹.
This camera was originally delivered to Dr. Franz Bergmann, Leitz dealer in Berlin, Germany³⁶¹.
In 1969, the camera was in Rolf Fricke's collection (see Viewfinder, Volume 2, No 5).
In the 1980s, the camera had the second type of viewfinder utilized a tubular negative front lens (equipped with a crossline graticule) and a positive lens as the eyepiece³⁶⁰. This version was secured to the top plate by four 1.4 mm screws³⁶⁰.
In 1984, this camera was in private collection⁵⁹⁸.
In 1995, the camera was part of Kenjiro Nakamura's collection and was exhibited at the "History and Development of Imaging" exhibition at the Memorial Museum of the Machine Industry⁵⁶⁹. In Mr. Nakamura's own words, "One notable difference from the "Null-Serie" 111 is the addition of an infinity lock to the lens. This mechanism is quite complex, featuring a carved section of the washer with a spring inserted. In addition to the cylindrical viewfinder already included, a framed viewfinder is also part of the set. This camera was reportedly used by Oscar Barnack."⁵⁶⁹.
The photographs of the camera were featured on the cover and on the pages of Camera Review No. 37 (Leica-Book '96), published by Asahi Sonorama (Tokyo) in 1996⁵⁶⁹.
In 2014, the Leica Museum acquired the camera from Rolf Fricke, along with 898 other items.

"Null-Serie" 114

Brief history of whereabouts of this camera:

The camera was produced in the second of two phases of "Null-Serie" camera production⁵⁰¹.
This camera was originally delivered to Dr. Fritz Klute³⁶¹of Giessen University on May 18, 1923⁴³³. Page 115 of Oskar Barnack's "Werkstattbuch" and the Leitz "Kamera" delivery document from 1923 showed Professor Dr. Klute's name associated with it⁴³³. In the autumn of 1923, Professor Dr. Klute departed from the German port of Hamburg on a research trip to Argentina and Chile⁴³³. He took the "Null-Serie" number 114 with him on the journey⁴³³. Following this trip, Professor Dr. Klute published a book in 1925 titled "Klute - Argentinien und Chile von heute," through Otto Quitzow Verlag in Lübeck⁴³³. The book included photographs taken during his research trip with the "Null-Serie" number 114⁴³³.
In 1926, a few weeks after his expedition to Greenland, Dr. Klute returned this camera in exchange for Leica I Model A number 1091⁵⁹³.
In 1983, it was in private collection³⁶⁰. This camera had the second type of viewfinder utilized a tubular negative front lens (equipped with a cross-line graticule) and a positive lens as the eyepiece³⁶⁰. This version was secured to the top plate by four 1.4 mm screws³⁶⁰.
In 1984, this camera was in private collection⁵⁹⁸.
In 2005, it was in private collection⁵³⁴.
It was on public display at the Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, USA in 2024⁴³³. Charles M. Messer of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, donated it along with his Leica collection to the Miami University⁴³³.

"Null-Serie" 115

The camera was produced in the second of two phases of "Null-Serie" camera production⁵⁰¹.

This camera was originally delivered to William Kraft, Leitz dealer in Wiesbaden, Germany³⁶¹.

The author of this website could not find evidence of this camera's existence and believed that it had not survived to the present day.

"Null-Serie" 116

Brief history of whereabouts of this camera:

The delivery records for the Leica "Null-Serie" cameras contained a total of 20 entries within the range of serial numbers 101 to 125⁴²⁴. Notably, the entry for the number 116 was blank⁴²⁴. It was considered a loaner, not assigned to a specific user, but made available to several people alternately for testing⁴²⁴.
In 1979, it was illustrated in the 1979 Kazuo Nakagawa's "Leica History" (Reprint, 1994) book.
In 1983, the camera was in private collection³⁶⁰.
In 1984, this camera was in private collection⁵⁹⁸.
In 1990s, the photographs of this camera also appeared on pages 12 and 13 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰. The illustrated camera had a central tubular viewfinder and missed the lens cap attached by a short string⁵⁴⁰. The photographs were taken at the "Leica Museum"⁵⁴⁰ (however, according to Dirk Daniel Mann, the camera was never in the museum). According to Dirk Daniel Mann, the camera was bought by Georg Mann from a company member.
The camera was illustrated on the page 49 of the Dennis Laney's "Leica Collector's Guide" (2nd edition)⁵³⁴.
In 2005, this camera was in private collection⁵³⁴.
On May 12, 2012, it was sold for 2160000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 21st WestLicht Camera Auction on May 12, 2012⁴⁰³. The lot was described as "...in excellent and fully working condition (a small missing piece of leather on the side has been replaced with contemporary vulcanite by Ottmar Michaely), all parts including the paintwork are original, with the matching lens cover, the folding finder has been replaced by the later Galilean finder as usual."⁴⁰³.

"Null-Serie" 117

The camera was produced in the second of two phases of "Null-Serie" camera production⁵⁰¹.

This camera was originally meant for testing purposes³⁶¹.

The author of this website could not find evidence of this camera's existence and believed that it had not survived to the present day.

"Null-Serie" 118

Brief history of whereabouts of this camera:

The camera was produced in the second of two phases of "Null-Serie" camera production⁵⁰¹.
This camera was originally delivered to Dr. Eicken, a scientist in Berlin, Germany³⁶¹.
In 1983, the camera was in private collection in Warsaw, Poland³⁶⁰. This camera had the second type of viewfinder utilized a tubular negative front lens (equipped with a cross-line graticule) and a positive lens as the eyepiece³⁶⁰ . This version was secured to the top plate by four 1.4 mm screws³⁶⁰ .
In 1984, this camera was in private collection in Poland⁵⁹⁸.
The camera was illustrated on page 46 of Dr. Hans-Günter Kisselbach's "Barnack's First Leica" book ⁵⁹² , but the date of the photograph was not specified.
It was displayed at the Leica Shop in Vienna, Austria, some time before March 2004.
In 2005, this camera was in private collection⁵³⁴.
In 2014, it was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book⁵⁹⁴.

"Null-Serie" 119

Brief history of whereabouts of this camera:

The camera was produced in the second of two phases of "Null-Serie" camera production⁵⁰¹.
The camera was in possession of Kipper Berghäuser of Oberhausen, Germany³⁶¹.
According to Leica Society International website article, this camera was photographed at a New York City studio in 1949.
In 1983, it was in private collection in the United States³⁶⁰. This camera had the second type of viewfinder utilized a tubular negative front lens (equipped with a crossline graticule) and a positive lens as the eyepiece³⁶⁰. This version was secured to the top plate by four 1.4 mm screws³⁶⁰.
In 1984, it was illustrated in Kikuo Urago's "Leica MANUAL" book⁵⁹⁸. At the time, this camera was in private collection in USA⁵⁹⁸.
In 1985, it was part of Leica Archive⁵⁹⁵.
In 1985, it was illustrated on pages 56-57 of the "10 Jahre Leica HISTORICA: Beiträge zur Geschichte der LEICA" book⁵⁹⁵.
In 2005, this camera was in private collection⁵³⁴.
In 2018, it was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book⁵⁹⁶ and p.99 6/2018 Leica Fotografie International magazine⁵¹⁷.

"Null-Serie" 120

The camera was produced in the second of two phases of "Null-Serie" camera production⁵⁰¹.

This camera was originally delivered to Bermann, a Leitz dealer in Berlin, Germany³⁶¹.

The author of this website could not find evidence of this camera's existence and believed that it had not survived to the present day.

"Null-Serie" 121

Brief history of whereabouts of this camera:

The camera was produced in the second of two phases of "Null-Serie" camera production⁵⁰¹. The delivery entry for the number 121 was blank⁴²⁴. It was considered a loaner, not assigned to a specific user, but made available to several people alternately for testing⁴²⁴.
In 1983, it was in private collection Charles King collection⁴²⁴in the United Kingdom³⁶⁰. This camera had the third type of viewfinder which could also be described as a tubular viewfinder, similar to the second type, but it did not include a graticule³⁶⁰.
In 1984, this camera was in private collection in UK⁵⁹⁸.
Between 1993-2023, i t was owned privately by an Italian collector (likely Antonio Maresca⁴²⁴ ) (a ccording to Mike Evans ) who then commissioned it to be auctioned off at the 5th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 7, 2023⁴²⁴.
On October 7, 2023, the camera was sold for 2800000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 5th Wetzlar Camera Auction⁴²⁴. The lot was described as "...The original black paint finish in very nice condition. The five-element Anastigmat 50 mm f/3.5 lens with an aperture scale to 12 and very clean optics. Typical conversion to tubular viewfinder, around 1924. The bottomplate was probably renewed at the same time. With original leather lens cap with fastening cord and original spool..."⁴²⁴.

"Null-Serie" 122

Brief history of whereabouts of this camera:

It was originally delivered to German-trained architect George Sauppe, Leitz dealer in New York, United States³⁶¹. This was the first Leica brought to the U.S.A.⁵⁵⁷.
The camera was in a United States camera collection in 1983³⁶⁰.
In 1984, this camera was in private collection in USA⁵⁹⁸.
At some point in late 1980s-early 1990s, it was part of a diorama dedicated to Oskar Barnack in the California Museum of Photography⁵⁵⁷.
In 1990s, this camera was in possession of Dr. Robert Bingham³⁶². Around this time, illustrations of it appeared on page 14 James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰(the photograph was credited to "Bingham Photo") and in "Viewfinder" magazine, Volume 20, Number 4.
In 2005, this camera was in private collection⁵³⁴.
Later, it was in the possession of Jim Jannard, American designer and businessman³⁶³. He, then, put it up for the 32nd Westlicht auction³⁶³.
In March 2018, the camera was sold at the 32nd Westlicht auction for 2400000 Euros including buyer's premium, breaking the world record price at the time³³⁷ . The camera was described as "...In beautiful and fully working condition, all parts including the paintwork are original, with the matching lens cover and the original folding finder.....the offered camera is probably the most original and best condition example, only about three cameras are known with the original folding viewfinder. It also has the unique film spool and take-up spool..."³⁹¹.
It was sold to a collector from Hong Kong. The camera was exhibited at the "Black Paint Leica Exhibition" at F11 Foto Museum in Happy Valley, Hong Kong in 2018.

"Null-Serie" 123

The delivery records for the Leica "Null-Serie" cameras contained a total of 20 entries within the range of serial numbers 101 to 125⁴²⁴. Notably, the entry for the number 123 was blank⁴²⁴. It remained unclear whether this camera was completed⁴²⁴. The author of this website could not find evidence of this camera's existence and believed that it had not survived to the present day.

"Null-Serie" 124

The delivery records for the Leica "Null-Serie" cameras contained a total of 20 entries within the range of serial numbers 101 to 125⁴²⁴. Notably, the entry for the number 124 was blank⁴²⁴. It remained unclear whether this camera was completed⁴²⁴. The author of this website could not find evidence of this camera's existence and believed that it had not survived to the present day.

"Null-Serie" 125

The delivery records for the Leica "Null-Serie" cameras contained a total of 20 entries within the range of serial numbers 101 to 125⁴²⁴. Notably, the entry for the number 125 was blank⁴²⁴. It remained unclear whether this camera was completed⁴²⁴. The author of this website could not find evidence of this camera's existence and believed that it had not survived to the present day.

Leica I Model A number 126

According to Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, this camera was the very first production model Leica. It allocated to Michel Becker, photographer, and had inscription "Reisemuster, Sud Amerika"³⁶⁰. "Reisemuster" meant "sample"³⁶⁰.

On January 13, 2025, Instagram user @heavyleicauser (Dr. Andreas Kaufmann) posted a photo of it, captioned "Yes, the no.126, our first production Leica, shot with Leica". According to the Leica website, the camera was first delivered to a customer in Brazil and was in company's possession from at least 2018. In 2018, it was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book⁵⁹⁶.

Other Facts

Additionally, a camera with a three-digit serial number was given to Curt Emmermann sometime between June and December 19, 1924³³⁶. Another three-digit serial number camera was given to N-n, presumably referring to either C.E. Neumann or H. Naumann, during the same timeframe³³⁶. Furthermore, Dr. Paul Wolff was given a three-digit serial number camera between April 23, 1925, and December 15, 1925³³⁶.

Several "Null-Serie" cameras were also given to Alfred Turk, the company’s Sales Director, and Franz Bergmann, who served as Leitz's representative in Berlin³⁵⁷.

Leica I Model A with Anastigmat lens - The Wilhelm Schäfer Sample

A very interesting camera, dated 1923/1924 and coming from from Wilhelm Schäfer's estate, was expected to be auctioned off at the 8th Wetzlar Camera Auctions on October 10, 2026⁵⁹⁷.