LEICA "72"
The Leica "72", also known as "half-frame Leica" or "single-frame Leica"7, designed for archival and film strip work, allows the user to obtain 72 exposures of 18 × 24 mm from a standard 36-exposure roll360. It is the only Leica model produced for half-frame exposures360.
The design of the camera resulted from the Schmidt project dated 14 May 1952, which described the "Kamera IIIa für 72 Aufnahmen mit Eingebautem Spiegelsucher 18 x 24" (translated as "camera IIIa for 72 exposures with built-in viewfinder 18x24")360. In the factory museum in Wetzlar, there is a Leica IIIa Model G (serial number 309; a "Betriebsk" or 'factory' model) that features a complex tubular half-frame viewfinder integrated into the rangefinder cover360.
This experiment was followed in late 1954 by another half-frame Leica, known as the H model, which reached the prototype stage360. Despite its half-frame design, this model offered complete automatic exposure and was equipped with a pop-out lens on a drop front360. However, the project was eventually abandoned, and it is reported that the disappointed engineer responsible for the design abruptly left the company360.
Technical Specifications
The Leica "72" camera, when paired with the 50mm f/3.5 Elmar lens, is designated with the product code LMOOK and corresponds to catalog number 10085. In contrast, the Leica "72" body alone carries the product code LKOOM with catalog number 1008015. However, one source asserts that LKOOM specifically references the Wetzlar Leica "72" fitted with a 50mm f/3.5 Elmar lens, noted as LKOOM167.
Certain Leica "72" units were reportedly assembled using parts from the IIIc and IIIf models upon special request. Each Leica "72" camera is individually numbered, with identifiers like Nr. 1, Nr. 2, etc., ingeniously engraved onto the top cover7.
This model features a vertical single-frame viewfinder window positioned at the front7. The Leica "72" was chiefly designed for microfilm applications, 35mm filmstrips, and other photographic pursuits that benefit from a capacity of capturing 72 images, as opposed to the standard 36. Its single frame format (18x24mm) effectively allows double the number of exposures per unit length of film compared to the conventional double frame (24x36mm) Leicas. The shutter system of the Leica "72" offers a range of speeds from 1 second to 1/1000th of a second, with options for both time and bulb settings. Notably, this model lacks a built-in self-timer. Additionally, the Leica "72" is equipped with a coupled rangefinder that provides a 1.5X magnification, while the viewfinder effectively outlines 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 manufactured. Four model variants have been recorded360:
The Wetzlar Leica "72" based on a Leica IIIc chassis.
This model lacks any special markings on the top plate, and there is no indication of the 18 × 24 format360. Additionally, the chrome swinging mask is designed rather crudely, resembling the swinging mask of the Leica I Model C interchangeable model from 1932360.
The presence of a swinging mask might seem confusing, especially since the camera can only be used for the 18 x 24mm format360. However, there are two reasons for this design choice360. First, when the optical viewfinder displays the image framed down to 18 × 24 mm, the view may appear quite small360. The inclusion of the mask allows the photographer to see the entire field of view360.
Second, if the mask were fixed in position, it would obstruct the focusing lock and make it impossible to remove the lens360. This removal can only occur if the mask can be moved to an elevated position360.
The frame counter features the usual black markings: 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35360. Additionally, it has extra red markings at 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, and 75360. The frame counter disc is similar to that of later model 72 cameras360. The Wetzlar Leica "72" based on a Leica IIIc chassis camera includes a unique 18×24mm shutter crate360. Notably, the sprocket drum differs from that of other models, as it advances less film than usually required for a standard 24×36mm exposure360.
To date, only two examples of this camera have been recorded: one with the serial number 397604 and the other with 397606360. According to Mr. W. Hahne's list, the batch numbered 393803 to 397603 was produced in 1945, and an isolated camera (no. 397607) was also manufactured that same year360. Camera no. 397607 was the last IIIC equipped with a raised platform (type 1, according to the Hahne classification) to be produced360. There is no reference to the serial numbers 397604 to 397606 in the Hahne list. As previously mentioned, both cameras with serial numbers 397604 and 397,606 have been identified as assigned to the Wetzlar Leica "72" based on a Leica IIIc chassis camera360. However, the specific camera to which no. 397605 was allocated remains unknown360. Although the Schmidt project of 1954 only mentions IIIa Model G cameras, it is possible that initial experimentation for the Leica "72" was conducted using IIIc models360.
The Wetzlar Leica "72" based on a Leica IIIa Model G chassis.
Whereas the Wetzlar Leica "72" based on a Leica IIIc chassis camera is little known, and was probably not available commercially, the Wetzlar Leica "72" based on a Leica IIIa Model G chassis camera is well known to many collectors, although perhaps not as familiar as the Canadian-made Midland, Ontario, Leica "72", based on a Leica IIIa Model G chassis360. Despite its long period of production, few mechanical innovations were incorporated into this model360.
Early specimens (such as the one with serial number 357172) have a swing-over 18×24mm mask and no flash synchronization, whereas later models (such as the one with serial number 357179) not only have a special rangefinder housing with an 18 × 24mm opening but also a IIIf Red Dial flash synchronization device360.
From 1950 to 1963 (serial numbers from 357151 to 357224) Leitz produced only 33 Wetzlar Leica "72" based on a Leica IIIa Model G chassis cameras of this type, which naturally means that not all the serial numbers within this range were allocated to them360. Although the camera was in production for thirteen years, the biggest single production batch in one year amounted to only four (1958)360.
Additionally, exceptionally rare post-war Wetzlar Leica "72" based on a Leica IIIa Model G chassis cameras are documented with serial numbers falling between 357151 and 357224, with their production occurring from 1950 to 1970. The cumulative production count for these units stands at 46210. The below table has more details on these camera167:
| SERIAL NUMBER | SHIPPING DATE | DESTINATION / NOTES |
| 357151 | April 28,1950 | Photokina-Leica Tree |
| 357152 | April 28,1950 | Photokina |
| 23-Dec-52 | Canada | |
| 357153 | 05-May-55 | Germany |
| 357154 | 03-Oct-55 | Germany |
| 357155 | 05-Aug-55 | Wetzlar for Research and Development |
| 357156 | 05-Aug-55 | Wetzlar for Research and Development |
| 357157 | 05-Jun-57 | Mexico |
| 357158 | 05-Jun-57 | Mexico |
| 357159 | 17-Dec-53 | Midland |
| 357160 | 21-Feb-57 | ?Germany |
| 357161 | 22-Feb-57 | Mexico |
| 357162 | 16-Sep-57 | Libya. The camera with this serial number is identified as a IIIa Model G, but it is unclear from the shipping records whether it was a half-frame model. |
| 357163 | 02-Mar-58 | Mexico. The camera with this serial number is identified as a IIIa Model G, but it is unclear from the shipping records whether it was a half-frame model. |
| 357164 | 09-Aug-58 | Germany |
| 357165 | 02-Mar-58 | Mexico. The camera with this serial number is identified as a IIIa Model G, but it is unclear from the shipping records whether it was a half-frame model. |
| 357166 | 02-Mar-58 | Mexico. The camera with this serial number is identified as a IIIa Model G, but it is unclear from the shipping records whether it was a half-frame model. |
| 357167 | 04-Jul-59 | Wetzlar. The camera with this serial number is identified as a IIIa Model G, but it is unclear from the shipping records whether it was a half-frame model. |
| 357169 | ? | No entry in factory shipping records, but the Leica "72" camera with this serial number is known to exist |
| 357170 | 01-Sep-59 | Germany |
| 357171 | 19-Apr-62 | Germany. The camera with this serial number is identified as a IIIa Model G, but it is unclear from the shipping records whether it was a half-frame model. |
| 357173 | ? | No entry in factory shipping records, but the Leica "72" camera with this serial number is known to exist |
| 357174 | 25-Jan-54 | Norway |
| 357175 | 15-Sep-61 | Germany. The camera with this serial number is identified as a IIIa Model G, but it is unclear from the shipping records whether it was a half-frame model. |
| 357176 | 23-May-57 | Mexico |
| 357177 | 30-Sep-59 | Cambodia. The camera with this serial number is identified as a IIIa Model G, but it is unclear from the shipping records whether it was a half-frame model. |
| 357178 | ? | No entry in factory shipping records, but the Leica "72" camera with this serial number is known to exist |
| 357179 | ? | No entry in factory shipping records, but the Leica "72" camera with this serial number is known to exist |
| 357180 | 21-Sep-61 | Germany. The camera with this serial number is identified as a IIIa Model G, but it is unclear from the shipping records whether it was a half-frame model. |
| 357182 | 21-Oct-70 | Germany. The camera with this serial number is identified as a IIIa Model G, but it is unclear from the shipping records whether it was a half-frame model. |
| 357183 | ? | No entry in factory shipping records, but the Leica "72" camera with this serial number is known to exist |
| 357184 | 30-Sep-59 | Mexico |
| 357185 | 30-Sep-59 | Mexico |
| 357186 | 30-Sep-59 | Mexico |
| 357187 | ? | No entry in factory shipping records, but the Leica "72" camera with this serial number is known to exist |
| 357191 | ? | No entry in factory shipping records, but the Leica "72" camera with this serial number is known to exist |
| 357194 | ? | No entry in factory shipping records, but the Leica "72" camera with this serial number is known to exist |
| 357207 | 23-Sep-63 | ?Germany. The camera with this serial number is identified as a IIIa Model G, but it is unclear from the shipping records whether it was a half-frame model. |
| 357208 | 05-Jul-65 | ?Germany. The camera with this serial number is identified as a IIIa Model G, but it is unclear from the shipping records whether it was a half-frame model. |
| 367210 | 04-Aug-63 | ?Germany. The camera with this serial number is identified as a IIIa Model G, but it is unclear from the shipping records whether it was a half-frame model. |
| 357211 | ? | No entry in factory shipping records, but the Leica "72" camera with this serial number is known to exist |
| 357213 | Unknown | Unknown |
| 357215 | Unknown | Unknown |
| 357217 | ? | No entry in factory shipping records, but the Leica "72" camera with this serial number is known to exist |
| 357220 | 29-Nov-65 | ?Germany. The camera with this serial number is identified as a IIIa Model G, but it is unclear from the shipping records whether it was a half-frame model. |
| 357222 | 12-Dec-63 | ?Germany. The camera with this serial number is identified as a IIIa Model G, but it is unclear from the shipping records whether it was a half-frame model. |
| 357224 | 12-Dec-63 | ?Germany. The camera with this serial number is identified as a IIIa Model G, but it is unclear from the shipping records whether it was a half-frame model. |
| Total 46 cameras. Of those, 20 cameras are listed as Wetzlar Leica "72", 16 cameras are listed as IIIa Model G, and 10 cameras are known to be Wetzlar Leica "72" but are not listed. | ||
The Wetzlar Leica "72" based on a Leica IIIa Model G chassis itself may be classified into 3 major variants167:
- Type 1 - Only two cameras of this type are known to exist. This camera is characterized by an unsynchronized IIIa Model G chassis, lacking the "18x24" engraving, and featuring a swing-over mask. It can be considered the prototype of the classic the Wetzlar Leica "72" based on a Leica IIIa chassis and the Midland, Ontario, Leica "72", based on a Leica IIIa chassis cameras167.
- Type 2 - The camera of this type features an unsynchronized IIIa Model G chassis marked with "18x24" and includes a swing-over half-frame mask. One specific camera of this type has the serial number 357187. The authors are not aware of any unmodified Wetzlar half-frame cameras with a swinging mask that are synchronized167.
- Type 3 - The camera described is identical to the Midland, Ontario, Leica "72", based on a Leica IIIa Model G chassis cameras, particularly those with serial numbers ranging from 357301 to 357450. It features a synchronized IIIa Model G chassis with 18x24 markings and a unique top plate equipped with a half-frame viewfinder. The black dial synchronization is implemented similarly to the well-known postwar conversions of the Leica II Model D, Leica III Model F, and Leica IIIa Model G. The first serial number for this type of camera is approximately 357180. Later models include an additional screw located near the upper edge of the leatherette at the rear of the body, aligned with the shutter release button. This screw secures a film alignment device and is also a characteristic of the the Midland, Ontario, Leica "72", based on a Leica IIIa Model G chassis camera167.
The Midland, Ontario, Leica "72", based on a Leica IIIa Model G chassis
The Midland, Ontario, Leica "72", based on a Leica IIIa Model G chassis cameras is similar to the Wetzlar Leica "72" based on a Leica IIIa chassis360. The Midland, Ontario, Leica "72", based on a Leica IIIa Model G chassis camera 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, are the measurements 18 × 24mm360. In line with contemporary developments, the Midland, Ontario, Leica "72", based on a Leica IIIa Model G chassis camera includes a built-in film-speed reminder on the wind-on knob360. This is 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, Ontario, Leica "72", based on a Leica IIIa Model G chassis cameras360.
The Midland, Ontario, Leica "72", based on a Leica IIIa Model G chassis 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.
The Betriebsk no. 204 Leica "72"
This camera captures an 18×24mm portion of the full 24×36mm frame, leaving the remaining 18×24mm area blank360. This feature is particularly useful for slide projections, as it allows the blank section of the slide to be utilized for additional purposes, such as projecting printed or handwritten comments360.
Price
Leica "72" was initially priced at 189.00 USD for body only and at 246.00 USD with the 50mm f/3.5 Elmar lens15.