A vintage Leica camera with a silver body and black textured grip, positioned in front of a Leica box with M1 branding.

Leica M1

The Leica M1 was introduced to the market in 195917 as a simplified version of the Leica M2360. 

The Leica M1 could have been converted to Leica M2 if desired470.


Prototypes of Leica M1

Author of Camera Review No. 28 (Leica-Book '94), published by Asahi Sonorama (Tokyo), mentioned that there were about three Leica M1 prototypes in existence, all of which resembled either Leica Ig or the (introduced much later) Leica MD - without viewfinders and having 2 accessory shoes571. 

  • One such example, resembling Leica Ig, without serial number, but with "M1-Nr." engraving on the top plate and Leica (logo) DBP, was illustrated on the page 170 of Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck's "The Leica: A History Illustrating every Model and Accessory" book360 and on page 217 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book540 . This camera was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014594. In October 12, 2024, this camera was auctioned off at the 6th Wetzlar Camera Auctions. In summer of 2026, it was part of a prominent Hong Kongese collection.  
  • Another example, without any engravings and featuring prototype 50 f/2.8 Elmar lens number 0000753, was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014594.


Technical Specifications and Comparisons to Leica M2 and M3

Viewfinder

The external appearance of the Leica M1 was identical to that of the Leica M2, except that it lacked a viewfinder selection lever and a self-timer571. The rangefinder window, which had become unnecessary due to the removal of the rangefinder mechanism, was covered with a metal plate made from the same material as the top cover571. This plate was engraved with the letters "M1."571 Thus, only the serial number was engraved on the top surface of the top cover571. 

The viewfinder featured bright frames that indicated the fields of view at 35 mm and 50 mm571. Parallax was automatically corrected based on the rotation angle of the lens helicoid571. In the Leica M3 and Leica M2 models, the roller-equipped lever of the rangefinder coupling mechanism was used to transmit the rotation angle from the lens side to the automatic parallax correction mechanism571. In contrast, the Leica M1 model, which lacked a rangefinder, employed a simpler lever without a roller571.

Similar to Leica M2, Leica M1's light-gathering window for the bright frame in the viewfinder had an internal serration design in the first two production batches, specifically numbers 950001-950300 and 952016-952500571. In contrast, models numbered 956501 and later had an external serration design571.

950001 was part of a prominent Hong Kongese collection in September of 2026.


Lens Mount

Switching the viewfinder frame was unnecessary, and the mechanism that transmitted the length of the lens-side bayonet claw to the viewfinder system was omitted in Leica M1571. The bayonet lock release button was identical to that of the Leica M2, lacking a protective ring571.


Shutter Mechanism

All shutter speed choices followed a sequence of B, 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, and 1/1000 of second, excluding the self-timer mechanism571.


Film feed mechanism

The film frame counter must have been manually reset, making the Leica M1 compatible with the Leicavit MP (SYOOM-M), just like Leica M2571.

Additionally, the film rewind switch was initially a button type, like that of the early Leica M2 cameras; however, it was changed to a lever type starting from serial number 966730571.



Codewords / Catalogue Numbers

KOOCT / 10120 - Leica M1, body only534.

KOOCT / 10620 - Leica M1 with 3/8" tripod bush, body only534.

KOOML / 10124 - Leica M1 with 50mm f/3.5 Elmar lens534.

KOOML / 10624 - Leica M1 with 3/8" tripod bush and 50mm f/3.5 Elmar lens534.

KOOEU / 10125 - Leica M1 with 50mm f/2.8 Elmar lens534.

KOOEU / 10625 - Leica M1 with 3/8" tripod bush and 50mm f/2.8 Elmar lens534.


Height and weight

It had a height of 77 mm, a length of 138 mm, and a width of 36 mm191. Camera weighted 545 grams191.


The Leica Rapid Loading Spool

After the introduction of the Leica M4, in 1968 Leitz announced a new rapid-loading spool designed to bring the Leica M1 up to "modern standards" of film loading speed485. This new spool came with an accompanying spacer that attached to the back of the Leica camera485. When the baseplate was closed, the spacer helped orient the film into the correct position485.


 "Sonderausführung" Leica M1 Cameras

In 1959, the first year of production for the Leica M1 models, there were special variants of the Leica M1 camera that did not include a viewfinder571. These special cameras were referred to as "Sonderausführung" (special fitting) in the delivery records564. These variants featured a top cover identical to that of the later Leica MD model and belonged to two specific serial number groups: 980300-980400 and 980401-980450571. 

Cameras from the earlier serial number group had the model name "M1" engraved on the top cover, indicated as "M1 9803xx"571. 

In contrast, those from the later group only displayed a serial number, with no "M1" designation present571. 

The exact number of these cameras in existence was unknown571. However, records indicated that 32 units were manufactured as a "post" version of the Leica M1. It was likely that this camera fell into that category571.

The author of this website was able to identify the following cameras which "Sonderausführung" (special fitting) description:

  • 979708, dated 1959, without "M1" engraving
  • 979720, dated 1959, without "M1" engraving
  • 979731, dated 1959, auctioned off on January 29, 1998 at Christie's. The author of this website was unable to confirm the engravings
  • 979734, dated 1959, without "M1" engraving
  • 979737, dated 1959, without "M1" engraving
  • 979741, dated 1959, without "M1" engraving
  • 979743, dated 1959, without "M1" engraving
  • 979744, dated 1959, without "M1" engraving
  • 979745, dated 1959, without "M1" engraving
  • 979429, dated 1959, without "M1" engraving
  • 980314, dated 1959, with "M1-" engraving before serial number
  • 980315, dated 1959, with "M1-" engraving before serial number
  • 980430, dated 1960, without "M1" engraving
  • 980449, dated 1959, with "M1" engraving in front of the body, in the place of rangefinder



Military

Great Britain

The Armed Forces of Britain used military olive-drab-coloured Leica M1 cameras53.

Germany

Three batches of Leica M1 "Bundeswehr" (German Armed Forces) were produced in olive green paint357 (complete with matching green vulcanite360).

The bright frame of the viewfinder was modified to accommodate 50mm and 135mm lenses, with the numbers 5+13.5, indicating the field of view, engraved in small letters on the lower edge of the top cover, just above the viewfinder eyepiece571.

208 cameras571 were delivered to the German Armed Forces in 1960, 1961 and 1964357:

  • 50 of these cameras, numbered 980451-980500571, were delivered in 1960416. Some were delivered to Wilhelmshaven and Kiel378. According to some sources, Kiel shipment was dated October 25, 1961378. Cameras of this batch featured top cover plate with frame-like raised border around the viewfinder, light-gathering window, and rangefinder window, similar to the Leica MP from the 1956 model571.
  • 75 of these cameras, numbered 1035926-1036000571, were delivered to Wilhelmshaven in 1961386. Cameras of this batch featured top cover plate with frame-like raised border around the viewfinder, light-gathering window, and rangefinder window, similar to the Leica MP from the 1956 model571.
  • 83 of these cameras, numbered 1098101 to 1098183, were delivered to the Bundeswehr in 1964418. Cameras of this batch featured top cover plate identical to the standard Leica M1 top cover plate571. A small number of units in this batch included both 35mm and 50mm viewfinder types571. The 35mm viewfinders were equipped with a chrome-finished 50mm f/2.8 Elmar lenses and 135mm f/4.5 Hektor lenses, which had an olive-colored vulcanite covering on the leather-covered part at the base of the lens barrel571. In contrast, the 50mm viewfinders were fitted with 50mm f/2.8 Elmar lenses and a 35mm F/2.8 Summaron lens571.


Some of the known cameras of this variant were:

  • Olive paint Leica M1 'Bundeseigentum' with serial number 980452 that was auctioned off at Christie's on November 19, 2002
  • Olive paint Leica M1 'Bundeseigentum' with serial number 980464 that was auctioned off at Prague Camera Auction on November 30, 2014
  • Olive paint Leica M1 'Bundeseigentum' with serial number 980467 was sold for 38400 Euros including buyer's premium at the 37th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 21, 2020386. The lot had the following description: "...early-type German military M1 green engraved "Bundeseigentum 12-129-7739", rare version with '5+13,5cm' engraving near the eyepiece...with MP top plate...with original green Vulkanite with coarse pattern (only found on these early M1 cameras)..."386.
  • Olive paint Leica M1 'Bundeseigentum' with serial number 980468, dated 1960, was sold for 60000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 4th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 8, 2022425. The lot was described as "Bundeswehr M1 "5+13,5" - with MP type topplate. With engraving "Bundeseigentum 12-129-7739", golden decal "BMVtdg 30" on the bottomplate. Camera in almost like new condition with Leitz Wetzlar "£" assembly seal...Provenance: Allen Collection..."425. It was illustrated on page 219 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book540. Photograph was credited to "Allen photo"540.
  • Olive paint Leica M1 'Bundeseigentum' with serial number 980469 was of the early type381. Camera was offered but unsold at the 42nd Leitz Photographica Auction on June 9 and 10, 2023381. Camera is engraved "Bundeseigentum 12-129-7739", '5+13,5cm' engraving near the eyepiece, features MP top plate381.
  • Olive paint Leica M1 'Bundeseigentum' with serial number 980470, dated 1960, was sold for 8280 Euros including buyer's premium at the 8th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 27, 2005416. The lot was described as "very rare olive-green M1 from the first series (5+13.5)...engraved: Bundeseigentum 12-129-7739..."416.
  • Olive paint Leica M1 'Bundeseigentum' with serial number 980473, dated 1961, was of the early type385. It featured the "Bundeseigentum 12-129-7739" engraving385. The camera was sold for 28800 Euros including buyer's premium at the 38th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 12, 2021385. The lot had the following description: "...early-type M1 green engraved "Bundeseigentum 12-129-7739", rare version with '5+13,5cm' engraving near the eyepiece, with MP top plate...with original green vulcanite with coarse pattern (only found on these early M1 cameras)..."385. Before that, The camera was sold for 7200 Euros including buyer's premium at the 16th WestLicht Camera Auction on December 5, 2009408.
  • Olive paint Leica M1 'Bundeseigentum' with serial number 980481 was of early type402. The camera was sold for 7800 Euros including buyer's premium at the 22nd WestLicht Camera Auction on November 24, 2012402. The lot was described as "...early type M1 green engraved "Bundeseigentum 12-129-7739", rare type with 5+13,5cm engravings near eyepiece, with MP top plate..."402. 
  • Olive paint Leica M1 'Bundeseigentum' with serial number 980491 was of the early type377. It featured the "Bundeseigentum 12-129-7739" engraving377. This rare version was characterized by the '5+13.5cm' engraving located near the eyepiece and an MP top plate377. The camera was sold for 26400 Euros including buyer's premium at the 46th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 27, 2025377.
  • Olive paint Leica M1 'Bundeseigentum' with serial number 980493, dated 1960, was sold for 13000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 2nd Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 10, 2020427. The lot was described as "Bundeswehr M1 from the first series. Typically with MP-type topplate and viewfinder for 5 + 13,5 cm - engraving on the topplate accordingly. Body cover factory-renewed with later version green vulcanite, the flash sockets also converted into the later version. Bottomplate with sticker "BMVtdg"..."427.
  • Olive paint Leica M1 'Bundeseigentum' with serial number 980497 was sold for 2400 Euros including buyer's premium at the 7th WestLicht Camera Auction on May 21, 2005417. The lot was described as "rare M1 olive 'Bundeseigentum 12-129-7739', a camera from the first batch in original condition, for 5+13.5cm lenses"417. 
  • Olive paint Leica M1 'Bundeseigentum' with serial number 980498 belonged to the first batch of olive-painted Leica M1 cameras378. It features the "Bundeseigentum 12-121-5418" engraving378. This rare version was characterized by the '5+13.5cm' engraving located near the eyepiece and an MP top plate378. The camera was sold for 13200 Euros including buyer's premium at the the 45th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 23, 2024378.
  • Olive paint Leica M1 'Bundeseigentum' with serial number 1028595 was sold for 12000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 20th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 12, 2011404. The lot was described as "M1 green engraved 'Bundeseigentum 12-129-7739', rare type with 5+13,5cm engravings near eyepiece, M3(MP) type top-plate...fully restored by Leitz around 1970 with original parts (expertise Ottmar Michaely)..."404.
  • Olive paint Leica M1 'Bundeseigentum' with serial number 1035926 dated 1961 was sold for 17000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 3rd Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 9, 2021426. The lot was described as "Bundeswehr M1 "5 + 13,5" - with MP type topplate. With engraving "Bundeseigentum 12-129-7739", golden decal "BWB 645" on the topplate rear side. Camera in very nice original condition with Leitz Wetzlar "£" repair seal..."426.
  • Olive paint Leica M1 'Bundeseigentum' with serial number 1035947 belongs to the second type of olive-painted Leica M1 cameras. It features the engraving "Bundeseigentum 12-129-7739"379. This rare version is characterized by the '5+13.5cm' engraving located near the eyepiece and an MP top plate379. Only 75 of these cameras were produced and delivered to Wilhelmshaven and Kiel in 1961379. The camera was officially delivered to the German Marine in Kiel on October 25, 1961379. The camera was sold for 26400 Euros including buyer's premium at the 44th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 10, 2024379. The same camera was sold for 26400 Euros including buyer's premium at the 39th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 20, 2021, with the following description: "fully original, second type M1 green engraved "Bundeseigentum 12-129-7739", rare version with '5+13,5cm' engraving near the eyepiece, with MP top plate (only 75 of these cameras were produced and delivered to Wilhelmshaven and Kiel in 1961), in excellent condition, with original green vulcanite with fine pattern, with matching Elmar 3.5/5cm no.1335755 engraved "Bundeseigentum 12-121-5419", the camera has been delivered to German Marine in Kiel on 25.10.1961"384.
  • Olive paint Leica M1 'Bundeseigentum' with serial number 1035955 dated 1961 was sold for 24000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 47th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 22, 2025533. The lot was described as "Fully original, second type M1 green engraved 'Bundeseigentum 12-129-7739', rare version with '5+13,5cm' engraving near the eyepiece, with MP top plate (only 75 of these cameras were produced and delivered to Wilhelmshaven and Kiel in 1961), in good condition, with original green vulcanite with fine pattern, with chrome Elmar 2,8/5cm no.1724973 without military engravings (front lens cap), optics showing cleaning marks, the camera has been delivered to German Marine in Kiel on 25.10.1961."533.
  • Olive paint Leica M1 'Bundeseigentum' with serial number 1035956 that was auctioned off at Christie's on December 2, 2003
  • Olive paint Leica M1 'Bundeseigentum' with serial number 1035958 was illustrated on page 218 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book540.
  • Olive paint Leica M1 'Bundeseigentum' with serial number 1035970, dated 1961, was sold for 17000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 5th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 7, 2023424. The lot was described as "Rare Bundeswehr M1 "5+13,5" - with MP type topplate. With engraving "Bundeseigentum 12-129-7739". Camera in almost like new condition with Leitz Wetzlar "£" repair seal. With Elmar 50 mm f/2.8 Nr. 2120806."424.
  • Olive paint Leica M1 'Bundeseigentum' with serial number 1035972 was illustrated on page 86 of Shinichi Nakamura's "Leica Collection" (1991) book602.
  • Olive paint Leica M1 'Bundeseigentum' with serial number 1035974 was sold for 26400 Euros including buyer's premium at the 36th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 13, 2020387. The lot had the following description: "rare original M1 olive, engraved with 'Bundeseigentum 12-129-7739' on the top plate, with matching Elmar 2.8/5cm no.1633232 (engraved 'Bundeseigentum' on the lens mount, in very good condition), original military olive-green eveready case stamped on the back with 'Bundeseigentum 12-121-5423'387. 
  • Olive paint Leica M1 'Bundeseigentum' with serial number 1035975 belonged to the second type of olive-painted Leica M1 cameras378. It features the engraving "Bundeseigentum 12-129-7739"378. This rare version is characterized by the '5+13.5cm' engraving located near the eyepiece and an MP top plate378. The camera was sold for 15600 Euros including buyer's premium at the 45th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 23, 2024378.
  • Olive paint Leica M1 'Bundeseigentum' with serial number 1035978, dated 1961, was offered but remained unsold at the 2nd-3rd WestLicht Camera Auction on May 23, 2003421. The lot was described as "M1 with original green paint, engraved “Bundeseigentum 12-129-7739” with 5+13.5cm frames in viewfinder, rare version with top-plate of M3(MP), engraved 5+13.5cm, ..."421. 
  • Olive paint Leica M1 'Bundeseigentum' with serial number 1035981 was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014594. It featured the engraving "Bundeseigentum 12-129-7739"594. This rare version was characterized by the '5+13.5cm' engraving located near the eyepiece and an MP top plate594.
  • Olive paint Leica M1 'Bundeseigentum' with serial number 1035983, dated 1961, belonged to the second type of olive-painted Leica M1 cameras385. It featured the engraving "Bundeseigentum 12-129-7739"385. This rare version was characterized by the '5+13.5cm' engraving located near the eyepiece and an MP top plate385. The camera was offered but remained unsold at the 38th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 12, 2021385.
  • Olive paint Leica M1 'Bundeseigentum' with serial number 1035990 that was auctioned off at Bonhams 3 on November 23, 2012
  • Olive paint Leica M1 'Bundeseigentum' with serial number 1035998 was sold for 11400 Euros including buyer's premium at the 20th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 12, 2011404. The lot was described as "M1 green engraved 'Bundeseigentum 12-129-7739', rare type with 5+13,5cm engravings near eyepiece, M3(MP) type top-plate..."404.
  • Olive paint Leica M1 'Bundeseigentum' with serial number 1098104, dated 1964, was sold for 3840 Euros including buyer's premium at the 19th WestLicht Camera Auction on May 28, 2011405. The lot was described as "olive finished M1 in beautiful, original condition engraved 'Bundeseigentum' on rear of top plate..."405.
  • Olive paint Leica M1 'Bundeseigentum' with serial number 1098108, dated 1964, was sold for 13800 Euros including buyer's premium at the 15th WestLicht Camera Auction on May 23, 2009409. The lot was described as "fully original late type M1 green engraved 'Bundeseigentum', with M2 top plate..."409.
  • Olive paint Leica M1 'Bundeseigentum' with serial number 1098111, dated 1964, was a late version of olive-painted Leica M1 cameras394. The camera was engraved with 'Bundeseigentum 12-129-7739' and '5+13.5' on the top plate394. The camera was sold for 7200 Euros including buyer's premium at the 29th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 6, 2016394. 
  • Olive paint Leica M1 'Bundeseigentum' with serial number 1098114, dated 1964, was sold for 7500 Euros including buyer's premium at the 6th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 6, 2004418. The lot was described as "M1 olive Bundeseigentum (M2-type top plate, frames for 35+50mm lenses) ...(not restored) with M2-type ..."418.
  • Olive paint Leica M1 'Bundeseigentum' with serial number 1098122, dated 1964, was example of a late version of olive-painted Leica M1 cameras386. It features the engraving "Bundeseigentum" engraving386. The camera was sold for 9600 Euros including buyer's premium at the 37th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 21, 2020386.
  • Olive paint Leica M1 'Bundeseigentum' with serial number 1098126 that was auctioned off at Flints Auctions Ltd on April 27, 2018
  • Olive paint Leica M1 'Bundeseigentum' with serial number 1098128 that was auctioned off at Christie's on October 9, 1997
  • Olive paint Leica M1 'Bundeseigentum' with serial number 1098132 that was auctioned off at Auction Team Breker on March 21, 2015 and September 26, 2015
  • Olive paint Leica M1 'Bundeseigentum' with serial number 1098139 was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014594.
  • Olive paint Leica M1 'Bundeseigentum' with serial number 1098164, dated 1964, was sold for 40000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 3rd Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 9, 2021426. The lot was described as "The Bundeswehr M1 with wide-angle viewfinder...Engraving "Bundeseigentum" on the back of the topplate. The camera in extremely beautiful original condition. Leitz Wetzlar "£" repair seal... Provenance: Allen collection..."426. It was illustrated on page 218 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book540. The photograph was credited to "Allen photo540.
  • Olive paint Leica M1 'Bundeseigentum' with serial number 1098179, dated 1964, was sold for 26400 Euros including buyer's premium at the 48th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 13, 2026585.


Denmark and Other

Some of the known cameras of this variant were:

  • Chrome finished Leica M1 "Royal Danish Navy" with serial number 967132 was dated 1959402. The camera was sold for 2400 Euros including buyer's premium at the 22nd WestLicht Camera Auction on November 24, 2012402. The lot was described as "...engraved with crown, anchor and 'NAV.Nr.6' on top plate, delivered on April 28th, 1960 to Nordisk Optisk (Danish Leitz agency) with delivery number 82459..."402.
  • Olive paint Leica M1 number 967333, reportedly made for German Army, was illustrated on the page 171 of Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck's "The Leica: A History Illustrating every Model and Accessory" book360 . This camera had 50 and 135 framelines and M3/MP type top cover360 . Note that the serial number of this camera falls outside of that of known Leica M1 "Bundeswehr" cameras.  
  • Olive paint Leica M1 number 967334 was illustrated on the page 86of Gianni Rogliatti's "Leica, the First Fifty Years" book. and on page 217 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book540. This camera, dated 1959, had 50 and 135 framelines and M3/MP type top cover540.  Note that the serial number of this camera falls outside of that of known Leica M1 "Bundeswehr" cameras. In August of 2026, this camera was part of a prominent collection in Hong Kong.  


Closing Remarks

In total, only 9756 (or 9492439) units were produced, with serial numbers ranging from 950001 through 110290018, and the camera was discontinued in 1964360.