Leica "New York Standard" X-Ray Camera

The Leica "New York Standard" X-ray camera represents a specialized adaptation of the Leica Standard Model E, produced by Ernst Leitz in New York during World War II. This iteration diverges from the standard model by omitting the accessory shoe and viewfinder, and it incorporates a small lever on the rear of the shutter speed pedestal. Primarily employed by the United States federal government, this camera played a crucial role in the processing of draftees' X-ray records³.

Ernst Leitz, New York, produced 169 modified cameras, primarily fulfilling contracts from the X-Ray Division of Westinghouse. These contracts likely included specific requirements such as simplified operation and construction, which accounts for some of the unique design features of this camera. The features common to all production models of the Leica "New York Standard" X-ray camera included³⁶:

1. A section of the first shutter curtain was removed³⁶
2. Second curtain retard lever³⁶
3. Unengraved speed dial³⁶
4. Fixed shutter speed³⁶
5. Thicker lens flange³⁶
6. Removal of the viewfinder and accessory clip³⁶

The Leica "New York Standard" X-ray camera was installed to capture vertical views. It is placed within a smaller, pyramidal-shaped enclosure covered with black cloth, measuring approximately 3.5 feet in length. The larger end of the enclosure is secured to the fluoroscope screen³⁶.

Internally, the design is markedly different from that of the Leica Standard Model E, as it was exclusively engineered for integration with X-ray equipment. Essentially, it functions as a film transport chassis, featuring a film counter and a single shutter curtain that ensures the film opening is covered during advancement. The camera is linked to the X-ray fluorescent screen via a light-tight enclosure, facilitating the capture of images during the examination process³.

Leitz provided the 50mm f/1.5 Xenon lens with their production models, which greatly contributed to the success and demand for the Leica "New York Standard" X-ray camera. At full aperture, this fast lens allowed for maximum light transmission, enabling exposure times of 2 to 5 seconds depending on the thickness of the chest and the settings of the X-ray machine. Timing the exposures was the responsibility of the X-ray machine, not the camera, which is why the shutter speed is fixed and the speed dial is unmarked. When set to 3 1/2 feet, the 50mm f/1.5 Xenon lens covers a field approximately 15 1/2 x 23 1/4 inches, while a standard sheet of X-ray film measures 14 x 17 inches. Since the Leica "New York Standard" X-ray camera was equipped with a thicker lens flange, the camera could be positioned closer to the subject for a larger image, thus reducing distracting borders at the top and bottom of the field of view³⁶.