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LEICA STANDARD MODEL E

The nomenclature for early Leica camera models varied significantly between Europe and the USA, with the European designation being "Standard" and the American equivalent being "E"313. 

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The Leica Standard Model E was mentioned in the report from September of 1932364. The camera was announced in October of 1932534.

The construction of Leica Standard Model E consisted of approximately 347 individual parts595.


Code Names 

Between 1932 and 1934, Leica Standard Model E in black enamel (body only) was code-named LENOT534.

Between 1932 and 1934, Leica Standard Model E in black enamel with 5cm f/3.5 Elmar was code-named LEMAX534.

Between 1932 and 1934, Leica Standard Model E in black enamel with 5cm f/3.5 Elmar and FOKOS rangefinder was code-named LYSTA534.

Between 1934 and 1950, Leica Standard Model E in black enamel (body only) was code-named ALVOO534.

Between 1934 and 1950, Leica Standard Model E in black enamel with 50mm (5cm) f/3.5 lens was code-named AROOG365.

CHROM was added to codenames for the chrome-plated versions of the camera body534.

Apparently, codewords were not changed in U.S.A in 1934 when they changed everywhere else534.


Finishes

The cameras were available in both black lacquer and chrome finishes14 (from 1933364). In 1933, just 14 units were finished in chrome, with serial numbers ranging from 105201 to 105214130. Production between black and chrome variants was nearly balanced, with the last black models rolling off the assembly line in 1939 and the final chrome versions manufactured until 1950130. The quantity produced in black was 13545, while those with chrome finish totaled at 13680 cameras360.

The "Leica Historica - Band I Gewindekameras 1925-1960" by Willi Hahne indicated that only 2245 units of the Leica Standard Model E were manufactured in black and chrome268. The breakdown of Leica Standard Model E cameras in black and chrome finish looked like the following268:

  • 200 Leica Standard Model E cameras in serial number range of 244201-244400 manufactured in 1937 were in black paint and had chrome knobs and dials268.
  • 200 Leica Standard Model E cameras in serial number range of 244801-245000 manufactured in 1937 were in black paint and had chrome knobs and dials268.
  • 100 Leica Standard Model E cameras in serial number range of 248501-248600 manufactured in 1937 were in black paint and had chrome knobs and dials268.
  • 200 Leica Standard Model E cameras in serial number range of 253601-253800 manufactured in 1937 were in black paint and had chrome knobs and dials268.
  • 100 Leica Standard Model E cameras in serial number range of 259801-259900 manufactured in 1937 were in black paint and had chrome knobs and dials268.
  • 100 Leica Standard Model E cameras in serial number range of 267901-268000 manufactured in 1937 were in black paint and had chrome knobs and dials268.
  • 100 Leica Standard Model E cameras in serial number range of 271501-271600 manufactured in 1938 were in black paint and had chrome knobs and dials268.
  • 100 Leica Standard Model E cameras in serial number range of 286501-286600 manufactured in 1938 were in black paint and had chrome knobs and dials268.
  • 200 Leica Standard Model E cameras in serial number range of 291801-292000 manufactured in 1938 were in black paint and had chrome knobs and dials268.
  • 95 Leica Standard Model E cameras in serial number range of 295306-295400 manufactured in 1938 were in black paint and had chrome knobs and dials268.
  • 100 Leica Standard Model E cameras in serial number range of 296801-296900 manufactured in 1938 were in black paint and had chrome knobs and dials268.
  • 100 Leica Standard Model E cameras in serial number range of 303801-303900 manufactured in 1938 were in black paint and had chrome knobs and dials268.
  • 100 Leica Standard Model E cameras in serial number range of 307501-307600 manufactured in 1938 were in black paint and had chrome knobs and dials268.
  • 100 Leica Standard Model E cameras in serial number range of 312701-312800 manufactured in 1939 were in black paint and had chrome knobs and dials268.
  • 100 Leica Standard Model E cameras in serial number range of 325301-325400 manufactured in 1939 were in black paint and had chrome knobs and dials268.
  • 200 Leica Standard Model E cameras in serial number range of 327801-328000 manufactured in 1939 were in black paint and had chrome knobs and dials268.
  • 100 Leica Standard Model E cameras in serial number range of 333501-333600 manufactured in 1939 were in black paint and had chrome knobs and dials268.
  • 50 Leica Standard Model E cameras in serial number range of 342051-342100 manufactured in 1939 were in black paint and had chrome knobs and dials268.


Technical Specifications

The Leica Standard Model E served as the foundational model of the Ernst Leitz130. This model did not feature a rangefinder14. It was engraved with "O" ring which designated that the interchangeable lenses could be used without necessitating factory recalibration14. The Leica Standard Model E was typically accompanied by the economical nickel-plated 50mm f/3.5 Elmar lens, however, consumers could opt to purchase the camera body independently and select any desired lens130. The camera had shutter speeds from 1/20 to 1/500 of second and Z (bulb)358. The rewind knob could be lifted up for greater convenience in rewinding358 to clear rangefinder housing534. 

The baseplate and top plate were stamped from brass364. The housing was made of brass364.

The Leica Standard Model E had a greater variety of accessories and attachments than any previous Leica cameras130. All Leica Standard Model E cameras bore the "Ernst Leitz, Wetzlar, 'D.R.P.' "(Deutsches Reichspatent) engraving on the base of the speed dial, while the name "Leica" appeared solely on the lens caps130. Unlike other cameras from the same period, there was no "Leica" engraving on Leica Standard Model E364. 

The camera did not have slow speeds or strap lugs534. 

Early production models sported large speed dials (15.5mm in diameter534) reminiscent of those found on Leica I Model A cameras, while later versions (13.5mm in diameter534) adopted speed dials that aligned more with the Leica III Model F39. 

An attached tubular viewfinder typically covered the field of view for 50mm lenses, although most users preferred the Universal viewfinder, especially the "torpedo" or VIDOM/VIOOH (Imarect)130. Any rangefinder could be mounted on the accessory shoe, with a horizontal rangefinder featuring a "peg" on its swivel base, particularly the short FOKOS type, being the preferred choice130.


"N-L" and "S-T" Engraved Cameras

Some examples of the Leica Standard Model E might have displayed engravings of "N-L" or "S-T" on the top cover, situated between the "D.R.P." and "Ernst Leitz" markings291. The "S-T" engraving signified official importation by Tiranty, the Leitz agent in France, while the "N-L" denoted importation by Odin, the Leitz representative for the Netherlands291. A correspondence from Odin in 1979 confirmed this detail291.


New York Model / New York Standard / Postwar Standard

Production of the Leica Standard Model E persisted into the post-World War II era, evolving into what became known as the “Postwar Standard”14. This standard model was assembled by the New York Leitz Company using spare parts to address the shortage of Leica cameras shortly after the war, prior to the full resumption of Leica production in Germany579. As supplies of parts from Wetzlar dwindled, Ernst Leitz in New York commenced in-house manufacturing of these components, leading to some variations in the resultant cameras36. Notably, some wind and rewind knobs were produced with female threading, diverging from the standard male threading typically sourced from Wetzlar36. 

Over 500 units, numbered 355001 to 355460 and 355551 to 355607, were assembled at the New York Leitz Company in the United States between 1947 and 1950579 and were classified as the "New York models," "New York Standard," or "Postwar Standard," were produced130. These cameras utilized the Leica III Model F body shell, which included a low-speed shutter dial washer and strap eyelet fittings579. During the first half of the production run, some cameras had a metal disc that was secured with three screws579. In the latter half, it was designed with a leatherette covering, similar to the Leica I Model C579. Some of these cameras even used synthetic leather with a vertical grain, often referred to as "sharkskin", for the body covering579. Two distinct types of shutter speed dials could be observed on these models: earlier versions incorporate larger dials akin to those found on the Leica I Model A, Leica I Model C, and Leica II Model D130. while later one featured smaller shutter speed dials similar to those of Leica III Model F579.

The term "Germany" was inscribed exclusively on lenses and finders produced post-World War II, with "auf" and "zu" engraved on the base plates130.

Also during this time, Leica I Model A and Leica I Model C cameras were eligible for modification at the American facility, enabling them to be upgraded to the specifications of the Leica Standard Model E130.

The lenses for these cameras were supplied by Wollensack in the United States579. Specifically, the New York Standard camera was offered by Leitz agents in the United States during the 1940s360, alongside the 5cm f/3.5 Leitz Wollensak Velostigmat lens130. This lens was a rare alternative produced during the 1940s, when obtaining German lenses was challenging due to World War II130. Similar in construction to the 50mm (5cm) f/3.5 Elmar, the 5cm f/3.5 Leitz Wollensak Velostigmat lens utilized a Tessar-type four-element lens formula130. The lenses marked with "WC" denoted application of anti-reflection coating130.

There was an exceptionally rare variant of post-war Leica Standard Model E was characterized by serial numbers ranging from 353901 to 353980, with production occurring between 1946 and 1948, totalling 18 units210. Another batch of the post-war Leica Standard Model E, with serial numbers from 355001 to 355460, was manufactured between 1947 and 1950, with a total output of 460 units210. One more batch, identified by serial numbers between 355551 and 355607, was produced in 1950, comprising just 57 units210. 


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. This was true for the introduction of the Leica III Model F as well. Conversions for screwmount Leicas remained available until the late 1950s313.

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

  1. One could convert from “Leica Standard Model E” to “Leica II Model D”313
  2. One could convert from “Leica Standard Model E” to “Leica II Model D syn”313
  3. One could convert from “Leica Standard Model E” to “Leica III Model F”313
  4. One could convert from “Leica Standard Model E” to “Leica IIIa Model G”313
  5. One could convert from “Leica Standard Model E” 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
  • A chrome plating option for black painted Leica Standard Model E cameras was offered at a special price313
  • Cameras with serial numbers below 160000 required separate price quotation for the addition of the synchronization313


Compared to Other Models

Distinguishing between the Leica I Model C and the Leica Standard Model E required examining serial numbers and rewind mechanisms; the former's rewind knob was non-pullable14, whereas the latter's was designed for easy lifting14. The Leica Standard Model E was developed after the Leica II Model D, with the extendable rewind knob—same as that of the Leica II Model D — being one result of Leitz's ongoing rationalization policy at that time360. The camera incorporated technical enhancements from the Leica II Model D, also released in 193214. 


Variations

The earliest models, produced around 1933, still retained several features from the Leica I Model A579. These included a round cover for the focus adjustment hole on the back of the body, a shutter dial with a diameter of 15.5 mm (which was reused from the Leica I Model A), and a small 3 mm point for securing the bottom cover579.

Only a few batches of the very first models described above were manufactured between 1932 and 1933579. Soon after, the round cover over the focus adjustment hole on the back was eliminated, the shutter dial diameter was changed to 13.5mm (as found on the Leica III Model F103), and the point for attaching the bottom cover was changed to a later model with a diameter of 5mm579.

The chrome finish, which appeared from serial number 105201 onwards, was fine-grained, matte finish, commonly known as a "shiny" finish, similar to that of the Leica II Model D and Leica III Model F579.

Records showed that 10 cameras, namely 353948, 353952, 353953, 353955, 353956, 353957, 353958, 353959, 353960, 353961, produced in 1948 after World War II, were shipped with strap eyelets579.


Gifts and Special Editions

The Leica Standard Model E with serial number 300000 was presented to Dr. Gustav Wilmanns, co-inventor of Agfacolor film, in 194148.

Chrome finished post-war Leica Standard Model E with serial number 322544 was engraved "LEITZ-EIGENTUM"579. The camera was illustrated on the page 23 of Camera Review No. 24 (Leica-Book '93)579.

Chrome finished post-war Leica Standard Model E with serial number 355556 was engraved "100 Jahre Leitz Werke 1849-1949" with oak leaves and chrome FOKOS similarly engraved534. This camera was auctioned off at the 32nd WestLicht Photographica Auction and was described as "Post-war Leica Standard engraved by Leitz '100 Jahre Leitz Werke 1948-1949' with rangefinder engraved '100 Jahre Leitz Werke 1948-1949', Elmar 3.5/5cm no.689702 - For the 100 Anniversary of Leitz company in 1949 a few Leitz products were especially engraved for this event. There was no collectors’ market at all at the time, so the reason for those special engravings was a raffle for the Leitz employees. As first prizes, there were three Leica cameras (Leica Standard model E, IIc and IIIc) plus six binoculars (two each of the 6x24, 6x30 and 8x30 models), as well as a very small number of Leitz Prado 150 slide projectors - we think the offered camera was meant to stay within the company, it is published in VIDOM No.94 page 42 within an article “100 Jahre Leitz Werke 1949-1949” by Lars Netopil - ex Jim Jannard collection"391. Another camera, Leica IIc, (later converted to Leica IIIf) number 443501 with a very similar engraving, was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book in 2018596. 


Military 

Some of the known military Leica Standard Model E cameras included:

  • Camera with serial number 277758 is associated with the British Royal Navy382. The camera was engraved with No 2, arrow and "Admiralty NP" and delivered to London on May 18, 1938382. The camera was owned and used by the Admiralty Nautical Publications department of the British Navy382. It was sold for 36000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 41st Leitz Photographica Auction on November 26, 2022382.


Deliveries

In 1932, there were 1350 Leica Standard Model E cameras delivered, with serial numbers from 101001 through 102350364. In 1933, there were 2864 Leica Standard Model E cameras delivered, with serial numbers from 102351 through 105214364. In 1934, there were 2900 Leica Standard Model E cameras delivered, with serial numbers from 115901 through 147900364. In 1935, there were 3850 Leica Standard Model E cameras delivered, with serial numbers from 149351 through 183750364. In 1936, there were 4300 Leica Standard Model E cameras delivered, with serial numbers from 185501 through 224800364. In 1937, there were 2800 Leica Standard Model E cameras delivered, with serial numbers from 233501 through 268000364. In 1938, there were 3645 Leica Standard Model E cameras delivered, with serial numbers from 271101 through 309200364. In 1939, there were 3800 Leica Standard Model E cameras delivered, with serial numbers from 312001 through 342200364. In 1940, there were 1100 Leica Standard Model E cameras delivered, with serial numbers from 348501 through 353600364. In 1941, there were 3 Leica Standard Model E cameras delivered, with serial numbers from 353873 through 353875364. In 1942, there were 57 Leica Standard Model E cameras delivered, with serial numbers from 353801 through 353871364. In 1943, there were 5 Leica Standard Model E cameras delivered, with serial numbers from 353846 through 353850364. In 1944, there were 8 Leica Standard Model E cameras delivered, with serial numbers from 353877 through 353885364. The batch of 16 cameras, with serial numbers from 353886 through 353901 were reportedly stolen364. In 1946, there were 6 Leica Standard Model E cameras delivered, with serial numbers from 353941 through 353947364. In 1947, there were 461 Leica Standard Model E cameras delivered, with serial numbers from 353980 through 355460364. In 1948, there were 13 Leica Standard Model E cameras delivered, with serial numbers from 353927 through 353961364. 1950 marked the last year of deliveries, with 57 Leica Standard Model E cameras delivered, with serial numbers from 355551 through 355607364.


Closing Remarks

Total of 27235 Leica Standard Model E cameras were made364. The Standard Model E was ultimately succeeded by the Leica Ic130.