LEICA I MODEL A LUXUS

Leica I Model A in Luxus variant were produced in October 1929¹⁸¹ in Wetzlar, with a total of 15 gold-plated units manufactured². Notably, this model was included among the options in the price list referenced by 1931¹⁴⁹. In the delivery documentation, certain cameras were designated as demonstration models, while others were specifically allocated for the Leipzig Trade Fair. However, it is likely that customer interest became apparent, leading Leitz to eventually incorporate these models into their official price list. If the production of the Luxus cameras indeed preceded the publication of the price lists, it supports the notion that these units were not originally intended for commercial sale. Furthermore, it's possible that a greater number of cameras were returned to the factory than is reflected in the records of the delivery book¹⁴⁹. The camera was more popular at exhibitions than in actual sales¹⁸¹.

The following production inconsistencies have been identified in Luxus cameras, as reported by Selim A. Nahas¹⁴⁹:

Two batches of cameras, with serial numbers spanning from 28692 to 28700 and from 34803 to 34818, display a mixed assembly of components. Notably, both batches contain a mix of four- and six-screw bodies. Additionally, some units incorporate parts that originated from an earlier generation of Leica cameras¹⁴⁹.

It is crucial to note that the entire batch identified by serial numbers 34803 to 34818 was not manufactured exclusively in 1930; several cameras within this range were produced in 1929. This discrepancy implies that serial numbers may have been allocated in advance of the actual production dates¹⁴⁹. 

In total, these two batches comprise 25 cameras with 57 documented deliveries. The cameras with serial numbers 28694 and 34808 were distributed to six distinct destinations within a year of their initial release¹⁴⁹.

Nahas further identified two cameras fitted with Hektor f/2.5 lenses, bearing serial numbers 55696 and 48404. Notably, the second 55696 (duplication) is a Leica I Model A “LEANEKALB” rather than a Luxus variant¹⁴⁹. 

Anton Baumann received at least four distinct Luxus Leica models for demonstration, identified by the following serial numbers: 28699, 34808, 34816, and 48438¹⁴⁹.

Interestingly, the first two batches of Luxus cameras were delivered prior to the issuance of lower serial numbers for standard Leica models. The camera associated with serial number 34816 exists in two iterations: the Leica I Model A and the Leica II Model D¹⁵³.

The camera with serial number 37276 was previously owned by Barnack himself. The Leica I Model C, identified by serial number 37277, has been documented to have a duplicate serial number. Its lens features an infinity catch and is marked with a small "O" indicating compliance with standardization protocols. The Leitz archives contain a photograph of this particular camera¹⁵³.

There is substantial evidence that cameras within the serial number range of 37251 to 37282 underwent frequent upgrades, and it is suspected that some were duplicated to maintain alignment with advancements in interchangeable lens technology. One example is believed to have subsequently been converted into a Luxus Model III¹⁵³.

The camera sporting serial number 48415 clearly exhibits modifications throughout its multiple deliveries¹⁵³.

Moreover, the camera with serial number 55696 has a counterpart with a duplicate serial number; this duplicate, while standardized, is equipped with a 50mm f/2.5 Hektor lens, which still displays the final three digits of its serial number, "696." The original camera with serial number 55696 was delivered alongside a gold FODIS with serial number 14626¹⁵³.

In total, five cameras dispatched to the Schmidt Tokyo agency were sold on a single invoice, suggesting their intended use as demonstration models. It's noteworthy that some of these five cameras recorded multiple deliveries. A similar case applies to the six cameras delivered to New York, which were also documented in a single invoice; however, only one of these cameras had more than one delivery recorded¹⁵³.

Out of 94 Luxus cameras, only 56 were delivered with a single entry in the records. The remaining 38 cameras were listed with multiple delivery entries. However, this does not necessarily mean that additional cameras were not delivered multiple times, as there are instances of duplicates recorded as having single deliveries¹⁵³.

There are 3 known variants of Luxus:

• LELUX is a variant of Luxus with a dull gilt body, covered in colored lizard skin, featuring a self-capping focal plane shutter, a 50mm f/3.5 Leitz Elmar lens, a viewfinder, and one roll film chamber⁹¹.
• LESSALUX is a variant of Luxus featuring a dull gilt body covered in colored lizard skin. It has a self-capping focal plane shutter, a 50mm f/3.5 Leitz Elmar lens, and a viewfinder. The camera includes three roll film chambers and has a coloured crocodile leather case styled like the ETRIN leather outfit case, complete with a handle. Additionally, it is accompanied by gold FODIS rangefinder⁹¹. The catalog dated July 1930 contains this description³²⁰. LESSALUX cameras with serial numbers 48401 and 48402 were shipped to New York on order number 1338, dated October 31, 1930³²⁰. According to the Leitz production records for 1931, four Leica I Model A cameras were made in 1930 with crocodile coverings: the first two were brown, the third was green, and the last was black³⁶⁰.
• LEANEKALB is a variant of Luxus that was manufactured between 1930-1931¹¹⁰. This camera had calf-leather covering, with the rest of the camera being in the standard black and nickel finish³⁶⁰. Only 180 cameras (between approximately serial numbers 3633 and 60009³⁶⁰) of this type were made¹¹⁰. LEANEKALB was introduced in October 1929. Customers could order the camera with a dyed calf leather covering instead of the standard black vulcanized rubber for a small extra charge. This optional leather covering was available in four colours: green, blue, red, or brown. However, customers did not seem to appreciate these refinements¹⁸¹. These examples are extremely rare; one at the Leitz museum, camera with serial number 25000, has a covering of red calf leather³⁶⁰.

The following table is provided by Selim A. Nahas. Most column headings are self-explanatory; however, some additional explanation is presented here. For example, "DUP" means "duplicate," and an "X" entry in the column indicates that another camera, not necessarily a Luxus, does exist. The column headed by "STD" means that any designated camera has been standardized. The "SEQ NO." column indicates the cumulative number of Luxus cameras¹⁵³.