LEICA I MODEL A

In the very first brochure, Leica I Model A was referred to as "Barnack-Kamera"⁵⁷⁵. Later, in "Januar 1925 Liste: Photo Nr. 2049", it was referred to as "Leca-Kamera" (without "i" in "Leica"), which was changed to as "Leica-Kamera" a few days later in a different variant of the same "Januar 1925 Liste: Photo Nr. 2049" brochure⁵⁷⁵. In her research, Angela von Einem dated these brochures to January of 1925⁵⁷⁵.

The naming conventions for early Leica camera models differed between Europe and the USA, with the model referred to as "I" in Europe and "A" in the USA³¹³.

Leica I Model A was designed in 1924³⁶⁰ and had its first copies sold in the December of the same year⁵⁷⁵. By January 7, 1925, approximately 40 cameras were sold, with the highest serial number 189⁵⁷⁵.

Leica I Model A was generally available for sale in January of 1925 and was priced at 290 Reichsmark for the Leica I Model A with "Elmax" lens, 3 casettes, and "ETRIN" leather case⁵⁷⁵. Addition of FODIS rangefinder would bring the price to 315 Reichsmark⁵⁷⁵. The first price catalogs were in German (as of February 27, 1925), English (as of May 1925) and French (before March 1926)⁵⁷⁵.

Leica I Model A cameras were shown at the Leipzig Spring Fair held between March 1-11 of the same year³⁶⁰. Four cameras were displayed at the Fair (number 198, 200, 201, and 206) and had "Elmax" lenses on them⁵⁷⁵. Angela von Einem's research showed that 30 cameras numbered 199 (with Anastigmat lens), 202 (with Anastigmat lens), 204 (with Anastigmat lens), 205 (with Anastigmat lens), 206 (with Elmax lens), 207 (with Anastigmat lens), 208, 209 (with Anastigmat lens), 210, 211 (with Anastigmat lens), 212, 213 (with Anastigmat lens⁵⁹⁶), 214, 215, 216 (with Anastigmat lens), 217 (with Anastigmat lens), 218, 219, 228, 229 (with Anastigmat lens), 234, 235, 238 (with Anastigmat lens), 240, 263, 266, 269, 275, 276, and 279 were sold during the Leipzig Spring Fair of 1925⁵⁷⁵.

The construction of Leica I Model A consisted of approximately 300 individual parts⁵⁹⁵.

First Cameras to be Engraved

The top cap of the first ever commercially produced Leica, Leica I Model A (number 126, with Anastigmat lens), was engraved on November 7, 1924⁵⁷⁵. It was later delivered to a customer in Brazil (source). The camera number 126, which was allocated to Michel Becker, had the inscription "Reisemuster, Sud Amerika."³⁶⁰ The term "Reisemuster" translated to "sample."³⁶⁰ 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.

Since it was likely that the first Leica I Model A was categorized as a sample camera, it was possible that cameras numbered 123 to 125 were prototypes of the Leica I Model A³⁶⁰. However, since cameras numbered 123 to 125 had not been discovered, this remained speculative³⁶⁰. Additionally, the line drawn in the sales register between numbers 125 and 126 suggested a transition to a new model³⁶⁰.

Leica I Model A cameras with serial numbers from 127 through 235 were engraved on November 24, 1924, followed 3 days later by cameras from 237 to 637⁵⁷⁵. Only about 155 of these cameras were built and delivered in 1925³⁸¹.

The Leica I Model A featured non-removable lenses⁵⁹. There were 4 types of lenses used with Leica I Model A³⁶⁰:

50mm f/3.5 Anastigmat lens³⁶⁰
50mm f/3.5 Elmax lens³⁶⁰
50mm f/3.5 Elmar lens³⁶⁰
50mm f/2.5 Hektor lens³⁶⁰

Variants of Leica I Model A Cameras

The author's further research on these cameras were largely inspired by Ms. Angela von Einem's seminal "Die Varianten der Leica I" work.

Leica I Model A Cameras with Anastigmat Lenses

50mm f/3.5 Anastigmat lens was used on the initial production units Leica I Model A cameras with serial numbers ranging from 126 to approximately 251 (author's note).

All Leica I Model A cameras with Anastigmat lenses had the following in common:

The lens featured a curved (hollow) front ring with fine cross knurling and a small engraving⁵⁷⁵. It had a fine filter thread and a front ring diameter of 36 mm⁵⁷⁵. Notably, there was no number "7" on the lens mounting ring⁵⁷⁵. The outside of the helical part of the lens base had fine (hollow) details⁵⁷⁵. The lens distance scale was marked in either meters or feet, with a maximum distance of 3.5 feet⁵⁷⁵. The engraving read: "Leitz Anastigmat 1:3,5 F=50 mm," with "mm" positioned on the same line as "50."⁵⁷⁵
The barrel of the lens had datum lines (slim black longitudinal lines on the mount of the lens to align with 3 short index lines on the lens)⁵⁷⁵.
The top plate of the camera featured an engraving inlaid with bismuth⁵⁷⁵. It was secured with four screws⁵⁷⁵.
The rewind knob had an engraved arrow, was 8.5mm in height, and had a diameter of 15.4mm⁵⁷⁵. It featured a less finely knurled texture⁵⁷⁵.
The viewfinder had a smooth/flat 9.9 mm eyepiece and had a rectangular frame viewing window⁵⁷⁵.
The camera had a round viewfinder shoe⁵⁷⁵.
The shutter speed dial was finely knurled and had a diameter of 15.4mm⁵⁷⁵. It was engraved with the shutter speeds Z, 25, 40, 60, 100, 200, and 500⁵⁷⁵.
The film rewind lever (R/A) was short, entirely black and featured a flat-head screw⁵⁷⁵.
The film advance knob featured an engraved arrow⁵⁷⁵. It featured a less finely knurled texture⁵⁷⁵.
The shutter release button had a mushroom shape⁵⁷⁵.
The frame counter dial measured 26mm in diameter and was engraved with '0/40,' with the numbers 0 and 40 stacked on top of each other⁵⁷⁵. Initially, the film roll cassette held 1.75 meters of film intended for 40 exposures⁵⁷⁵. However, by March 1925, variations in film thickness necessitated a reduction in length to 1.60 meters, which was sufficient for 36 exposures⁵⁷⁵. The pins on the film counter dial were approximately 1.5 mm high, and the film advance knob stood 6 mm high⁵⁷⁵.
The vulcanite covering was extensively textured⁵⁷⁵.
The outer length of the bottom plate measured 133.4 mm⁵⁷⁵. The tripod thread was of a German type and was riveted, with a size of 3/8 inch⁵⁷⁵. The locking mechanism included a bar, and the engravings for "auf" and "zu" did not have directional arrows surrounding them⁵⁷⁵.
The film winding was equipped with a ratchet mechanism that produced a noise when the winding knob was pressed⁵⁷⁵.
Inside, these cameras had a curved film gate window, a film transport axle without fraction slots, and a film spool with fraction slots⁵⁷⁵.

Historians found it challenging to delineate the precise timeline of transitions between the Anastigmat, Elmax, and Elmar lenses¹¹⁵. It was impossible to exactly tell how many lenses were engraved with "Leitz Anastigmat" because the lenses were engraved separately from cameras, and there were no quantity specifications for the lenses⁵⁷⁵. Some researchers hypothesized that the switch from Anastigmat to Elmax occured between cameras with serial numbers 245 and 305¹¹⁵.

Some known Leica I Model cameras with Anastigmat lenses included: 126, 128, 129, 132, 135, 140, 146, 147, 148, 149, 151, 161, 162, 163, 172, 173, 178, 182, 183, 184, 186, 188, 190, 195, 199, 202, 204, 205, 207, 209, 211, 213, 216, 217, 221, 222, 225, 226, 229, 238, 239, 241, 245, 249, 250, 251, 267, 271, 283 , 363 (author's note).

Leica I Model A Cameras with Elmax Lenses

50mm f/3.5 Elmax was used on Leica I Model A cameras with serial numbers ranging from approximately 134 (author's note) to approximately 1170⁵⁷⁵. Angela von Einem reported that "Leitz Anastigmat" lenses were renamed "Elmax" in January of 1925, as indicated by two instructions manuals from January of 1925 and the "Liste: Photo 2045" catalog dated February 1925⁵⁷⁵. Some small batches of 50mm f/3.5 Elmar lenses might have been fitted to cameras within the 50mm f/3.5 Elmax batch numbers³⁶⁰. Leitz was always keen to introduce new refinements, which may explain why, for some time, the Elmax and Elmar batches were concurrent³⁶⁰. Angela von Einem's research showed the transition from Elmax to Elmar was more likely to have occurred with the Leica camera manufactured or converted on November 2, 1925, that is with number 1170⁵⁷⁵. There were Leica I Model A cameras with the "Elmax" lenses with distance scale in feet and meter (but never together, i.e., never dual scale)⁵⁷⁵.

Some known early Leica I Model cameras with Elmax lenses included: 134, 198, 200, 201, 206, 254, 284, 290, 303, 312, 360, 361, 372, 377, 420, 424, 439, 451, 452, 456, 478, 484, 499, 502, 518, 523, 574 (author's note).

Variants of Leica I Model A Cameras with Elmax Lenses

All Leica I Model A cameras with Elmax lenses had the following in common:

The lens featured a curved (hollow) front ring with fine cross knurling and a small engraving⁵⁷⁵. It had a fine filter thread and a front ring diameter of 36 mm⁵⁷⁵. Notably, there was no number "7" on the lens mounting ring⁵⁷⁵. The outside of the helical part of the lens base had fine (hollow) details⁵⁷⁵. The lens distance scale was marked in either meters or feet, with a maximum distance of 3.5 feet⁵⁷⁵. The engraving read: "Leitz Elmax 1:3,5 F=50 mm," with "mm" positioned on the line higher than "50."⁵⁷⁵
The top plate of the camera featured an engraving inlaid with bismuth⁵⁷⁵. It was secured with four screws⁵⁷⁵.
The rewind knob had an engraved arrow, was 8.5mm in height, and had a diameter of 15.4mm⁵⁷⁵.
The viewfinder had a smooth/flat 9.9 mm eyepiece and had a rectangular frame viewing window⁵⁷⁵.
The camera had a round viewfinder shoe⁵⁷⁵.
The shutter speed dial was finely knurled and had a diameter of 15.4mm⁵⁷⁵.
The film rewind lever (R/A) was entirely black and featured a flat-head screw⁵⁷⁵.
The film advance knob featured an engraved arrow⁵⁷⁵.
The shutter release button had a mushroom shape⁵⁷⁵.
The pins on the film counter dial were approximately 1.5 mm high, and the film advance knob stood 6 mm high⁵⁷⁵.
The vulcanite covering was extensively textured⁵⁷⁵.
The outer length of the bottom plate measured 133.4 mm⁵⁷⁵. The tripod thread was of a German type and was riveted, with a size of 3/8 inch⁵⁷⁵. The locking mechanism included a bar, and the engravings for "auf" and "zu" did not have directional arrows surrounding them⁵⁷⁵.

Leica I Model A cameras with Elmax lenses and serial numbers numbers until 637 had the following distinctive features⁵⁷⁵:

The barrel of the lens had datum lines (slim black longitudinal lines on the mount of the lens to align with 3 short index lines on the lens)⁵⁷⁵.
The rewind knob featured a less finely knurled texture⁵⁷⁵.
The shutter speed dial was finely knurled and was engraved with the shutter speeds Z, 25, 40, 60, 100, 200, and 500⁵⁷⁵.
The rewind lever (R/A) was short⁵⁷⁵.
The film advance knob featured a less finely knurled texture⁵⁷⁵.
The frame counter dial measured 26mm in diameter and was engraved with '0/40,' with the numbers 0 and 40 stacked on top of each other⁵⁷⁵. Initially, the film roll cassette held 1.75 meters of film intended for 40 exposures⁵⁷⁵. However, by March 1925, variations in film thickness necessitated a reduction in length to 1.60 meters, which was sufficient for 36 exposures⁵⁷⁵.
The film winding was equipped with a ratchet mechanism that produced a noise when the winding knob was pressed⁵⁷⁵.
Inside, these cameras had a curved film gate window, a film transport axle without fraction slots, and a film spool with fraction slots⁵⁷⁵.

Leica I Model A cameras with Elmax lenses and serial numbers numbers from 637 through 1170 did not have datum lines one their lenses⁵⁷⁵. Some Elmax lenses in this group had 4 elements (e.g., the lens attached to the body number 1162), while most had 5⁵⁷⁵. The film winding of the cameras in this group were not equipped with a ratchet mechanism⁵⁷⁵. The frame counter dial measured 26mm in diameter and was not engraved with '0/40'⁵⁷⁵. The rewind lever (R/A) was long⁵⁷⁵. Inside, the cameras of this group had a straight (as opposed to curved) film gate window, a film transport axle with fraction slots, and a film spool without fraction slots⁵⁷⁵. The cameras of this group could be further divided into 2 variants:

Cameras of Variant 1 had:

The rewind knob featured a less finely knurled texture⁵⁷⁵.
The shutter speed dial was engraved with the shutter speeds Z, 25, 40, 60, 100, 200, and 500⁵⁷⁵.
The film advance knob featured a less finely knurled texture⁵⁷⁵.

Cameras of Variant 2 had:

The rewind knob featured a very finely knurled texture⁵⁷⁵.
The shutter speed dial was engraved with the shutter speeds Z, 20, 30, 40, 60, 100, 200, and 500⁵⁷⁵.
The film advance knob featured a very finely knurled texture⁵⁷⁵.
Some (not all) cameras in the 700 to 1088 range were equipped with aluminum film advance and film rewind knobs⁵⁷⁵.
square tab for pressing the cassette locking lever inside the baseplate⁵⁷⁵.

Leica I Model A Cameras with Elmar Lenses

50mm f/3.5 Elmar was used on Leica I Model A cameras with serial numbers ranging from approximately 1300 to approximately 71249³⁶⁰. These cameras were code-named LEABE³⁶⁰. Most Elmar lenses had 4 elements⁵⁷⁵. According to Angela von Einem's research, the change from "Elmax" to "Elmar" happened on October 7, 1925, following objection from Ernemann company of Dresden⁵⁷⁵. It turned out that Ernemann received trademarking rights for the name "Ermax", which sounded very similar to "Elmax", on August 10, 1925⁵⁷⁵. Advertisement in "Photographische Rundschau und Mitteilungen" dated November of 1925 already featured name "Elmar", instead of "Elmax"⁵⁷⁵. Angela von Einem also reported that the optical formula for the new four element lens ("BK 50/3") was dated May 6, 1925⁵⁷⁵. "Elmar" had been a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG since June 4, 1926⁵³⁴. Throughout its use in the Leica I Model A, the Elmar lens saw no changes in design³⁶⁰. However, some Leica I Model A cameras made for export (from 1926³⁶⁵) were designed to focus at a distance of 1.5 feet, rather than the standard 3 feet or 1 meter³⁶⁰.

Variants of Leica I Model A Cameras with Elmar Lenses

Variant 1

Cameras of Variant 1 (approximately from number 1170) had⁵⁷⁵:

The lens featured a curved (hollow) front ring with fine cross knurling and a small engraving⁵⁷⁵.
It had a front ring diameter of 36 mm and finely textured filter thread⁵⁷⁵.
There was no number "7" on the lens mounting ring⁵⁷⁵.
The outside of the helical part of the lens base had fine (hollow) details⁵⁷⁵.
The engraving read: "Leitz Elmar 1:3,5 F=50 mm," with "mm" positioned on the line higher than "50."⁵⁷⁵
The camera had a round viewfinder shoe⁵⁷⁵.
The top plate of the camera featured an engraving inlaid with bismuth. It was secured with 4 screws⁵⁷⁵.
The finely knurled rewind knob had an engraved arrow, was 8.5mm in height, and had a diameter of 15.5mm⁵⁷⁵.
The viewfinder had a smooth/flat 9.9 mm eyepiece and had a rectangular frame viewing window⁵⁷⁵.
The shutter speed dial was very finely knurled, had a diameter of 15.4mm, and was engraved with shutter speeds Z 20 30 40 60 100 200 500⁵⁷⁵.
The rewind lever (R/A) was flat, all black and had a flat-head screw⁵⁷⁵.
The film advance knob featured a finely knurled texture, was engraved with an arrow, was 6mm high on early samples and 6.5mm high on later samples⁵⁷⁵.
The shutter release button had a mushroom shape⁵⁷⁵.
The frame counter dial measured 26mm in diameter and was engraved with numbers⁵⁷⁵.
The pins on the film counter dial were approximately 1.5 mm high⁵⁷⁵. The vulcanite covering was extensively textured⁵⁷⁵.
The outer length of the bottom plate measured 133.0 mm⁵⁷⁵.
The tripod thread was of a German type and was riveted, with a size of 3/8 inch⁵⁷⁵.
The locking mechanism included a bar, and the engravings for "auf" and "zu" did not have directional arrows surrounding them⁵⁷⁵.
Round tab for pressing the cassette locking lever inside the baseplate⁵⁷⁵.

Variant 2

Cameras of Variant 2 (approximately from number 2400) had⁵⁷⁵:

The lens featured a sharply defined front ring with fine cross knurling and a small engraving⁵⁷⁵.
It had a front ring diameter of 36 mm⁵⁷⁵.
There was number "7" on the lens mounting ring (after approximately number 2592)⁵⁷⁵.
The engraving read: "Leitz Elmar 1:3,5 F=50 mm," with "mm" positioned on the line higher than "50."⁵⁷⁵.
The camera had a round viewfinder shoe⁵⁷⁵.
The top plate of the camera featured an engraving inlaid with bismuth⁵⁷⁵. It was secured with 4 screws⁵⁷⁵.
The finely knurled rewind knob was embossed with a feathered arrow, was 8.5mm in height, and had a diameter of 15.5mm⁵⁷⁵. A quick note about feathered arrows: The Leica I Model B Dial-Set Compur cameras were manufactured concurrently with this variant.⁵⁷⁵ It was believed that the feather arrow on the Leica I Model A was inspired by the arrow on the shutter speed dial of the Leica I Model B Dial-Set Compur cameras⁵⁷⁵. The feathered arrows, along with all subsequent non-feathered arrows, were stamped (embossed)⁵⁷⁵. Producing a stamping die was quite expensive; this process was typically undertaken only when a larger quantity was anticipated⁵⁷⁵. Therefore, although the Leica I Model B Dial-Set Compur cameras had a higher camera number (starting from 5701, dated 1926 onwards), they were actually produced at the same time as the lower-numbered feather arrow Leica I Model A, as early as 1926⁵⁷⁵.
The viewfinder had a lightly recessed 9.9 mm eyepiece and had a rectangular frame viewing window⁵⁷⁵.
The shutter speed dial was very finely knurled, had a diameter of 15.4mm, and was engraved with shutter speeds Z 20 30 40 60 100 200 500⁵⁷⁵.
The rewind lever (R/A) was black and flat, and had a nickel knob⁵⁷⁵.
The film advance knob featured a finely knurled texture, was embossed with a feather arrow and was 6.5mm high⁵⁷⁵.
The finely knurled rewind knob was embossed with a feathered arrow, was 8.5mm in height, and had a diameter of 15.5mm⁵⁷⁵.
The viewfinder had a lightly recessed 9.9 mm eyepiece and had a rectangular frame viewing window⁵⁷⁵.
The finely knurled rewind knob was embossed with a feathered arrow, was 8.5mm in height, and had a diameter of 15.5mm⁵⁷⁵.
The viewfinder had a lightly recessed 9.9 mm eyepiece and had a rectangular frame viewing window⁵⁷⁵.
The finely knurled rewind knob was embossed with a feathered arrow, was 8.5mm in height, and had a diameter of 15.5mm⁵⁷⁵.
The viewfinder had a lightly recessed 9.9 mm eyepiece and had a rectangular frame viewing window⁵⁷⁵.
The shutter release button had a mushroom shape⁵⁷⁵.
The frame counter dial measured 26mm in diameter and was engraved with numbers⁵⁷⁵.
The pins on the film counter dial were approximately 0.9mm to 1.0 mm high⁵⁷⁵.
The vulcanite covering was extensively textured⁵⁷⁵.
The outer length of the bottom plate measured 133.5 to 133.6 mm⁵⁷⁵.
The tripod thread was of a German type and was screwed, with a size of 3/8 inch⁵⁷⁵.
The locking mechanism included a stabilizer bar, and the engravings for "auf" and "zu" had directional arrows surrounding them⁵⁷⁵.
Round tab for pressing the cassette locking lever inside the baseplate on the earlier examples, and beveled tab for pressing the cassette locking lever on the later examples⁵⁷⁵.

Variant 3

Cameras of Variant 3 (approximately from number 4800) had⁵⁷⁵:

The lens featured a sharply defined front ring with fine cross knurling and a small engraving⁵⁷⁵.
It had a front ring diameter of 36 mm⁵⁷⁵.
There was number "7" on the lens mounting ring⁵⁷⁵.
The engraving read: "Leitz Elmar 1:3,5 F=50 mm," with "mm" positioned on the line higher than "50."⁵⁷⁵.
The camera had a round viewfinder shoe⁵⁷⁵.
The top plate of the camera featured an engraving inlaid with bismuth. It was secured with 4 screws⁵⁷⁵.
The finely knurled rewind knob was embossed with arrow, was 8.5mm in height, and had a diameter of 15.5mm⁵⁷⁵.
The viewfinder had a lightly recessed 9.9 mm eyepiece and had a rectangular frame viewing window. Viewfinder got a mask in the front approximately at cameras between 4000 and 5000⁵⁷⁵.
The shutter speed dial was very finely knurled, had a diameter of 15.4mm, and was engraved with shutter speeds Z 20 30 40 60 100 200 500⁵⁷⁵.
The rewind lever (R/A) was black and flat, and had a nickel knob⁵⁷⁵.
The film advance knob featured a coarsely knurled texture, was embossed with an arrow and was 6.5mm high⁵⁷⁵.
The shutter release button had a mushroom shape⁵⁷⁵.
The frame counter dial measured 26mm in diameter and was engraved with numbers⁵⁷⁵.
The pins on the film counter dial were approximately 0.9mm to 1.0 mm high⁵⁷⁵.
The vulcanite covering was extensively textured⁵⁷⁵.
The outer length of the bottom plate measured 133.5 to 133.6 mm⁵⁷⁵.
The tripod thread was of a German type and was screwed, with a size of 3/8 inch⁵⁷⁵.
The locking mechanism included a stabilizer bar, and the engravings for "auf" and "zu" had directional arrows surrounding them⁵⁷⁵.
Beveled tab for pressing the cassette locking lever inside the baseplate⁵⁷⁵.

Variant 4

Cameras of Variant 4 (approximately from number 7025) had⁵⁷⁵:

The lens featured a sharply defined front ring with fine cross knurling and a small engraving⁵⁷⁵.
The lens had a coarser filter thread (approx. from camera number 9500)⁵⁷⁵.
There were tube diagrams inside of the lens to avoid central halos (approximately from November 1928, starting approximately with camera 10500)⁵⁷⁵.
It had a front ring diameter of 36 mm⁵⁷⁵.
There was number "7" on the lens mounting ring⁵⁷⁵.
The engraving read: "Leitz Elmar 1:3,5 F=50 mm," with "mm" positioned on the line higher than "50."⁵⁷⁵.
The camera had a round viewfinder shoe⁵⁷⁵.
The top plate of the camera featured an engraving inlaid with bismuth. It was secured with 4 screws⁵⁷⁵.
The finely knurled rewind knob was embossed with arrow, was 8.5mm in height, and had a diameter of 15.5mm⁵⁷⁵.
The viewfinder had a lightly recessed 9.9 mm eyepiece and had a rectangular frame viewing window⁵⁷⁵. Viewfinder got a mask in the front⁵⁷⁵.
The shutter speed dial was very finely knurled, had a diameter of 15.4mm, and was engraved with shutter speeds Z 20 30 40 60 100 200 500⁵⁷⁵.
The rewind lever (R/A) was black and flat, and had a nickel knob⁵⁷⁵.
The film advance knob featured a coarsely knurled texture, was embossed with an arrow and was 6.5mm high⁵⁷⁵.
The shutter release button had a dimpled mushroom shape⁵⁷⁵(with indentation underneath, so that the cable release didn't slip over³⁶⁰)
The frame counter dial measured 26mm in diameter and was engraved with numbers⁵⁷⁵.
The pins on the film counter dial were approximately 0.9mm to 1.0 mm high⁵⁷⁵.
The vulcanite covering was extensively textured⁵⁷⁵.
The outer length of the bottom plate measured 133.5 to 133.6 mm⁵⁷⁵.
The tripod thread was of a German type and was screwed, with a size of 3/8 inch⁵⁷⁵.
The locking mechanism included a stabilizer bar, and the engravings for "auf" and "zu" had directional arrows surrounding them⁵⁷⁵.
Beveled tab for pressing the cassette locking lever inside the baseplate⁵⁷⁵.

Variant 5

Cameras of Variant 5 (approximately from number 12100) had⁵⁷⁵:

The lens featured a finely textured front ring with large embossed lettering ( from approximately camera 12300)⁵⁷⁵.
The lens had a coarser filter thread⁵⁷⁵.
It had a front ring diameter of 36 mm⁵⁷⁵.
There was number "7" on the lens mounting ring⁵⁷⁵.
The engraving read: "Leitz Elmar 1:3,5 F=50 mm," with "mm" positioned on the line higher than "50."⁵⁷⁵.
The camera had a round viewfinder shoe⁵⁷⁵.
The top plate of the camera featured an engraving inlaid with bismuth⁵⁷⁵. It was secured with 4 screws⁵⁷⁵.
The coarsely knurled rewind knob was embossed with arrow, was 8.5mm in height, and had a diameter of 15.5mm⁵⁷⁵.
The viewfinder had a lightly recessed 9.9 mm eyepiece and had a rectangular frame viewing window⁵⁷⁵. Viewfinder got a mask in the front⁵⁷⁵.
The shutter speed dial was coarsely knurled, had a diameter of 15.4mm, and was engraved with shutter speeds Z 20 30 40 60 100 200 500⁵⁷⁵.
The rewind lever (R/A) was black and flat, and had a nickel knob⁵⁷⁵.
The film advance knob featured a coarsely knurled texture, was embossed with an arrow and was 6.5mm high⁵⁷⁵.
The shutter release button had a dimpled mushroom shape⁵⁷⁵(with indentation underneath, so that the cable release didn't slip over³⁶⁰)
The frame counter dial measured 26mm in diameter and was engraved with numbers⁵⁷⁵.
The pins on the film counter dial were approximately 0.9mm to 1.0 mm high⁵⁷⁵.
The vulcanite covering was finely textured⁵⁷⁵.
The outer length of the bottom plate measured 133.5 to 133.6 mm⁵⁷⁵.
The tripod thread was of a German type and was screwed, with a size of 3/8 inch⁵⁷⁵.
The locking mechanism included a stabilizer bar, and the engravings for "auf" and "zu" had directional arrows surrounding them⁵⁷⁵.
Beveled tab for pressing the cassette locking lever inside the baseplate⁵⁷⁵.

Variant 6

Cameras of Variant 6 (approximately from number 15700 (possibly earlier)) had⁵⁷⁵:

The lens featured a finely textured front ring with large embossed lettering⁵⁷⁵.
The lens had a coarser filter thread⁵⁷⁵.
It had a front ring diameter of 36 mm⁵⁷⁵.
There was number "7" on the lens mounting ring⁵⁷⁵.
The engraving read: "Leitz Elmar 1:3,5 F=50 mm," with "mm" positioned on the line higher than "50."⁵⁷⁵.
The camera had a round viewfinder shoe⁵⁷⁵.
The top plate of the camera featured an engraving inlaid with bismuth⁵⁷⁵. It was secured with 4 screws⁵⁷⁵.
The coarsely knurled rewind knob was embossed with arrow, was 8.5mm in height, and had a diameter of 15.5mm⁵⁷⁵.
The viewfinder had a double recessed 9.9 mm (earlier) or 10.7mm (later, from approximately camera number 20000) diameter eyepiece and had a rectangular frame viewing window⁵⁷⁵. Viewfinder got a mask in the front⁵⁷⁵.
The shutter speed dial was coarsely knurled, had a diameter of 15.4mm, and was engraved with shutter speeds Z 20 30 40 60 100 200 500⁵⁷⁵.
The rewind lever (R/A) was black and not flat (from approximately camera number 22900), and had a round-head screw (from approximately camera number 22900)⁵⁷⁵.
The film advance knob featured a coarsely knurled texture, was embossed with an arrow and was 6.5mm high⁵⁷⁵.
The shutter release button was slim with a dome-shaped bulge, threaded for cable release (with cap nut)⁵⁷⁵.
The frame counter dial measured 26mm in diameter and was engraved with numbers⁵⁷⁵.
The pins on the film counter dial were approximately 0.9mm to 1.0 mm high⁵⁷⁵.
The vulcanite covering was finely textured⁵⁷⁵.
The outer length of the bottom plate measured 133.5 to 133.6 mm⁵⁷⁵.
The tripod thread was of a German type and was screwed, with a size of 3/8 inch⁵⁷⁵.
The locking mechanism did not have a bar, and the engravings for "auf" and "zu" had directional arrows surrounding them⁵⁷⁵.
Beveled tab for pressing the cassette locking lever and embossed mark at the guide pin (from approx. 16090) inside the baseplate⁵⁷⁵.

Variant 7

Cameras of Variant 7 (approximately from number 31600) had⁵⁷⁵:

The lens featured a finely textured front ring with large embossed lettering⁵⁷⁵.
The lens had a coarser filter thread⁵⁷⁵.
It had a front ring diameter of 36 mm⁵⁷⁵.
There was number "7" on the lens mounting ring⁵⁷⁵.
The engraving read: "Leitz Elmar 1:3,5 F=50 mm," with "mm" positioned on the line higher than "50."⁵⁷⁵.
The camera had a round viewfinder shoe⁵⁷⁵.
The top plate of the camera featured an engraving inlaid with bismuth⁵⁷⁵. It was secured with 4 screws⁵⁷⁵.
The coarsely knurled rewind knob was embossed with arrow, was 8.5mm in height, and had a diameter of 15.5mm⁵⁷⁵.
The viewfinder had a double recessed 10.7mm in diameter eyepiece and had a rectangular frame viewing window⁵⁷⁵. Viewfinder got a mask in the front⁵⁷⁵.
The shutter speed dial was coarsely knurled, had a diameter of 15.4mm, and was engraved with shutter speeds Z 20 30 40 60 100 200 500⁵⁷⁵.
The rewind lever (R/A) was black and not flat and had a round-head screw⁵⁷⁵.
The film advance knob featured a coarsely knurled texture, was embossed with an arrow and was 8.5mm high (2mm higher than on the previous variant)⁵⁷⁵.
The shutter release button was slim with a dome-shaped bulge, threaded for cable release (with cap nut)⁵⁷⁵.
The frame counter dial measured 26mm in diameter and was engraved with numbers⁵⁷⁵.
The pins on the film counter dial were approximately 0.9mm to 1.0 mm high⁵⁷⁵.
The vulcanite covering was finely textured⁵⁷⁵.
The outer length of the bottom plate measured 133.5 to 133.6 mm⁵⁷⁵.
The tripod thread was of a German type and was screwed, with a size of 3/8 inch⁵⁷⁵.
The locking mechanism did not have a bar, and the engravings for "auf" and "zu" had directional arrows surrounding them⁵⁷⁵.
Beveled tab for pressing the cassette locking lever and embossed mark at the guide pin inside the baseplate⁵⁷⁵.

Variant 8

Cameras of Variant 8 (approximately from number 39500) had⁵⁷⁵:

The lens featured a finely textured front ring with large embossed lettering⁵⁷⁵.
The lens had a coarser filter thread⁵⁷⁵.
It had a front ring diameter of 36 mm⁵⁷⁵.
There was number "7" on the lens mounting ring⁵⁷⁵.
The engraving read: "Leitz Elmar 1:3,5 F=50 mm," with "mm" positioned on the line higher than "50."⁵⁷⁵.
The camera had a round viewfinder shoe⁵⁷⁵.
The top plate of the camera featured an engraving inlaid with bismuth⁵⁷⁵. It was secured with 6 screws⁵⁷⁵.
The coarsely knurled rewind knob was embossed with arrow, was 8.5mm in height, and had a diameter of 15.5mm⁵⁷⁵.
The viewfinder had a double recessed 10.7mm in diameter eyepiece and had a rectangular frame viewing window⁵⁷⁵. Viewfinder got a mask in the front⁵⁷⁵.
The shutter speed dial was coarsely knurled, had a diameter of 15.4mm, and was engraved with shutter speeds Z 20 30 40 60 100 200 500⁵⁷⁵.
The rewind lever (R/A) was black and not flat and had a round-head screw⁵⁷⁵.
The film advance knob featured a coarsely knurled texture, was embossed with an arrow and was 8.5mm high⁵⁷⁵.
The shutter release button was slim with a dome-shaped bulge, threaded for cable release (with cap nut)⁵⁷⁵.
The frame counter dial measured 27mm in diameter and was embossed with numbers⁵⁷⁵.
The pins on the film counter dial were approximately 0.9mm to 1.0 mm high⁵⁷⁵.
The vulcanite covering was finely textured⁵⁷⁵.
The outer length of the bottom plate measured 133.5 to 133.6 mm⁵⁷⁵.
The tripod thread was of a German type and was screwed, with a size of 3/8 inch⁵⁷⁵.
The locking mechanism did not have a bar, and the engravings for "auf" and "zu" had directional arrows surrounding them⁵⁷⁵.
Beveled tab for pressing the cassette locking lever and embossed mark at the guide pin inside the baseplate⁵⁷⁵.

Variant 9

Cameras of Variant 9 (approximately from number 41300) had⁵⁷⁵:

The lens featured a finely textured front ring with large embossed lettering⁵⁷⁵.
The lens had a coarser filter thread⁵⁷⁵.
There was semi-oval focusing mark in the depth of field ring⁵⁷⁵. One author asserted that it was reported in February of 1930 that the cameras with serial numbers from 47000 had its 5cm f/3.5 lens equipped with a depth of field ring³⁶⁴.
It had a front ring diameter of 36 mm⁵⁷⁵.
There was number "7" on the lens mounting ring⁵⁷⁵.
The engraving read: "Leitz Elmar 1:3,5 F=50 mm," with "mm" positioned on the same line as "50" (starting from approximately camera number 46000)⁵⁷⁵.
The camera had a round viewfinder shoe⁵⁷⁵.
The top plate of the camera featured an engraving inlaid with bismuth⁵⁷⁵. It was secured with 6 screws⁵⁷⁵.
The coarsely knurled rewind knob was embossed with arrow, was 8.5mm in height, and had a diameter of 15.5mm⁵⁷⁵.
The viewfinder had a double recessed 10.7mm in diameter eyepiece and had a rectangular frame viewing window⁵⁷⁵. Viewfinder got a mask in the front⁵⁷⁵.
The shutter speed dial was coarsely knurled, had a diameter of 15.4mm, and was engraved with shutter speeds Z 20 30 40 60 100 200 500⁵⁷⁵.
The rewind lever (R/A) was black and not flat and had a round-head screw⁵⁷⁵.
The film advance knob featured a coarsely knurled texture, was embossed with an arrow and was 8.5mm high⁵⁷⁵.
The shutter release button was slim with a dome-shaped bulge, threaded for cable release (with cap nut)⁵⁷⁵.
The frame counter dial measured 27mm in diameter and was embossed with numbers⁵⁷⁵.
The pins on the film counter dial were approximately 0.9mm to 1.0 mm high⁵⁷⁵.
The vulcanite covering was finely textured⁵⁷⁵.
The outer length of the bottom plate measured 133.5 to 133.6 mm⁵⁷⁵.
The tripod thread was of a German type and was screwed, with a size of 3/8 inch⁵⁷⁵.
The locking mechanism did not have a bar, and the engravings for "auf" and "zu" had directional arrows surrounding them⁵⁷⁵.
Beveled tab for pressing the cassette locking lever and embossed mark at the guide pin inside the baseplate⁵⁷⁵.

Variant 10

Cameras of Variant 10 (found between 1170 and 60500) were manufactured for export and had the distance scale in feet⁵⁷⁵. There were 2 main subtypes - Variant 10.1 and Variant 10.2 decsribed below:

Variant 10.1 was commonly referred to as the “Close-Focus” model that included examples with serial numbers ranging from approximately 1600 or 2400 up to about 46000⁵⁷⁵. The oldest known close-focus camera in its original condition had the serial number 1951⁵⁷⁵. Leitz surprisingly reduced the minimum focusing distance on these cameras to 1.5 feet, which was just under 0.5 meters.⁵⁷⁵ Otherwise, they were identical in construction to the basic version (Variants 1-9 with Elmar lenses)⁵⁷⁵. This close-focus capability was achieved through a longer and steeper focusing helicoid while keeping the optics the same⁵⁷⁵. These cameras had a top screw, located at the left top of the lens when viewed from the front, which was longer and halved due to the steeper lens thread⁵⁷⁵. However, the viewfinder of Variant 10.1 cameras did not have parallax correction, and it should be noted that these cameras were only available with measurements in feet⁵⁷⁵. Some cameras had tripod screw threads of English type with a size of 1/4 inch⁵⁷⁵. There were 4 sub-variants of Variant 10.1⁵⁷⁵:
- Variant 10.1.1 had⁵⁷⁵:
  - shallow viewfinder eye-piece⁵⁷⁵
  - the viewfinder was engraved "Germany" on one side⁵⁷⁵
  - black rewind lever (R/A)⁵⁷⁵
  - lens had a concave shape⁵⁷⁵
  - unusual for the export version large tripod thread⁵⁷⁵
  - tripod bush engraved with "open"/"close" (as opposed to "auf"/"zu") around it⁵⁷⁵
  - other characteristics of Variant 1 of Leica I Model A cameras with Elmar lenses
- Variant 10.1.2 had⁵⁷⁵:
  - the viewfinder was engraved "Germany" on one side⁵⁷⁵
  - other characteristics of Variant 4 of Leica I Model A cameras with Elmar lenses⁵⁷⁵
- Variant 10.1.3 had⁵⁷⁵:
  - the viewfinder was engraved "Germany" on one side⁵⁷⁵
  - other characteristics of Variant 6 of Leica I Model A cameras with Elmar lenses⁵⁷⁵
- Variant 10.1.4 had⁵⁷⁵:
  - the viewfinder was not engraved "Germany" on one side⁵⁷⁵
  - other characteristics of Variant 7 of Leica I Model A cameras with Elmar lenses⁵⁷⁵
Variant 10.2 was essentially the standard model (not the Close-Focus version) of Leica I Model A that featured a lens distance scale measured in feet, applicable to cameras with serial numbers ranging from approximately 46000 to 60500⁵⁷⁵. Similarly, the standard Leica I Model A with a lens distance scale in meters was also produced for export⁵⁷⁵. The shortest distance engraving on the feet version was set at 3.5 feet, which is about 1.2 meters⁵⁷⁵. The alignment of the feet and meter versions was likely influenced by the introduction of the depth-of-field ring shortly before, beginning with cameras numbered from 41300⁵⁷⁵. Additionally, the launch of the Leica I Model C, which had interchangeable lenses, necessitated a specific thread alignment⁵⁷⁵. Unlike the Close-Version focus, these cameras did had a longer halved top screw, located at the left top of the lens when viewed from the front because the lens thread was not steeper⁵⁷⁵. Also cameras of Variant 10.2 had⁵⁷⁵:
- distance in feet but only adjustable up to 3.5 feet (1.2 meters)⁵⁷⁵
- the viewfinder was not engraved "Germany" on one side⁵⁷⁵
- some of these cameras had characteristics of Variant 9 of Leica I Model A cameras with Elmar lenses⁵⁷⁵

Variant 11

Cameras of Variant 11 were designated as "LEANEKALB" in the Leitz catalogs and delivery records³⁷⁷. These cameras were Leica cameras in black and nickel finish³⁶⁰, with coloured calf leather covering, with one magazine⁵³⁴. According to the Hahne list, only 168 ⁵⁷⁵(or 180³⁷⁷) examples of calfskin-covered Leicas (which included Leica Model A and Leica I Model C cameras) (between approximately serial numbers 36333 and 59400⁵⁷⁵) were produced in the 1930s³⁷⁷. Offered for the first time in July 1930 catalog, these cameras were only 10 Reichsmark more expensive than their regular counterparts⁵⁷⁵. Customers could order the camera with a dyed calf leather covering instead of the standard black vulcanized rubber for a small extra charge¹⁸¹. This optional leather covering was available in four colours: green, blue, red, or brown¹⁸¹. However, customers did not seem to appreciate these refinements¹⁸¹. These examples are extremely rare³⁶⁰. Also any of these original calfskin coverings were later replaced by Leitz with regular vulcanite during restorations when the leather showed signs of wear³⁷⁷. As a result, the number of authentic calfskin Leicas that still existed today was quite limited³⁷⁷.

It was also known that 5 Leica I Model A cameras in black finish with reptile leather were produced as unique pieces in 1930⁵⁷⁵. Typically, reptile leather was reserved for gold-plated LUXUS cameras⁵⁷⁵.

The calfskin Leica was highlighted in the 'Luxus Leica' chapter of the 1930 Leitz catalogue, where it was presented alongside the gold-plated LUXUS version³⁸³. It was characterized as a black paint camera adorned with “coloured calfskin”³⁸³. Some "LEANEKALB" cameras were covered in calfskin featuring a brown chequered pattern; however, only three examples of this particular design were known to exist⁴⁰⁴. The chapter on the available cases mentioned various individual colors, including “green, red, violet, dark- and light-brown, as well as brown chequered”⁴⁰⁴. In the Leitz shipping records, cameras with the chequered pattern were designated as “Leanekalb kariert (chequered)”⁴⁰⁴.

On genuine calfskin cameras like the model number 43839, the leather underneath the lens mounting ring was not cut out or modified; it extended precisely to the inner edge of the opening⁵⁷⁵. When the lens was removed using special tools, it was possible to see that the leather fit snugly into the lens mount of the camera body⁵⁷⁵. Only the lens mounting ring left an impression on model 43839⁵⁷⁵.

In refurbished cameras or counterfeits, the leather covering often only reached the outer edge of the lens mounting ring⁵⁷⁵. Additionally, on the original models, the transition from the fine leather covering to the painted parts (for example, the bottom cover) had to be perfectly flush; the leather was not thicker at any point⁵⁷⁵. Contrary to popular belief, pigskin coverage was also never offered for these cameras⁵⁷⁵.

"LEANEKALB" cameras known to the author were:

Leica I Model A number 25000 with unknown lens and date.
Leica I Model A number 42293 with Elmar lens dated 1930.
Leica I Model A number 43839 with Elmar lens dated 1930.
Leica I Model A number 45001 with Elmar lens dated 1930.
Leica I Model A number 47633 with Elmar lens dated 1930.
Leica I Model A number 48263 with Elmar lens, illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014⁵⁹⁴.
Leica I Model A number 48382 with Elmar lens (later converted to Leica II Model D), illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014⁵⁹⁴.
Leica I Model A number 48873 with Elmar lens dated 1930.
Leica I Model A number 50058 with Elmar lens dated 1930.
Leica I Model A number 59125 with Elmar lens dated 1930.

Variant 12

Cameras of Variant 12 were "Tropenausführung" (tropical version) cameras⁵⁷⁵. As opposed to the aluminum body of the regular production Leica I Model A cameras, "Tropenausführung" cameras had brass body⁵⁷⁵. The only two cameras known to Angela von Einem in such a special variant were 10745 (corresponding to Variant 4 of Leica I Model A cameras with Elmar lenses) and 21348⁵⁷⁵. According to the same author, the sole evidence of existence of such cameras was a handwritten note by one or more Leitz employees (without authorship name) dated back to November 22, 1926⁵⁷⁵. The "Tropenausführung" camera weighted 595 grams with its FILCA cassette, while the regular production Leica I Model A weighted 470 grams⁵⁷⁵.

Leica I Model A Cameras with Hektor Lenses

Last Leica I Model A cameras were equipped with 50mm (5cm) f/2.5 Hektor lenses³⁶⁴. 50mm f/2.5 Hektor was used on Leica I Model A cameras around the same time with 50mm f/3.5 Elmar, however in much smaller quantities (approximately 1330 in total), occasionally or to special order³⁶⁰. The lens could be found on cameras made in small batches from serial numbers ranging from 38622 to 71230³⁶⁰, with most of them seemingly dated 1930 and 1931 (author's note).

Some known Leica I Model A cameras equipped with 50mm (5cm) f/2.5 Hektor lenses included:

Dated 1930: 38622, 41401, 42797, 42807, 42819, 43937, 44954, 45233, 45272, 45469, 45748, 45817, 46367, 46503, 46867, 47306, 47332, 47555, 47955, 48106, 48239, 48372, 48379, 48600, 48972, 49154, 49330, 49573, 50099, 50430, 50432, 51424, 52013, 52148, 52687, 52817, 52866, 52891, 52917, 52960, 53135, 53152, 53369, 53447, 53488, 53497, 53794 (author's note).
Dated 1931: 54322, 55152, 55346, 56559, 56927, 57852, 58286, 58618, 59013, 59801, 61843, 63926, 64940 (author's note).

There were 2 variants of Leica I Model A cameras were equipped with 50mm (5cm) f/2.5 Hektor lenses⁵⁷⁵:

Variant 1 had:

Lens with a depth-of-field ring⁵⁷⁵
Front ring of the lens engraved with large embossed lettering⁵⁷⁵.
The engraving read: "Leitz Hektor 1:2,5 F=50 mm," with "mm" positioned on the line higher than "50."⁵⁷⁵
The shutter release button was slim with a dome-shaped bulge, threaded for cable release (with cap nut)⁵⁷⁵.
The viewfinder had a double recessed 10.7mm in diameter eyepiece and had a rectangular frame viewing window⁵⁷⁵.
The rewind lever (R/A) was black and not flat and had a round-head screw⁵⁷⁵.
The film advance knob featured a coarsely knurled texture and was 8.5mm high⁵⁷⁵.
The coarsely knurled rewind knob⁵⁷⁵.
The top plate of the camera was secured with 6 screws⁵⁷⁵.
The frame counter dial measured 27mm in diameter and was embossed with large numbers⁵⁷⁵.
The vulcanite covering was finely textured⁵⁷⁵.
The locking mechanism did not have a bar and had the engravings for "auf" and "zu"⁵⁷⁵.
There was an embossed mark at the guide pin inside the baseplate⁵⁷⁵.
There was a stabilizing rail inside the baseplate⁵⁷⁵.

Variant 2 was identical to Variant 1 but came with strap eyelets or with raised viewfinder shoe⁵⁷⁵.

Conversions

Whenever new features were introduced in existing models or when new models were released, Leitz provided the option to update existing cameras or convert them to the latest model³¹³. Conversions for screw mount Leica cameras remained available until the late 1950s³¹³.

Originally, Leica I Model A cameras had their serial numbers preceded by the numero sign (№)⁵⁷⁵. In the post-World War II conversion period, Leitz changed the numero sign (№) to engraving to "Nr." ⁵⁷⁵

It was possible to convert the Leica models below serial number 360000 (and installing full synchronization on the cameras with serial numbers above 160000)³¹³. The following conversions were possible³¹³:

One could convert from “Leica I Model A” to “Leica II Model D”³¹³
One could convert from “Leica I Model A” to “Leica II Model D syn” (with flash synchronization)³¹³
One could convert from “Leica I Model A” to “Leica III Model F”³¹³
One could convert from “Leica I Model A” to “Leica IIIa Model G”³¹³
One could convert from “Leica I Model A” to “Leica IIIa Model G syn” (with flash synchronization)³¹³

Repairs for the old Leica I Model A and Leica I Model C were no longer covered under warranty due to the lack of available spare parts³¹³. Leitz recommended converting these models to the Leica II Model D³¹³. Conversions to the Leica Standard Model E were only performed in special circumstances³¹³
Cameras with serial numbers below 360000 couldn’t be converted into the Leica IIIc and Leica IIIf cameras for technical reasons³¹³
Cameras with serial numbers below 160000 required separate price quotation for the addition of the synchronization³¹³

Product Code Names

LEICA - In 1925, this code-name was designated for the entire outfit of Leica camera with three magazines in brown leather bag with shoulder strap and handle⁵³⁴. From 1927 the outfit included special solid leather⁵³⁴ case containing spare rolls of film (ETRIN)³⁶⁵.

LEFFA - in 1925, same as LEICA, but including FODIS rangefinder⁵³⁴. FODIS was the code name for FODUA rangefinder and its leather case⁵³⁴.

LESSA - in 1927, Leica camera with three magazines, FODUA rangefinder, ETRIN case⁵³⁴. From 1931 with FOFER rangefinder⁵³⁴.

LEONA - in 1927, Leica camera with three magazines and without the case⁵³⁴.

LEONI - in 1931, Leica camera with three magazines and without the case⁵³⁴.

LEANE - in 1927, Leica camera with one magazine⁵³⁴.

LETTO - in 1927, Leica camera with one magazine and ETRUX solid leather case⁵³⁴.

LENEL - in 1931, Leica camera with one magazine and ESNEL ever-ready case⁵³⁴.

LEANEKALB - Leica camera in black and nickel finish³⁶⁰, but with coloured calf leather covering, with one magazine⁵³⁴.

LEKAL - Leica camera in black and nickel finish³⁶⁰, but with coloured calf leather covering, with one magazine - all in a coloured calf leather case ETKAL⁵³⁴.

LEPOK - Leica camera in black and nickel finish³⁶⁰, but with coloured calf leather covering, with one magazine - all in a coloured calf leather soft case with bow-clips⁵³⁴.

Deliveries

In 1930, there were 29838 Leica I Model A cameras delivered³⁶⁴. In 1931, there were 8597 Leica I Model A cameras delivered³⁶⁴. In 1932, there were 24 Leica I Model A cameras delivered³⁶⁴. The last year for Leica I Model A camera deliveries was 1935, with only 75 cameras shipped³⁶⁴.

Other Facts

The first illustrated catalog appeared on February 27, 1925⁵⁷⁵.

Gifts and Special Cameras

Leica I Model A with serial number 280 was presented to Count Zeppelin or Zeppelin Family²⁵⁸. This camera was owned by Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck in 1980s³⁶⁰.

Leica I Model A camera with serial number 1000 was awarded to Dr. Walter Schulze⁵³⁰, a dermatologist at the nearby University of Giessen, in 1925²⁵⁸. This indicated very early use of the Leica in scientific photography²⁵⁸.

Leica I Model A camera with serial number 3735 and dated 1927 was considered an early prototype of a camera with automatically coupled rangefinder⁵⁹⁵. It was described and illustrated on pages 42-43 of the "10 Jahre Leica HISTORICA: Beiträge zur Geschichte der LEICA" book⁵⁹⁵. The device featured a complex arrangement that connected the focusing unit with the permanently installed Elmar lens⁵⁹⁵. A groove on the large curved knurled distance setting ring moved the rangenfinding device up and down through a bolt mechanism⁵⁹⁵.

Leica I Model A camera with serial number 10000 was awarded in 1928 to Dr. Hugo Eckener, promoter of German airships⁴⁸. Some believe it was awarded in 1929²⁵⁸.

Leica I Model A camera with serial number 23433 had an early coupled rangefinder⁵⁹⁶. The museum inventory sticker was "M725"⁵⁹⁶. In 2002, it was part of Leica Museum, and was illustrated in Leica Tsushin No. 6: Mechanism and Prototype⁵⁷⁰. It was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book in 2018⁵⁹⁶.

Leica I Model A camera with serial number 25000 was awarded in 1929 to Dr. Sven Anders Hedin⁵³⁰, the Swedish explorer of Asia⁴⁸. According to one source, this LEANEKALB camera was at one point kept in the Leitz Museum and had covering of red calf leather³⁶⁰. In 1984, it was illustrated in Kikuo Urago's "Leica MANUAL" book, when it was part of Leitz Museum⁵⁹⁸.

Leica I Model A camera with serial number 45160 had lens turret and 5cm f/3.5 Elmar prototype lens with large aperture control⁵⁹⁶. The museum inventory sticker was "M726"⁵⁹⁶. In 2002, it was part of Leica Museum, and was illustrated in Leica Tsushin No. 6: Mechanism and Prototype⁵⁷⁰. It was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book in 2018⁵⁹⁶.

Closing Remarks

By the end of 1925, nearly 1000 Leica I Model A cameras had been sold³⁶⁰. The first commercially available model began with serial number 126, and by the end of that year, sales had reached the camera with serial number 857³⁶⁰. Leica I Model A was last mentioned in the advertisements in 1931⁵⁷⁵. Angela von Einem believed that the last Leica I Model A carried at most the serial number 60500 and starting from May 9, 1931, only Leica I Model C cameras were delivered⁵⁷⁵. Some early Leica I Model C shells inspected by Angela von Einem had 2 holes drilled for the "hockey stick" of Leica I Model A and covered by screws⁵⁷⁵. Illustrations for the same were provided on page 15 of her "Die Varianten der Leica I" book⁵⁷⁵.