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LEICA I MODEL C

Leica I Model C was introduced at the 1930 Leipzig Spring Fair360. Code name of the body only is LENEU360.


Leica I Model C With Interchangeable Lens and Non-standardized Mount

During its initial offerings in 1930, the Leica I Model C was paired with lenses specifically calibrated to individual camera bodies321. This arrangement came before the standardization of the lens mount, leading to these early versions being referred to as non-standardized Leica I Model C cameras321. The original non-standardized Leica I Model C was supplied with an assortment of three lenses, a rangefinder, and both "torpedo" and WINKO viewfinders, all contained within a dedicated lens case78. 

The original non-standardized Leica I Model C had a threaded flange of 39mm diameter with a 1mm pitch360. This thread is known as M39 x 1 or "Leica thread"364. At first, each lens had to be matched individually to a specific camera body321. With the introduction of the interchangeable mount, 50mm f/3.5 Elmar and 50mm f/2.5 Hektor lenses were modified to have interchangeable threads too364.

Initially, the complete serial number—comprising five digits—of the corresponding body was engraved on the lens321. However, starting from camera serial number 58000, only the last three digits224 of the body’s serial number were engraved on the lens360. The statements about 5 and 3 digits are confirmed by a source from April, 1930364. Early iterations exhibited round accessory shoes, which transitioned to square designs in subsequent models103. The first batch of non-standardized Leica I Model C cameras with interchangeable lens mounts is recorded as having serial numbers ranging from 37280 to 37285 in 1930360. However, later batches produced higher serial numbers, exceeding 50,000360. In total, 2,307 cameras were produced in 1930, followed by 688 cameras in 1931360. Therefore, the overall total of non-standardized Leica I Model C cameras with interchangeable lens mounts amounts to 2,995360.

The first accessory viewfinder introduced with the Leica I Model C camera with interchangeable lens and non-standardized mount was a slip-on 13.5 cm mask, as shown in an early edition of the Leica Handbook by Fritz Vith (1933)360. This basic viewfinder likely had a short lifespan, as it does not appear in any Leitz brochures or catalogs360. Later, a 135 mm swing-over mask was offered, and this swinging viewfinder is more commonly found than the box mask360. Most Leicas equipped with swinging masks have serial numbers in the 56000 range360.

It seems that no accessory viewfinder was available for use with the 35 mm wide-angle Elmar360. The small black optical 3.5 cm viewfinder (code-named WEISU) became available only in 1933, two years after the introduction of the wide-angle Elmar360. It is reasonable to assume that the 5 cm viewfinder was used as a reference for framing360. Additionally, multiple-frame viewfinders, including the earliest 'torpedo' variety, have been available since 1931360.

The introduction of the M39 screw mount in May 1930 was a pivotal development, although standardization of the flange focal distance was still pending357. Dr. Max Berek responded to the demand for faster lenses with the 50mm f/2.5 Hektor, catering to the limited sensitivity of films at that time, followed by the telephoto 135mm f/4.5 Elmar and the wide-angle 35mm f/3.5 Elmar lenses357. 


Leica I Model C With Interchangeable Lens and Standardized Mount

By December 1930, the issue of lens interchangeability was resolved by establishing a fixed distance of 28.8mm from the film plane to the front of the flange360. With this standard distance, all lenses could be used without the need for individual adjustments360. However, to accommodate minor production tolerances in the manufacturing of the camera bodies, both metal and paper flanges were still incorporated between the camera and the lens mount for fine adjustments360. It was reported on January 1, 1931364 that starting from serial number 60501, all Leica I interchangeable bodies were equipped with a standardized lens flange360. As a part of standardization364, these cameras had an "O" engraved on the flange, and the lenses also featured an "O" near the focusing stud360 from 1931 onwards364. The letter "O" was visible when the lens is removed from the camera358 . This mark indicates that the distance from the flange face to the emulsion surface is standardized, allowing for the use of any interchangeable lens358. The flange distance of 28.8mm guaranteed that all lenses, cameras and accessories would be interchangeable in the future364. This change was made to and the letter "O" is present on cameras from serial number 55404 onwards364. Leitz also ensured that earlier cameras and lenses could be modified accordingly364.

It is important to understand the difference between standardization and coupling360. "Standardization" means that the lens focus aligns with the film plane of focus; therefore, when infinity is marked on the lens scale, it corresponds to infinity in the film plane360. On the other hand, "coupling" refers to the connection between the lens and the rangefinder360. All standardized lenses can be rangefinder-coupled360.

The Leica I Model C with interchangeable lenses and a standardized mount was produced for three consecutive years in the following quantities: 5,035 cameras in 1931, 2,012 cameras in 1932, and 184 cameras in 1933360. In total, 2,995 Leica I Model C cameras with interchangeable lenses and a non-standardized mount were made360. Additionally, 7,231 Leica I Model C cameras with interchangeable lenses and a standardized mount were produced360. Thus, the total number of Leica I Model C cameras with interchangeable lenses is 10226360.


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 screwmount Leicas remained available until the late 1950s313. 

It was possible to convert the Leica models with serial number 360000 (and installing full synchronization from the camera with serial number 160000)313. The following conversions were possible313:

  1. One could convert from “Leica I with interchangeable mount (Leica I Model C)” to “Leica II Model D”313
  2. One could convert from “Leica I with interchangeable mount (Leica I Model C)” to “Leica II Model D syn”313
  3. One could convert from “Leica I with interchangeable mount (Leica I Model C)” to “Leica III Model F”313
  4. One could convert from “Leica I with interchangeable mount (Leica I Model C)” to “Leica IIIa Model G”313
  5. One could convert from “Leica I with interchangeable mount (Leica I Model C)” to “Leica IIIa Model G syn”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


Compared to Other Models

Identification between the Leica I Model C and the Leica Standard Model E came down to serial number scrutiny and rewind buttons; the Leica I Model C featured a fixed rewind knob, whereas the Standard Model E had a pull-up rewind14. 


Deliveries

In 1930, there were 2303 Leica I Model C cameras delivered, with serial numbers from 37280 through 53839364. In 1931, there were 13922 Leica I Model C cameras delivered, with serial numbers from 53840 through 71194364. In 1932, there were 2035 Leica I Model C cameras delivered, with serial numbers from 70158 through 99301364. 1933 marked the last year of deliveries, with 183 Leica I Model C cameras delivered, with serial numbers from 95529 through 99755364.


Closing Remarks

The progression from the non-standardized Leica I Model C to the standardized version culminated with the introduction of the Leica II Model D in early 1932321. Leica I Model C camera was discontinued in 1933 with serial number 99755364. Total of 18433 Leica I Model C cameras were made364.


Gifts and Special Editions

The Leica I Model C, bearing the serial number 50000, was presented to Dr. Wilhelm Filchner in 1931258. The camera ultimate saved the life of its owner when Dr. Filchner was captured in Khotan, Asia364. He handed the camera over to the Padishah, the then King of Khotan, on New Year's Day, 1937364. In return, Dr. Filchner received freedom and a Russian imitation of Leica364. In 1937, Leitz presented Dr. Filchner with Leica numbered 250000 to replace the camera he left behind364.