HALF-FORMAT LEICA AND LEICA 72

Prototypes

Prototypes from 1940

There were 2 prototypes cameras capable of shooting more than 36 exposures per roll of 36-exposure film in 1940: Leica camera for 52 exposures and 72 exposures⁵⁷³:

In his "Geburtstage der Leitz-Foto-Konstruktionen ab 1927" book, Wilhelm Albert dated the "birthday" of the Leica camera for 52 exposures (24.4 x 23.3) per roll of 36-exposure film ("Leica für 52 Aufnahmen (24,4 x 23,3) mit Sucher") as June 25, 1940, and noted himself as designer⁵⁷³.
In the same book, he dated Leica camera for 72 exposures (18.6 x 24.8) per roll of 36-exposure film ("Leica für 72 Aufnahmen (18,6 x 24,8) mit Sucher") as October 15, 1940, and noted himself as designer⁵⁷³.

Both of these cameras featured specially designed viewfinder³⁶⁴.

Prototypes from late 1940s

Another interesting half-frame prototype appeared at Lot 35 of Christie's auction on July 27, 1989⁵³⁴. According to the catalog, this camera was designed by Helmut Schäfer, who had previously worked on the Null-Serie Leica cameras⁵³⁴. It featured an internal Compur-type shutter, with a tensioning knob mounted on the top plate, positioned concentrically with a later Wetzlar Leica mask and a Leica IIIf Red Dial⁵³⁴. The camera also included an upright format viewfinder and an accessory shoe⁵³⁴. The shutter speed dial was located at the front near the base plate, engraved with "Helmut Schäfer Wetzlar."⁵³⁴ The body was covered in red-painted vulcanite⁵³⁴. This camera was assembled using parts from the Leica Standard and came to auction with two Elmar lenses, featuring 5 cm and 3.5 cm focal lengths⁵³⁴. It was believed to have been made around 1945 or 1946⁵³⁴. The camera was sold to a collector in the salesroom who paid 11550 pounds for it (see Viewfinder, Volume 22, Number 4, 1989, page 13). Later, the same camera was sold for 54000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 32nd Leitz Photographica Auction on March 10, 2018³⁹¹. It was described as "Unique small size camera made by Leitz engineers with internally mounted Compur-type leaf shutter, 80-exposure counter dial, front mounted shutter speed dial, half-frame viewfinder, red painted vulcanite, baseplate engraved 'Helmut Schäfer Wetzlar', modified Elmar 3.5/3.5cm no.643423 - ex Christie's auction July 1989 (the catalogue shows a photographer using this camera c.1948), the camera is also on the cover of the LHSA Viewfinder magazine Vol. 22 No.4 1989"³⁹¹.

Another interesting camera, without serial number, dated circa 1947-1950 and coming from Wilhelm Schäfer's estate, was expected to be auctioned off at the 8th Wetzlar Camera Auctions on October 10, 2026⁵⁹⁷. This camera was described as "Experimental Leica camera with a 24x24 mm image format, central shutter and a fixed Leitz Elmar 5 cm f/3.5 lens. This prototype, dating from the early post-war period, is thought to be linked to Leitz’s plans at the time to offer an affordable entry-level model. The camera has no built-in rangefinder; the standard Leitz HFOOK clip-on rangefinder (included) could be attached. It comes with a prototype of a matching Leitz carrying case, lined with burgundy velvet on the inside..." in the auction catalogue⁵⁹⁷.

Prototypes from 1952

Leica Box

The Leica Box from the 1952⁵⁵⁹ was a compact half-frame camera featuring a 28mm f/5.6 Summaron lens, a shutter speed dial integrated into the top plate, and a viewfinder located beneath the top plate⁵³⁴. Leica Box was designed as an 18 x 24 mm camera for amateur photographers and featured an adjustable viewfinder along with interchangeable lenses⁵⁵⁹. The viewfinder settings accommodated the angles of view for 28 mm, 35 mm, and 50 mm lenses⁵⁵⁹. However, for the purposes of that feasibility study, the lenses used were standard systems from the regular Leica rangefinder camera lineup⁵⁵⁹.

Despite its technical and design merits, the term "Leica Box" represented an internal contradiction when it came to producing quality images, much like the concept of "popular polls."⁵⁵⁹ Ultimately, wiser decisions prevailed, and the Leica Box faded from the market, remaining only as a model in a curiosity showcase⁵⁵⁹.

The camera was illustrated in Lars Netopil's "Prototyp Leica" book (see Viewfinder 43, Number 4, 2010). 3 photographs illustrating the camera from all sides were featured on page 38 of "Leica. Tsushin No. 6: Mechanism and Prototype" magazine in 2002⁵⁷⁰. There, the camera was described as having film counter (marked "0-21"), finder eyepiece window, switch to adjust the viewfinder field of view (28mm, 35mm, 50mm), shutter speed dial 1/5 to 1/500 of a second, and a release button⁵⁷⁰. It was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book in 2018⁵⁹⁶.

The Willi Schmidt Project of 1952

Betriebsk. Nr.301

The design of the Leica 72 camera resulted from the 1952³⁶⁰ project led by Willi Schmidt³⁶⁰. In his "Geburtstage der Leitz-Foto-Konstruktionen ab 1927" book, Wilhelm Albert dated the "birthday" of the "camera IIIa for 72 exposures with built-in viewfinder 18x24" ("Kamera IIIa für 72 Aufnahmen mit Eingebautem Spiegelsucher 18 x 24") as May 14, 1952, and noted Willi Schmidt as designer⁵⁷³.

Page 149 of the same book provided an illustration for the camera⁵⁷³. The camera illustrated camera was engraved Betriebsk. Nr.301⁵⁷³. Author of this website noted the built-in half-frame cylindrical brightline viewfinder. The camera also featured a flash sync contact, which was not present in the Leica IIIa, that served as a basis for this camera⁵⁷⁰. The camera was engraved with neither "Ernst Leitz Wetzlar Germany" nor "Ernst Leitz Canada Limited Midland Ontario"⁵⁴⁰. There was no "18x24" engraving⁵⁴⁰.

At some point in time, the camera was in the factory museum in Wetzlar³⁶⁰.

It was also published on the pages of books and magazines:

on page 81 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰
5 photographs illustrating the camera from all sides were featured on page 36 of "Leica. Tsushin No. 6: Mechanism and Prototype" magazine in 2002⁵⁷⁰
on the page 82 of the Dennis Laney's "Leica Collector's Guide" (2nd edition)⁵³⁴.

Others

The Schmidt project of 1952 only mentioned Leica IIIa Model G cameras³⁶⁰. The author of this website believed that the following cameras were part of the project:

Group 1 - Only two Wetzlar made Leica 72 based on IIIa Model G chassis cameras of from this group were known to exist¹⁶⁷. The cameras were lacking the "18x24" engraving, lacking flash synchronization, and featuring a swing-over mask¹⁶⁷. Group 1 cameras could be considered the prototypes of the Wetzlar Leica 72 based on Leica IIIa chassis and the Midland, Ontario, Leica 72, based on Leica IIIa chassis¹⁶⁷.
Group 2 - The camera of this type was a Wetzlar made Leica 72 based on IIIa Model G chassis marked with "18x24", lacking flash synchronization, and included a swing-over half-frame mask¹⁶⁷. One specific camera of this type had the serial number 357187¹⁶⁷. No entry in factory shipping records of this camera existed¹⁶⁷.

Although the Schmidt project of 1954 only mentioned IIIa Model G cameras, the initial experimentation for the Leica 72 was conducted using Leica IIIc models as well³⁶⁰. Three examples of such cameras were recorded: 397604, 397605, 397606:

Prototype camera number 397604, dated 1945, was Wetzlar Leica 72, based on a Leica IIIc chassis⁴²¹. This camera lacked any special markings on the top plate, and there was no indication of the 18 × 24 format³⁶⁰. It had a unique 18×24mm shutter crate³⁶⁰. Its sprocket drum differed from that of other models, as it advanced less film than usually required for a standard 24×36mm exposure³⁶⁰. The frame counter featured the usual black markings of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and extra red markings at 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, and 75³⁶⁰. The frame counter disc was similar to that of late Leica 72 cameras³⁶⁰. The chrome swinging mask of this variant was designed rather crudely, resembling the swinging mask of the Leica I Model C interchangeable model from 1932³⁶⁰. There was no reference to the serial number 397604 in the Hahne list³⁶⁰. It was illustrated on the page 77 of the Dennis Laney's "Leica Collector's Guide" (2nd edition)⁵³⁴ and page 81 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰. The photograph showed a camera built-on Leica IIIc chassis with a frame counter that went up to 75⁵⁴⁰. The camera was engraved "Ernst Leitz Wetzlar Germany"⁵⁴⁰. There was no "18x24" engraving⁵⁴⁰. According to James L. Lager, this camera had 18x24 film gate but no viewfinder mask⁵⁴⁰.
Prototype camera number 397605, dated 1945, was Wetzlar Leica 72, based on a Leica IIIc chassis⁴²¹. There was no reference to the serial number 397605 in the Hahne list³⁶⁰. The specific camera to which number 397605 was allocated was unknown in 1980s³⁶⁰. The camera was discovered in early 2000s. In 2003, it was sold for 35000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 2nd-3rd WestLicht Camera Auction⁴²¹. The lot was described as "18x24mm, filmcounter 1-75, frame-mask for 18x24mm inside the viewfinder, halframe prototype based on a Leica IIIc, produced around 1945. The camera war recently discovered and is one of three examples manufactured. Current research (backed up by photographs of the camera mechanism), by Leica expert Ottmar Michaely from Wetzlar, has uncovered documents relating to this important camera..."⁴²¹. Later, it was sold for 48000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 48th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 13, 2026⁵⁸⁵. The camera was described as "an experimental prototype camera dating from 1946. The camera is equipped with a half-frame mask in the viewfinder and advances 72 half-format exposures (18×24 mm) on standard 35 mm film. According to the Leitz Factory Archive control book, the three cameras with serial numbers 397604–397605–397606 were recorded on 10 April 1946 under the code LOOHW (image format 18×24 mm) and handed over to the Albert Construction department. Based on current archival research, this camera can be regarded as one of the first half-frame 18×24 Leica cameras..."⁵⁸⁵.
Prototype camera number 397606, dated 1945, was Wetzlar Leica 72, based on a Leica IIIc chassis⁴²¹. There was no reference to the serial number 397606 in the Hahne list³⁶⁰. It was discussed on page 81 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰. According to James L. Lager, this camera had 18x24 viewfinder mask⁵⁴⁰. In 1983, it was illustrated on the page 109 of Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck's "The Leica: A History Illustrating every Model and Accessory" book³⁶⁰ . In the photograph, it had a unique 35 f/2.8 18x24 Elmar lens³⁶⁰. It sold for 20700 Great British Pounds at the Christie's Auction on June 12, 1997. The mechanism of this camera was illustrated on page 71 of Gianni Rogliatti's "Leica, the first sixty years" book ⁴²¹.

Leica H Prototype from 1954

This experiment was followed in late 1954 by another half-frame Leica, known as the Leica H model³⁶⁰. Despite its half-frame design, this model offered complete automatic exposure and was equipped with a pop-out lens on a drop front³⁶⁰.

Leica H Prototype from 1959

Another Leica H (Halbformat⁵⁶⁰) half-frame (albeit not engraved so) camera, which was developed around 1959, reached its final design stage and was ultimately owned by the Leitz family⁵³⁴. The same camera was auctioned off at 17th WestLicht Photographica Auction on May 29, 2010 with the following description: "Genius design of a 18x24mm half-frame camera by Leitz developer Adam Wagner, the concept was to built a camera that was still smaller, more convenient to use and simpler to operate. For some reasons this forward-looking camera with slide-out lens feature was never put in production, only approx. 3 prototypes are known to exist, this particular camera comes from the Leitz Museum and is illustrated in Lager I page 142"⁴⁰⁷.

This camera featured a built-in exposure meter and a coupled rangefinder, with the rangefinder image visible in the viewfinder⁵³⁴. It was equipped with a retractable f/2.8 lens⁵³⁴. When the lens was retracted, it was protected by a D-shaped cover that was hinged along its straight edge at the top⁵³⁴. In the taking position, the lens extended forward, and the cover projected above it⁵³⁴. The aperture setting was located on the back of the camera, while the fast and slow shutter speed dials were positioned on the front⁵³⁴.

The camera was illustrated on page 38 of "Leica. Tsushin No. 6: Mechanism and Prototype" magazine in 2002⁵⁷⁰. One could notice small viewfinder, aperture ring and large winding lever on the back of the camera⁵⁷⁰.

Other Prototypes and Known Cameras

Certain Leica 72 units were reportedly assembled using parts from the Leica IIIc and Leica IIIf models upon special request⁷. Each of these cameras were individually numbered, with identifiers like Nr. 1, Nr. 2, etc., engraved onto the top cover⁷. These were likely Betriebsk. units (author's note).

Some of the known other "72" cameras:

Leica IIIg number Nr.008 engraved "18x24" was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014⁵⁹⁴. This camera lacked self-timer and had Midland engravings⁵⁹⁴.
Camera number Betriebsk. Nr.204 was described on page 82 of the Dennis Laney's "Leica Collector's Guide" (2nd edition) book⁵³⁴. This camera captured an 18 x 24 mm image on a full 24 x 36 mm frame, leaving the other half blank for captions or other uses in a film strip⁵³⁴.
Camera number 209 was illustrated on page 79 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰. James L. Lager's research showed that this camera was built on the chassis of Leica III Model F⁵⁴⁰. Note that the serial number fell outside of the known range⁵⁴⁰. The camera was engraved "Ernst Leitz Wetzlar Germany"⁵⁴⁰. There was no "18x24" engraving⁵⁴⁰. The camera was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book in 2018, where it was described as "Leica IIIf half frame format camera, experimental"⁵⁹⁶.
The camera with serial number Betriebsk. No 395 was part of Kenjiro Nakamura's collection in 1995 and was exhibited at the "History and Development of Imaging" exhibition at the Memorial Museum of the Machine Industry in the same year⁵⁶⁹. The photograph of the camera was featured on the pages of Camera Review No. 37 (Leica-Book '96), published by Asahi Sonorama (Tokyo) in 1996⁵⁶⁹.
The camera number 257373 was illustrated on page 79 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰. James L. Lager's research showed that this camera, built on the chassis of Leica III Model F, represented a special order⁵⁴⁰. This was probably why the serial number fell outside of the known range⁵⁴⁰. The camera was engraved "Ernst Leitz Wetzlar Germany", "18x24", "NO 257 373""⁵⁴⁰.
The camera number 291153 was illustrated on page 80 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰. James L. Lager's research showed that this camera was converted from a 1938 Leica Standard Model E sometime in early 1950's by Leitz Wetzlar⁵⁴⁰. Note that the serial number fell outside of the known range⁵⁴⁰. The camera was engraved "Ernst Leitz Wetzlar Germany"⁵⁴⁰. There was no "18x24" engraving⁵⁴⁰. The camera featured swing-in 18x24 mask⁵⁴⁰.

Leica H Prototype from 1964

Another sample Leica H half-frame camera was developed in 1964⁵⁶⁰. Its design concept approved by Leitz management in 1959⁵⁶⁰. The prototype of the "H" camera was completed in 1964⁵⁶⁰. Adam Wagner extensively used it during a photography course led by Professor Krukenhauser in Arlberg⁵⁶⁰. This new camera was ahead of its time, featuring diaphragm automation and automatic exposure mode, which surpassed the existing technology⁵⁶⁰. Overall, the design development cost more than 1,000,000 Marks⁵⁶⁰. Adam Wagner received seven patents related to his H model, which were registered by Leitz both domestically and internationally⁵⁶⁰.

The year 1965 was critical for Leitz, as Japanese cameras emerged as serious competitors in the U.S. and around the world⁵⁶⁰. The economic challenges of producing an 18x24 mm camera, along with the "M" and Leicaflex models, overwhelmed Leitz's capabilities⁵⁶⁰. While Wild provided investment capital to help, management ultimately decided against producing the H camera—a project that Adam Wagner and his team had worked on diligently for many years⁵⁶⁰. This decision demoralized Adam Wagner to the extent that he resigned from Leitz after 32 years of service⁵⁶⁰.

Leica 110 Prototype from 1972-1974

In early 1972, when the 13 x 18 mm pocket cartridge started to generate significant sales for Kodak, Leica's Wetzlar division took a keen interest⁵⁵⁹. They developed the Leica 110 through several stages, beginning with an all-metal super-precision camera featuring a 1:1 scale brilliant-frame finder and an f/2 top-quality lens⁵⁵⁹. Ultimately, the Leica 110 was prepared for production as a plastic-bodied camera that included a coupled rangefinder, aperture-priority exposure automation, and, as was standard in 1974, a flash cube fitting⁵⁵⁹.

However, about a month before Photokina 1974, Leitz decided to abandon the pocket Leica project and withdrew the 110 model⁵⁵⁹. Leitz provided two main reasons for this change in direction⁵⁵⁹. First, a re-evaluation of management policy coincided with the substantial shareholding acquired by Wild Heerbrugg from Switzerland⁵⁵⁹. Second, there were concerns about potential quality issues with enlargements from 13 x 18 mm negatives⁵⁵⁹. Although the image quality of the 26 mm Summicron f/2 lens was outstanding, Leitz's studies showed that truly sharp enlargements could only be achieved with specialized enlarger optics and lighting, not with the average automatic photofinishing printer⁵⁵⁹. Consequently, it seemed illogical to offer a high-precision pocket camera if most users would only be able to obtain low-definition prints from typical photofinishing services⁵⁵⁹.

3 photographs illustrating the camera were featured on page 39 of "Leica. Tsushin No. 6: Mechanism and Prototype" magazine in 2002⁵⁷⁰.

Design studies, operating specimen and the unit representing the final version of Leica 110 were illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014⁵⁹⁴ and in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book in 2018⁵⁹⁶.

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Production of Leica 72

The Leica 72 was released in 1950³⁶⁴. The camera was designed for archival and film strip work³⁶⁰, microfilm applications, 35mm filmstrips, and other photographic pursuits that benefit from a capacity of capturing 72 images, as opposed to the standard 36¹⁵. It was the only Leica model produced for half-frame exposures³⁶⁰.

The camera was not a commercial success⁵⁴⁰.

Code Names

Leica 72 body alone was code-named LKOOM/10080¹⁵.

Leica 72 camera, paired with the 50mm f/3.5 Elmar lens, was code-named LMOOK/10085¹⁵.

Technical Specifications

Leica 72 featured a vertical single-frame viewfinder window positioned at the front⁷. Its single frame format (18x24mm) effectively allowed double the number of exposures per unit length of film compared to the conventional double frame (24x36mm) Leicas¹⁵. The shutter system of the Leica 72 offered a range of speeds from 1 second to 1/1000th of a second, with options for both time and bulb settings¹⁵. Leica 72 lacked a built-in self-timer¹⁵. Additionally, the Leica 72 was equipped with a coupled rangefinder that provides a 1.5X magnification, while the viewfinder outlined the field of view encompassed by a 50mm lens¹⁵.

Variations

The Leica 72, produced in both Wetzlar and Ontario, was available from 1950 to 1963³⁶⁰. During that time, fewer than 500 cameras were manufactured³⁶⁰. Two model variants had been recorded³⁶⁰:

Wetzlar Leica 72, based on Leica IIIa Model G chassis³⁶⁰.
Midland Leica 72, based on Leica IIIa Model G chassis³⁶⁰.

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Wetzlar Leica 72, based on a Leica IIIa Model G chassis

Early specimens (e.g., 357172) had a swing-over 18×24mm mask and no flash synchronization, whereas later models (e.g., 357179) not only had a special rangefinder housing with an 18 × 24mm opening, but were also equipped with also a flash synchronization of Leica IIIf Red Dial³⁶⁰. Despite its long period of production, few mechanical innovations were incorporated into this model³⁶⁰.

From 1950 to 1963 (357151 to 357224) Leitz produced only 33 cameras of this type, which meant that not all the serial numbers within this range were allocated to them³⁶⁰. According to the owner of this website, there were more than 33 cameras of this type. Although the camera was in production for thirteen years, the biggest single production batch in one year amounted to only four (1958)³⁶⁰. Among the cameras were:

Camera number 357151 was very first Leica 72⁴⁰⁵ and it was shipped on April 28, 1950 to the Photokina / Leica Tree¹⁶⁷and then possibly to Canada on December 23, 1952¹⁶⁷. It was listed as Wetzlar Leica 72¹⁶⁷based on Leica IIIa without flash synchronization⁴⁰⁵. This was the only Leica 72 with sharkskin covering⁴⁰⁵. It was listed in Hahne list as the very first Leica 72 that was produced 2 years before next one⁴⁰⁵. It was sold for 26400 Euros including buyer's premium at the 19th WestLicht Camera Auction on May 28, 2011⁴⁰⁵. The owner who put it up on the auction bought it from Theo Kisselbach more than 25 years ago⁴⁰⁵. According to the letter that Leitz sent back to Roy Vose regarding camera number 357152: "The delivery series of the Leica 72 started with 357151. The first models of this series; and there are approximately 50 pieces in total delivered from Wetzlar, did not have any flash synchronization nor any 18x24 engraving. Of these there are only a few cameras in existence. Therefore, you have a very rare piece in completely original condition." (see page 3 of Viewfinder, Volume 13, No 1).
Camera number 357152 was as Wetzlar Leica 72¹⁶⁷. This was the only camera delivered in 1952³⁶⁴. The camera was owned by Roy Vose in 1980 and illustrated on page 3 of Viewfinder, Volume 13, No 1. According to the accompanying article, the camera had sharkskin cover, didn't have 18x24 designation on the top plate, had film advance knob similar to Leica IIIf, had Leitz Synchro-Contact shutter speed dial, had instructions for loading on the bottom plate of the camera. According to the letter that Leitz sent back to Roy Vose regarding camera number 357152: "The delivery series of the Leica 72 started with 357151. The first models of this series; and there are approximately 50 pieces in total delivered from Wetzlar, did not have any flash synchronization nor any 18x24 engraving. Of these there are only a few cameras in existence. Therefore, you have a very rare piece in completely original condition."
Camera number 357153 was shipped on May 5, 1955 to Germany¹⁶⁷. This camera was listed as Wetzlar Leica 72 in shipping records¹⁶⁷.
Camera number 357154 was shipped on October 3, 1955 to Germany¹⁶⁷. This camera was listed as Wetzlar Leica 72 in shipping records¹⁶⁷.
Camera number 357155 was shipped on August 5, 1955 to Wetzlar for Research and Development purposes¹⁶⁷. This camera was listed as Wetzlar Leica 72 in shipping records¹⁶⁷. It was illustrated in Viewfinder, Volume 12, No 2. The camera was owned by Dr. Wolfgang Netolitzky in 1980 (page 3 of Viewfinder, Volume 13, No 1)
Camera number 357156 was shipped on August 5, 1955 to Wetzlar for Research and Development purposes¹⁶⁷. This camera was listed as Wetzlar Leica 72 in shipping records¹⁶⁷.
Camera number 357158 was shipped on June 5, 1957 to Mexico¹⁶⁷. This camera was listed as Wetzlar Leica 72 in shipping records¹⁶⁷. It was sold for 14400 Euros including buyer's premium at the 45th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 23, 2024³⁷⁸. Before that, the camera was sold for 13800 Euros including buyer's premium at the 11th WestLicht Camera Auction on May 26, 2007⁴¹³. The lot was described as "..the camera was sold on May 6th,1957 to Ultramar in Mexico..."⁴¹³. Before that it was offered but remained unsold at the 6th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 6, 2004⁴¹⁸. The lot was described as "Recently discovered and bought from the first owner."⁴¹⁸.
Camera number 357159 was shipped on December 17, 1953 to Midland¹⁶⁷. This camera was listed as Wetzlar Leica 72 in shipping records¹⁶⁷. This was the only camera delivered in 1953³⁶⁴.
Camera number 357160 was shipped on February 21, 1957 to Germany?¹⁶⁷. This camera was listed as Wetzlar Leica 72 in shipping records¹⁶⁷.
Camera number 357161 was shipped on February 22, 1957 to Mexico¹⁶⁷. This camera was listed as Wetzlar Leica 72 in shipping records¹⁶⁷. It was auctioned off on June 1, 2023 at the OstLicht Auctions.
Camera number 357162 was shipped on September 16, 1957 to Libya¹⁶⁷. The camera was identified as Leica IIIa Model G, but it was unclear from the shipping records whether it was a half-frame model¹⁶⁷.
Camera number 357163 was shipped on March 2, 1958 to Mexico¹⁶⁷. The camera was identified as Leica IIIa Model G, but it was unclear from the shipping records whether it was a half-frame model¹⁶⁷.
Camera number 357164 was shipped on August 9, 1958 to Germany¹⁶⁷. This camera was listed as Wetzlar Leica 72 in shipping records¹⁶⁷. This camera was illustrated on the page 76 of Camera Review No. 19 (Leica-Book '92), published by Asahi Sonorama (Tokyo)..
Camera number 357165 was shipped on March 2, 1958 to Mexico¹⁶⁷. The camera was identified as Leica IIIa Model G, but it was unclear from the shipping records whether it was a half-frame model¹⁶⁷.
Camera number 357166 was shipped on March 2, 1958 to Mexico¹⁶⁷. The camera was identified as Leica IIIa Model G, but it was unclear from the shipping records whether it was a half-frame model¹⁶⁷. It was auctioned off on November 19, 2022 at an American auction.
Camera number 357167 was shipped on July 4, 1959 to Wetzlar¹⁶⁷. The camera was identified as Leica IIIa Model G, but it was unclear from the shipping records whether it was a half-frame model¹⁶⁷. This camera was illustrated on the page 82 of the Dennis Laney's "Leica Collector's Guide" (2nd edition)⁵³⁴.
Camera number 357169 was shipped on unknown date to an unknown location¹⁶⁷. While there were no entries for this camera in the factory shipping records, the Leica 72 camera with this serial number was known to exist¹⁶⁷. It was illustrated in the article titled "History of Leica IIIc to M4-2'' by Japanese Leica historian Kazuo Nakagawa, published on page 15 of MIRROR IMAGE-PENTAX GALLERY NEWS magazine No. 35, 1977. The camera was part of Kenjiro Nakamura's collection in 1995 and was exhibited at the "History and Development of Imaging" exhibition at the Memorial Museum of the Machine Industry in the same year⁵⁶⁹. The photograph of the camera was featured on the pages of Camera Review No. 37 (Leica-Book '96), published by Asahi Sonorama (Tokyo) in 1996⁵⁶⁹.
Camera number 357170 was shipped on September 1, 1959 to Germany¹⁶⁷. This camera was listed as Wetzlar Leica 72 in shipping records¹⁶⁷. It was based on Leica IIIa Model G chassis⁴²⁴. It was sold for 9000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 5th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 7, 2023⁴²⁴.
Camera number 357171 was shipped on April 19, 1962 to Germany¹⁶⁷. The camera was identified as Leica IIIa Model G, but it was unclear from the shipping records whether it was a half-frame model¹⁶⁷. This was the only camera delivered in 1962³⁶⁴.
Camera number 357172 was considered an early specimen³⁶⁰. It had a swing-over 18×24mm mask and no flash synchronization³⁶⁰.
Camera number 357173 was shipped on unknown date to an unknown location¹⁶⁷. While there were no entries for this camera in the factory shipping records, the Leica 72 camera with this serial number was known to exist¹⁶⁷. This camera was owned by an anonymous reader of Viewfinder, who mentioned that "For several years I have owned number 357 173. I removed it from a microscope with which the camera was bought from the first owner. An institute was the owner for about 40 years. The microscope is still use for learning and research." (Viewfinder, Volume 25, No 1, 1992). It was illustrated on page 169 of Shinichi Nakamura's "Everything About the Barnack-type Leica" (1992) book.
Camera number 357174 was shipped on January 25, 1954 to Norway¹⁶⁷. This camera was listed as Wetzlar Leica 72 in shipping records¹⁶⁷. It based on Leica IIIa Model G chassis⁴⁰⁷. On April 21, 2007 and September 26, 2008, it was auctioned off at the Auction Team Breker. It was sold for 24000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 17th WestLicht Camera Auction on May 29, 2010⁴⁰⁷. The lot was described as "swinging mask missing.."⁴⁰⁷. This was the only camera delivered in 1954³⁶⁴.
Camera number 357175 was shipped on September 15, 1961 to Germany¹⁶⁷. The camera was identified as Leica IIIa Model G, but it was unclear from the shipping records whether it was a half-frame model¹⁶⁷. It was sold for 19200 Euros including buyer's premium at the 41st Leitz Photographica Auction on November 26, 2022³⁸².
Camera number 357176 was shipped on May 23, 1957 to Mexico¹⁶⁷. This camera was listed as Wetzlar Leica 72 in shipping records¹⁶⁷.
Camera number 357177 was shipped on September 30, 1959 to Cambodia¹⁶⁷. The camera was identified as Leica IIIa Model G, but it was unclear from the shipping records whether it was a half-frame model¹⁶⁷.
Camera number 357178 was shipped on unknown date to an unknown location¹⁶⁷. While there were no entries for this camera in the factory shipping records, the Leica 72 camera with this serial number was known to exist¹⁶⁷.
Camera number 357179 was shipped on unknown date to an unknown location¹⁶⁷. While there were no entries for this camera in the factory shipping records, the Leica 72 camera with this serial number was known to exist¹⁶⁷. I t was illustrated on the page 110 of Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck's "The Leica: A History Illustrating every Model and Accessory" book and described as "A model made at Wetzlar in production form, apart from the absence of a film reminder winding knob"³⁶⁰ .
Camera number 357180 was identified as Leica IIIa Model G, but it's unclear from the shipping records whether it was a half-frame model¹⁶⁷. It was sold for 18000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 1st Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 5, 2019⁴²⁸. The lot was described as "..on basis of the Leica IIIa-syn, ... Delivered on 21st of September 1961 to "Kisselbach, im Hause (at Leitz)"...Provenance:  Theo Kisselbach collection..."⁴²⁸. It was illustrated on page 198 of James L. Lager's "Leica Illustrated Guide II".
Camera number 357182 was shipped on October 21, 1970 to Germany¹⁶⁷. It was the last and the only one delivered in 1970³⁶⁴. The camera was identified as Leica IIIa Model G, but it was unclear from the shipping records whether it was a half-frame model¹⁶⁷. It was illustrated on page 80 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰. The photograph was credited to "Carvallo photo"⁵⁴⁰. This camera was also illustrated on the Page 29 of the "Classic Camera" magazine Issue 4 from November 1997. It was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014⁵⁹⁴.
Camera number 357183 was shipped on unknown date to an unknown location¹⁶⁷. While there were no entries for this camera in the factory shipping records, the Leica 72 camera with this serial number was known to exist¹⁶⁷. It was illustrated on page 169 of Shinichi Nakamura's "Everything About the Barnack-type Leica" (1992) book.
Camera number 357184 was shipped on September 30, 1959 to Mexico¹⁶⁷. This camera was listed as Wetzlar Leica 72 in shipping records¹⁶⁷. This camera was illustrated on page 79 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰. It was illustrated on page 199 of James L. Lager's "Leica Illustrated Guide II".
Camera number 357185 was shipped on September 30, 1959 to Mexico¹⁶⁷. This camera was listed as Wetzlar Leica 72 in shipping records¹⁶⁷. It was auctioned off on June 11, 1998 at the Christie's.
Camera number 357186 was shipped on September 30, 1959 to Mexico¹⁶⁷. This camera was listed as Wetzlar Leica 72 in shipping records¹⁶⁷.
Camera number 357187 was illustrated in Viewfinder, Volume 24, No 3, page 11. This camera was not listed in factory records (page 11, Viewfinder Volume 24, No 3, 1991). In 1991, it was in the collection of Takasha Nakamura of Japan (Viewfinder Volume 24, No 3, 1991)
Camera number 357191 was shipped on unknown date to an unknown location¹⁶⁷. While there were no entries for this camera in the factory shipping records, the Leica 72 camera with this serial number was known to exist¹⁶⁷.
Not a Leica 72 number 357192 was auctioned off on March 20, 2010 at the Autction Team Breker. This camera was merely a conversion from Leica IIIa, and not an original Leica 72, as confirmed by Ottmar Michaely.
Camera number 357194 was shipped on unknown date to an unknown location¹⁶⁷. While there were no entries for this camera in the factory shipping records, the Leica 72 camera with this serial number was known to exist¹⁶⁷. This camera was illustrated on page 79 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰. It was illustrated on page 199 of James L. Lager's "Leica Illustrated Guide II".
Camera number 357207 was shipped on September 23, 1963 to Germany?¹⁶⁷. The camera was identified as Leica IIIa Model G, but it was unclear from the shipping records whether it was a half-frame model¹⁶⁷. The camera was part of Kenjiro Nakamura's collection in 1995 and was exhibited at the "History and Development of Imaging" exhibition at the Memorial Museum of the Machine Industry in the same year⁵⁶⁹. The photograph of the camera was featured on the pages of Camera Review No. 37 (Leica-Book '96), published by Asahi Sonorama (Tokyo) in 1996⁵⁶⁹.
Camera number 357208 was shipped on July 5, 1965 to Germany?¹⁶⁷. The camera was identified as Leica IIIa Model G, but it was unclear from the shipping records whether it was a half-frame model¹⁶⁷.
Camera number 357210 was shipped on August 4, 1963 to Germany?¹⁶⁷. The camera was identified as Leica IIIa Model G, but it was unclear from the shipping records whether it was a half-frame model¹⁶⁷. This half-frame camera, engraved 18 x 24, was illustrated on page 79 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰. This camera was illustrated on the Page 28 of the "Classic Camera" magazine Issue 4 from November 1997. It was illustrated on page 199 of James L. Lager's "Leica Illustrated Guide II". It was auctioned off on November 21, 2025 at the OstLicht Auctions.
Camera number 357211 was shipped on unknown date to an unknown location¹⁶⁷. While there were no entries for this camera in the factory shipping records, the Leica 72 camera with this serial number was known to exist¹⁶⁷.
Camera number 357212 dated 1963 was sold for 11000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 6th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 12, 2024⁴²³.
Camera number 357213 was shipped on unknown date¹⁶⁷. Leica 72 camera with this serial number was known to exist¹⁶⁷. This camera was illustrated on the page 83 of the Dennis Laney's "Leica Collector's Guide" (2nd edition)⁵³⁴. It was illustrated in Rogliatti's "Leica: The First Fifty Years" (page 41).
Camera number 357215 was shipped on unknown date¹⁶⁷. Leica 72 camera with this serial number was known to exist¹⁶⁷. It was illustrated in Rogliatti's "Leica: The First Fifty Years" (page 40). It was illustrated in the 1984 "Leica Manual Book" (1st Edition) by Kikuo Urago (Towa Photo Forum Co Ltd.)⁵⁹⁸.
Camera number 357216 was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014⁵⁹⁴.
Camera number 357217 was shipped on unknown date to an unknown location¹⁶⁷. While there were no entries for this camera in the factory shipping records, the Leica 72 camera with this serial number was known to exist¹⁶⁷. It was illustrated in Viewfinder, Volume 15, No 1, page 17. The camera belonged to Dr. Wolfgang Netolitzky at some point in time (Viewfinder, Volume 25, No 1, 1992). It was auctioned off on November 16, 2004 and June 14, 2005 at the Christie's.
Camera number 357220 was shipped on November 29, 1965 to Germany?¹⁶⁷. The camera was identified as Leica IIIa Model G, but it was unclear from the shipping records whether it was a half-frame model¹⁶⁷.
Camera number 357222 was shipped on December 12, 1963¹⁶⁷ to Münster, Germany¹⁶⁷. The camera was identified as Leica IIIa Model G, but it was unclear from the shipping records whether it was a half-frame model¹⁶⁷. It was sold for 16800 Euros including buyer's premium at the 46th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 27, 2025³⁷⁷.
Camera number 357224 was shipped on December 12, 1963 to Germany?¹⁶⁷. The camera was identified as Leica IIIa Model G, but it was unclear from the shipping records whether it was a half-frame model¹⁶⁷.

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Midland Leica 72, based on a Leica IIIa Model G chassis

The Midland, Ontario, Leica 72, based on a Leica IIIa Model G chassis cameras was similar to the Wetzlar Leica 72 based on a Leica IIIa chassis³⁶⁰. The Midland Leica 72 features a specially designed rangefinder housing with an 18 × 24mm opening and a IIIf Red Dial synchronization mechanism³⁶⁰. Engraved on the top plate, just above the serial number, were the measurements 18 × 24mm³⁶⁰. In line with contemporary developments, the Midland Leica 72 includes a built-in film-speed reminder on the wind-on knob³⁶⁰. This was the only notable difference between the later models of the Wetzlar Leica 72 based on a Leica IIIa Model G chassis cameras and the Midland Leica 72³⁶⁰.

Midland Leica 72 cameras were manufactured from 1958 to 1963 (or between 1954 and 1955³¹), with serial numbers ranging from 357301 to 357450³⁶⁰. It appears that all 150 (or 108¹⁶⁸) of these numbers were allocated to this model of cameras³⁶⁰. There were cameras outside of this range (e.g., 357157)¹⁶⁷.

Some of the known Midland Leica 72 cameras:

Camera number 357157 was not commonly listed among ones made in Midland¹⁶⁷. It was shipped on June 5, 1957 to Mexico¹⁶⁷. Listed as Wetzlar Leica 72¹⁶⁷. The camera was sold "as Midland Leica 72⁴⁰¹. for 22800 Euros including buyer's premium at the 23rd WestLicht Camera Auction on May 25, 2013⁴⁰¹.
Camera number 357301 was sold for 43200 Euros including buyer's premium at the 24th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 23, 2013⁴⁰⁰.
Camera number 357302 was illustrated on the Page 30 of the "Classic Camera" magazine Issue 4 from November 1997.
Camera number 357303 was illustrated on page 168 of Shinichi Nakamura's "Everything About the Barnack-type Leica" (1992) book.
Camera number 357306 was offered for sale at the 45th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 23, 2024, but remained unsold³⁷⁸.
Camera number 357309 dated 1954-1955 was sold for 10000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 6th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 12, 2024⁴²³.
Camera number 357312 dated 1955 was sold for 12000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 36th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 13, 2020³⁸⁷.
Camera number 357315 dated 1954 was sold for 10800 Euros including buyer's premium at the 12th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 17, 2007⁴¹².
Camera number 357316 dated 1954 was sold for 10800 Euros including buyer's premium at the 46th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 27, 2025³⁷⁷. The camera was also offered but remained unsold at the 42nd Leitz Photographica Auction on June 9 and 10, 2023³⁸¹.
Camera number 357319 dated 1954-1955 was auctioned at the Bohnams' "The Fine Leica Centenary Sale" on November 29, 2014 at Bonhams Hong Kong Gallery in Hong Kong⁵³¹.
Camera number 357322 was auctioned off on November 9, 2024 at an American auction.
Camera number 357325 was auctioned off at the Lidong Camera auction in June of 2026.
Camera number 357326 dated 1955 was sold for 16800 Euros including buyer's premium at the "100 years of Leica Camera" WestLicht Camera Auction on May 23, 2014³⁹⁹. It was auctioned off on June 5, 2024 at the OstLicht Auctions.
Camera number 357327 was sold for 28760 USD including buyer's premium at the September Leica Auction of Cornwall Photographica Auction House in September of 1994 (see p. 51 of 7/1994 of Leica Fotografie International). The same camera was sold for GBP 10350 at Christie's auction on the January 29, 1998, June 11, 1998 and November 19, 1998. The camera was described as "the top-plate engraved ERNST LEITZ CANADA LIMITED, MIDLAND, ONTARIO, with a Leitz red-scale Elmar 5cm. f/3.5 lens no. 1086427".
Camera number 357330 was auctioned off the Butterscotch Auction in April of 2026 and described as "Provenance: Descent through a prominent Bedford/Pound Ridge family...With remnants of owner's name written on back of the vulcanite casing".
Camera number 357333 was illustrated on page 42 of Gianni Rogliatti's "Leica, the First Fifty Years" book and the page 83 of the Dennis Laney's "Leica Collector's Guide" (2nd edition)⁵³⁴.
Camera number 357334 dated 1954 was sold for 15600 Euros including buyer's premium at the 24th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 23, 2013⁴⁰⁰. The lot was described as "body shell and accessory shoe replaced by Leitz (probably during a repair)"⁴⁰⁰.
Camera number 357343, dated 1954-1955, was illustrated on page 78 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰.
Camera number 357346 was illustrated on the page 111 of Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck's "The Leica: A History Illustrating every Model and Accessory" book³⁶⁰ .
Camera number 357347 was auctioned off on September 30, 2008 and May 12, 2009 at the Bonhams 3.
Camera number 357358 illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014⁵⁹⁴.
Camera number 357360 was illustrated on page 78 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book⁵⁴⁰.
Camera number 357364 dated 1954 was sold for 10800 Euros including buyer's premium at the 41st Leitz Photographica Auction on November 26, 2022³⁸².
Camera number 357370 was illustrated on page 23 of Viewfinder Volume 21 No 2 1988.
Camera number 357371 dated 1955 was sold for 26400 Euros including buyer's premium at the 22nd WestLicht Camera Auction on November 24, 2012⁴⁰².
Camera number 357372 dated 1954 was offered but remained unsold at the 5th WestLicht Camera Auction on May 29, 2004⁴¹⁹.
Camera number 357374 dated circa 1960 was sold for 7250 Euros including buyer's premium at the 6th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 6, 2004⁴¹⁸. This camera was featured in an advertisement for The Leica Shop on the page 5 of 1/2005 Leica Fotografie International.
Camera number 357382 was illustrated on the Page 29 of the "Classic Camera" magazine Issue 4 from November 1997.
Camera number 357384 was auctioned off on November 21, 2025 at the OstLicht Auctions.
Camera number 357396 was auctioned off on November 14, 2020 at an American auction.
Camera number 357397 was illustrated on the page 76 of Camera Review No. 19 (Leica-Book '92), published by Asahi Sonorama (Tokyo).
Camera number 357398 was engraved with "Ernst Leitz Canada Limited Midland Ontario" and belonged to a collector from Indiana, USA in 2021. The author of this website saw the photographs of it.
Camera number 357407 dated 1955 was sold for 20400 Euros including buyer's premium at the 22nd WestLicht Camera Auction on November 24, 2012⁴⁰².
Camera number 357410 dated 1955 was sold for 18750 Euros including buyer's premium at the 2nd-3rd WestLicht Camera Auction on May 23, 2003⁴²¹. The lot was described as "..the camera was purchased directly in Canada from Walter Kluck, president of Leitz Canada by Michael von Rosen..."⁴²¹.
Camera number 357411 dated 1955 was sold for 18000 Euros inlcuding buyer's premium at the 18th WestLicht Camera Auction on December 4, 2010⁴⁰⁶.
Camera number 357413 was part of Kenjiro Nakamura's collection in 1995 and was exhibited at the "History and Development of Imaging" exhibition at the Memorial Museum of the Machine Industry in the same year⁵⁶⁹. The photograph of the camera was featured on the pages of Camera Review No. 37 (Leica-Book '96), published by Asahi Sonorama (Tokyo) in 1996⁵⁶⁹.
Camera number 357414 dated 1954 was sold for 8500 Euros including buyer's premium at the 4th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 8, 2022⁴²⁵. The lot was described as "...Provenance: Allen Collection."⁴²⁵.
Camera number 357417 used to be owned by Fred C. Sternenberg of Nashville, Tennessee in 1977 (see page 18, Viewfinder 10(3)).
Camera number 357427 dated 1954 was sold for 22800 Euros including buyer's premium at the 24th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 23, 2013⁴⁰⁰.
Camera number 357428 was auctioned off on June 17, 1999 at the Christie's.
Camera number 357432 was illustrated in the article titled "History of Leica IIIc to M4-2'' by Japanese Leica historian Kazuo Nakagawa, published on page 15 of MIRROR IMAGE-PENTAX GALLERY NEWS magazine No. 35, 1977, and in the 1979 Kazuo Nakagawa's "Leica History" (Reprint, 1994), and in the 1984 "Leica Manual Book" (1st Edition) by Kikuo Urago (Towa Photo Forum Co Ltd.)⁵⁹⁸.
Camera number 357441 dated 1955 was offered but remained unsold at the 29th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 6, 2016³⁹⁴.
Camera number 357446 was auctioned off on June 12, 2001 at the Christie's.
Camera number 357605 dated 1950s was sold for 15600 Euros including buyer's premium at the 40th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 11, 2022³⁸³.
Camera number 357606 was auctioned off on June 12, 1997 at the Christie's.