Leitz "New York Standard" X-Ray Leica Camera
The Leitz “New York Standard“ X-Ray Leica camera represents a specialized adaptation of the Leica Standard Model E, produced by Ernst Leitz in New York during World War II3. 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 pedestal3. Primarily employed by the Federal government of the United States, 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 Westinghouse36. These contracts likely included specific requirements such as simplified operation and construction36. The features common to all production models of the Leitz “New York Standard“ X-Ray Leica camera included36:
- A section of the first shutter curtain was removed36
- Second curtain retard lever36
- Unengraved speed dial36
- Fixed shutter speed36
- Thicker lens flange36
- Removal of the viewfinder and accessory clip36
The Leitz “New York Standard“ X-Ray Leica camera was installed to capture vertical views36. It is placed within a smaller, pyramidal-shaped enclosure covered with black cloth, measuring approximately 3.5 feet in length36. 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 Leitz “New York Standard“ X-Ray Leica 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 Leitz “New York Standard“ X-Ray Leica 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.
Some Known Cameras
Leitz “New York Standard“ X-Ray Leica with serial number 185579 was built on 1936 Leica Standard Model E chassis (see Viewfinder, Volume 49, Issue 3).
Leitz “New York Standard“ X-Ray Leica with serial number 322266 was built on 1939 Leica Standard Model E chassis (see Viewfinder, Volume 49, Issue 3).
Leitz “New York Standard“ X-Ray Leica with serial number 330441 dated 1939 was offered but remained unsold at the 2nd Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 10, 2020427. The lot was described as “Typical conversion by Ernst Leitz New York, on basis of a Leica Standard (model E) in silver chrome finish. Negative format 24x36 mm; the lens flange engraved with the usual “W. X.” markings (for Westinghouse X-Ray).“427.
Leitz “New York Standard“ X-Ray Leica with serial number N.Y. 24 was illustrated on page 162 of James L. Lager's “Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition“ book540. The photograph was credited to “Allen photo“540.
Leitz “New York Standard“ X-Ray Leica with serial number N.Y. 35 was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book in 2018596.
Leitz “New York Standard“ X-Ray Leica with serial number N.Y. 44 dated 1939 was sold for 1700 Euros including buyer's premium at the 4th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 8, 2022425. The lot was described as “Black paint finished X-Ray camera by E. Leitz New York. Topplate engraved “N.Y.”, followed by the special serial number. Negative format 24x36 mm; the lens flange engraved with the typical “W. X.” markings (for Westinghouse X-Ray). With Leitz Xenon 5 cm f/1.5 No. 375963. The optics with haze and particle inclusions, one scratch and cleaning marks on front element...Provenance: Allen Collection.“425.
Leitz “New York Standard“ X-Ray Leica with serial number N.Y. 53 dated 1939 was sold for 1900 Euros including buyer's premium at the 5th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 7, 2023424. The lot was described as “Black paint finished X-Ray camera by E. Leitz New York. Topplate engraved “N.Y.”, followed by the special serial number. Negative format 24x36 mm; the lens flange engraved with the typical “W. X.” markings (for Westinghouse X-Ray). Vulcanite covering with several cracks and with small defects. One screw missing in the body shell.“424.
Leitz “New York Standard“ X-Ray Leica with serial number N.Y. 68 dated 1939 was sold for 1500 Euros including buyer's premium at the 2nd Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 10, 2020427. The lot was described as “Black paint finished X-Ray camera by E. Leitz New York. Topplate engraved “N.Y.”, followed by the special serial number. Negative format 24x36 mm; the lens flange engraved with the typical “W. X.” markings (for Westinghouse X-Ray).“427.
Leitz “New York Standard“ X-Ray Leica with serial number N.Y. 71 dated 1939 was auctioned off on May 21, 2020 at Flints Auctions. It was auctioned off on November 14, 2015 at an American auction.
Leitz “New York Standard“ X-Ray Leica with serial number N.Y. 113 was illustrated in Viewfinder 11(4) of 1978. It was auctioned off on November 14, 2015 at an American auction.
Leitz “New York Standard“ X-Ray Leica with serial number N.Y. 115 was illustrated on page 161 of James L. Lager's “Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition“ book540.
Leitz “New York Standard“ X-Ray Leica with serial number N.Y. 121 was illustrated on the page 25 of Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck's “The Leica: A History Illustrating every Model and Accessory“ book360 .
Leitz “New York Standard“ X-Ray Leica with serial number N.Y. 123 was illustrated on page 162 of James L. Lager's “Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition“ book540. The camera had “W.X“ (Westinghouse X-Ray) engraved on the mount540.
Leitz "New York Standard" X-Ray Leica with serial number N.Y. 113 was illustrated in Viewfinder 11(4) of 1978.
Leitz "New York Standard" X-Ray Leica with serial number N.Y. 115 was illustrated on page 161 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book540. It was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book in 2018596.
Leitz "New York Standard" X-Ray Leica with serial number N.Y. 121 was illustrated on the page 89 of Gianni Rogliatti's "Leica, the First Fifty Years" book and the page 25 of Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck's "The Leica: A History Illustrating every Model and Accessory" book360 .
Leitz "New York Standard" X-Ray Leica with serial number N.Y. 123 was illustrated on page 162 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book540. The camera had "W.X" (Westinghouse X-Ray) engraved on the mount540.
Leitz "New York Standard" X-Ray Leica with serial number N.Y. 127 was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014594.