FILM ADVANCE ACCESSORIES

Close-up of the top left corner of a vintage black camera with a lens and metal dials, with some parts faded to transparency.

OOFRC REMOTE RELEASE WINDER

The OOFRC accessory for remote film advance and shutter release574 was available in very limited quantities from 1935 to 1940360. This device allowed photographers to operate the Leica camera from short distances574. With the Leica and the OOFRC were securely mounted on a sturdy tripod574 - when the upper cord was pulled, the spring-loaded drum advanced the film, while the lower cord released the shutter360. This mechanism allowed the Leica camera to be used in challenging situations, such as photographing a bird's nest from a tree360. The spring-loaded film advance drum fit over the camera's wind knob, using spring tension to retract the string after it was pulled574. The cable rollers, which had adjustable angles, ensured a friction-free pull360. 

The original maker's red box for the OOFRC had "Leitz Germany Fernauslöser & Aufzug OOFRC" written on it396.

The OOFRC was last included in catalogs in 1939360.

A silver, cylindrical handcuff key with the initials D.R.G.M. inscribed on the top, attached to an open silver handcuff with a keyhole.

RAPIDO FILM WINDER

The RAPIDO film winder operated on the same principle as the OOFRC Remote Release Winder: a sharp pull on a metal cable advanced the film as it normally would360. The device consisted of a spring-tensioned pulley with a wire wound around it, and a pull ring attached to the exposed end of the wire33. 

Literature of 1935170 claimed that 36 exposures could be taken in under a minute with RAPIDO attached to the camera33.

The RAPIDO was available in at least three distinct configurations278:

  • Variant 1 required the removal of the Leica's advance knob before attaching the RAPIDO to the exposed thread278. This variant featured the manufacturer's registration of a design574 "D.R.G.M." (Deutsches Reich Gesellschaft Muster278) marking170 in cursive letters383 and short stabilizer bracket that attached to the rewind lever stop pin of the camera391.
  • Variant 2 was a later model and featured more refined model was designed to fit directly over the advance knob and was secured in place by a set screw278 and did not require any special modifications to the camera body170. This variant featured the manufacturer's registration of a design574 "D.R.G.M." (Deutsches Reich Gesellschaft Muster278) marking170 in cursive letters380 and long stabilizer bracket that attached to the rewind lever stop pin of the camera574. 
  • Variant 3 was a later model and featured more refined model was designed to fit directly over the advance knob and was secured in place by a set screw278 and did not require any special modifications to the camera body170. This variant didn't feature the manufacturer's registration of a design574 "D.R.G.M." (Deutsches Reich Gesellschaft Muster278) engraving403, and had a long stabilizer bracket that attached to the rewind lever stop pin of the camera574. 

The RAPIDO was quite rare242, having been catalogued by E. Leitz, Inc. in New York in September 1935574 under the number 51806170, produced and sold for only one year, from 1936 to 1937360 at a price of 9.60 USD33. James L. Lager claimed that RAPIDO was not manufactured by Leitz574. In Germany, the same product was referred to as "REPLEI" and was advertised purely as an aftermarket accessory242. The REPLEI was apparently available through Finaccord-Vertrieb of Berlin-Zehlendorf, Germany278, to which some sources associated the manufacture of the device242.

Fewer than a dozen of the RAPIDO units had survived intact, as the pull wire often experienced metal fatigue failure, making the device unusable170. The device disappeared from the Leitz advertising literature by late 1936574. Instead, Leitz Wetzlar recommended the 51807 SCNOO extra speed model574.  

Metalting gauge with circular and curved components, labeled 'Eleitz Wetzlar Germany'.

SCNOO TRIGGER BASE

Prototyping

In his "Geburtstage der Leitz-Foto-Konstruktionen ab 1927" book, Wilhelm Albert dated the "birthday" of the SCNOO trigger base ("Schnellaufzug zur Leica") as September 26, 1934, and Wilhelm Albert as designer573. It is also known that Wilhelm Albert designed an ever-ready camera case for the Leica camera to be used with such trigger base364. 

A SCNOO prototype, marked with red "M804" museum inventory sticker:

  • was illustrated on page 53 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 3 - Accessories" book574. The illustrated prototype didn't differ significantly from the commercially available version of SCNOO574. 
  • The same prototype was illustrated on page 42 of "Leica. Tsushin No. 6: Mechanism and Prototype" magazine in 2002570. 
  • It was also illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book in 2018596.


Serial Production

The SCNOO was introduced to the market in 193533.

The primary audience for SCNOO was fast action photographers574. 

The design of these trigger bases was protected by British Patent 479453 from 1935, and they became commercially available in that same year360. The SCNOO attached to the camera by replacing its baseplate242. 

The earliest versions of the SCNOO reportedly utilized a metal ribbon to connect the trigger to the spring mechanism574. However, Leitz quickly abandoned this metal design for safety reasons and replaced it with a tightly woven silk tape574. This tape was connected to a short, fold-down curved trigger, which applied torque to the film take-up shaft242. When the winding sequence was finished, spring tension returned the tape and trigger to their original position242. The SCNOO had a partially open mechanism, allowing users to see the tape during its movement, while the spring was housed in a compact cylinder242. 

To use the device, photographers pulled the spring-loaded film advance trigger to the left with their left index finger and then released the shutter with their right forefinger, allowing them to capture fast-moving action574. The photographer could produce 1-2 exposures per second using the SCNOO33. The SCNOO allowed the photographer to keep their eye on the viewfinder while capturing a series of images242. This mechanism enabled faster winding than a traditional wind-on knob, and in the case of most photographers, it was even quicker than a lever wind of later M-series cameras242.

Trigger bases had the same fitting requirements as early motor drives: they required a large-pin baseplate and a slotted take-up spool360. Leica cameras from serial number 111450 (or 11144933) were equipped with a large-pin baseplate, while only those from serial number 159000 and later came with a slotted take-up spool360. For cameras with serial numbers below 111449 (i.e., cameras produced before 1933), it was necessary to replace the pin at the bottom of the camera that holds the base plate at one end with a larger pin, in addition to using a notched spindle33. If the camera's serial number ranged between and 111450 and 159000, the winding spindle had to be exchanged for a notched one and a new winding knob was also required33. 

Leica III Model F with serial number later than 159000, for example, featured slotted winging shaft which accepted SCNOO540.


Variants

The following variations exist:


Variant 1 was:

  • SCNOO prototype, marked with red "M804" museum inventory sticker, was illustrated on page 53 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 3 - Accessories" book574.
  • The device had a short base.  
  • The base of the device had black finish.   
  • The fittings and the trigger of the device had nickel (worn out) finish.   
  • There were no engravings between the pin and the tripod socket.
  • "auf > zu" was engraved around the locking latch mechanism.   
  • Tripod socket used 3/8" thread standard.


Variant 2 was:

  • Rapidwinder with plunger operated film advance illustrated on page 54 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 3 - Accessories" book574. A similar device was auctioned off at the Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 10, 2020 and was described as "...Rapidwinder with plunger operated film advance. This super rare experimental SCNOO version has never been offered at auction before and probably represents a one-off...". It was dated 1938-1940.
  • The device had a short base.
  • The base of the device had chrome finish.
  • The fittings and the trigger of the device had chrome finish.
  • There was "E. LEITZ WETZLAR (logo) (new line) Germany" engraving between the pin and the tripod socket. 
  • "auf > zu" was engraved around the locking latch mechanism.
  • Tripod socket used 3/8" thread standard.


Variant 3 was:

  • Pre-series SCNOO with metal ribbon (as opposed to silk) and slightly different trigger shape.
  • The device had a short base. 
  • The base of the device had chrome finish.  
  • The fittings and the trigger of the device had chrome finish.  
  • There were no engravings between the pin and the tripod socket.
  • "open > close" was engraved around the locking latch mechanism.
  • Tripod socket used 1/4" thread standard.


Variant 4 was:

  • The device had a short base. 
  • The base of the device had chrome finish.  
  • The fittings and the trigger of the device had chrome finish.  
  • There was "E. LEITZ WETZLAR (logo) (new line) Germany" engraving between the pin and the tripod socket. 
  • "open > close" was engraved around the locking latch mechanism.
  • Tripod socket used 1/4" thread standard.


Variant 5 was:

  • The device had a short base. 
  • The base of the device had chrome finish.  
  • The fittings and the trigger of the device had chrome finish.  
  • There was "E. LEITZ WETZLAR (logo)" engraving between the pin and the tripod socket. 
  • "auf > zu" was engraved around the locking latch mechanism.
  • Tripod socket used 3/8" thread standard.


Variant 6 was:

  • The device had a short base. 
  • The base of the device had chrome finish.  
  • The fittings and the trigger of the device had chrome finish.  
  • There was "E. LEITZ WETZLAR (logo) (new line) Germany" engraving between the pin and the tripod socket. 
  • "auf > zu" was engraved around the locking latch mechanism.
  • Tripod socket used 3/8" thread standard.


Variant 7 was:

  • Modified SCNOO for military use. An example of this variant came with British Navy-issued 'Admiralty NP' Leica Standard Model E camera number 277758 dated 1938. 
  • The device had a short base. 
  • The base of the device had chrome finish.
  • The fittings of the device had chrome finish.
  • There was "E. LEITZ WETZLAR (logo) (new line) Germany" engraving between the pin and the tripod socket.
  • The device was engraved with arrow and No.2 between the tripod socket and base plate lock.
  • "open > close" was engraved around the locking latch mechanism.
  • Tripod socket used 1/4" thread standard.


Variant 8 was:

  • Military issued SCNOO. An example of this variant came with German Navy-issued Leica IIIb camera number 284259 dated 1938. 
  • The device had a short base. 
  • The base of the device had chrome finish.
  • The fittings and the trigger of the device had chrome finish.
  • There was "E. LEITZ WETZLAR (logo) (new line) Germany" engraving between the pin and the tripod socket.
  • The device was engraved with "M" between the tripod socket and base plate lock.
  • "open > close" was engraved around the locking latch mechanism.
  • Tripod socket used 1/4" thread standard.


Variant 9 was:

  • SCNOOs issued to Gestapo, engraved "Re. 370145" or issued to German Military, engraved with "Heer". 
  • The device had a short base.
  • The base of the device had chrome finish.
  • The fittings and the trigger of the device had chrome finish.
  • There was "E. LEITZ WETZLAR (logo) (new line) Germany" engraving between the pin and the tripod socket.
  • "auf > zu" was engraved around the locking latch mechanism.
  • Tripod socket used 3/8" thread standard.


Variant 10 was:

  • The device had a short base.
  • The base of the device had black finish. 
  • The fittings and the trigger of the device had nickel finish. 
  • There was "E. LEITZ WETZLAR (logo)" engraving between the pin and the tripod socket.
  • "auf > zu" was engraved around the locking latch mechanism.
  • Tripod socket used 3/8" thread standard.
  • This variant was offered for 19.50 USD in November 1935 catalog and for 21.60 USD in November 1936 Leitz Price Listing33.


Variant 11 was:

  • The device had a short base.
  • The base of the device had black finish.
  • The fittings and the trigger of the device had nickel finish.
  • There was "E. LEITZ WETZLAR (logo) (new line) Germany" engraving between the pin and the tripod socket.
  • "auf > zu" was engraved around the locking latch mechanism.
  • Tripod socket used 3/8" thread standard.
  • This variant was offered for 19.50 USD in November 1935 catalog and for 21.60 USD in November 1936 Leitz Price Listing33.


Variant 12 was:

  • The device had a short base.
  • The base of the device had black finish. 
  • The fittings and the trigger of the device had nickel finish. 
  • There was "E. LEITZ WETZLAR (logo) (new line) Germany" engraving between the pin and the tripod socket.
  • "open > close" was engraved around the locking latch mechanism.
  • Tripod socket used 1/4" thread standard.
  • This variant was offered for 19.50 USD in November 1935 catalog and for 21.60 USD in November 1936 Leitz Price Listing33.


Variant 13 was:

  • RSOOQ winder issued for X-Ray Leica (RUXOO) camera (1940)574. A special Bowden transport cable was fitted to the RSOOQ and the film advanced as required574.
  • The device had a short base.
  • The base of the device had black finish.
  • The fittings of the device had chrome finish.
  • There was "E. LEITZ WETZLAR (logo) (new line) Germany" engraving between the pin and the tripod socket.
  • "auf > zu" was engraved around the locking latch mechanism.
  • Tripod socket used 3/8" thread standard.


Variant 14 was:

  • The device had a short base.
  • The base of the device had black finish.
  • The fittings and the trigger of the device had chrome finish.
  • There was "E. LEITZ WETZLAR (logo) (new line) Germany" engraving between the pin and the tripod socket. 
  • "open > close" was engraved around the locking latch mechanism.
  • Tripod socket used 1/4" thread standard.


Variant 15 was:

  • The device had a short base.
  • The base of the device had black finish. 
  • The fittings and the trigger of the device had chrome finish. 
  • There was "E. LEITZ WETZLA (logo)" (sic.) (with missing R) engraving between the pin and the tripod socket.
  • "open > close" was engraved around the locking latch mechanism.
  • Tripod socket used 1/4" thread standard.


Variant 16 was:

  • The device had a short base.
  • The base of the device had black finish.
  • The fittings and the trigger of the device had chrome finish.
  • There was "E. LEITZ WETZLAR (logo) (new line) Germany" engraving between the pin and the tripod socket.
  • "auf > zu" was engraved around the locking latch mechanism.
  • Tripod socket used 3/8" thread standard.


Variant 17 was:

  • SCNOO-C compatible with Leica IIIc and Leica IIId cameras, introduced in about 1940242.
  • The device had a long base.
  • The base of the device had chrome finish.
  • The fittings and the trigger of the device had chrome finish.
  • There was "E. LEITZ WETZLAR (logo)" engraving between the pin and the tripod socket.
  • "auf > zu" was engraved around the locking latch mechanism.
  • Tripod socket used 3/8" thread standard.


Variant 18 was:

  • SCNOO-C compatible with Leica IIIc and Leica IIId cameras, introduced in about 1940242.
  • The device had a long base.
  • The base of the device had chrome finish.
  • The fittings and the trigger of the device had chrome finish.
  • There was "E. LEITZ WETZLAR (logo) (new line) Germany" engraving between the pin and the tripod socket.
  • "auf > zu" was engraved around the locking latch mechanism.
  • Tripod socket used 3/8" thread standard.


Variant 19 was:

  • a small-pin version made to fit Leicas with serial numbers below 111450360. According to James L. Lager, this small-pin arrangement might have been created to accommodate a special customer request574. An example was  illustrated on page 53 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 3 - Accessories" book574. 


Variant 20 was:

  • a special model for the Leica 250360. An example of this variant was illustrated on page 54 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 3 - Accessories" book574. On the illustration, a modified Leica 250 baseplate featured a plunger-operated film advance574. The drive post was shaped to fit the Leica 250 body, with a fully slotted coupling shaft (circa 1939)574.  One sample of this unit was attached to Leic 250 number 349044 that was sold for 130000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 1st Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 5, 2019428. The lot was described as "...Complete with the extremely rare mechanical "Schnellaufzug für 10 m. Kamera (rapid winder for 10 m. camera)", which was constructed in the years 1938 to 1940 at Leitz under the design number 42270 and was produced only in a few sample units. This winder, sometimes also called "SCNOO-250", had a plunger operated film advance. We are aware of only two pieces of this version of a rapid winder for the Reporter Leica in collections worldwide..."428.


Closing Remarks

By 1945 or 1946, production of the SCNOO had ceased574.

SPRING-DRIVEN MOTOR FOR LEICA 75

2 sample ("Muster") spring-driven motors for Leica 75 camera (see "Leica IIIa Model G" page) were illustrated by Georg Mann on pages 27-29 of the "10 Jahre Leica HISTORICA: Beiträge zur Geschichte der LEICA" book595. The prototypes were dated circa 1937595.

The spring mechanism of the Sample ("Muster") 1 was wound with a wing nut on the motor base through a gear transmission595. A gear on the mainspring barrel powered both the centrifugal governor and the camera winding mechanism595. The camera drive was activated by a toothed segment moved by a roller on the drive gear595. A cam on the drive gear pushed the release rod down, while a compression spring returned it to its original position595. The Muster 1 motor was likely designed for rapid continuous shooting or testing purposes595. 

Sample ("Muster") 2 was similar to Sample ("Muster") 1 in its spring barrel, centrifugal governor, and motor follower setup, but it featured improved mechanical construction595. A foldable crank with a winding lock replaced the gear drive for rapid winding595. The centrifugal governor, winding lock, and camera follower were driven by a gear ring on the spring barrel595. The camera winding shaft had a clutch controlled by a cam on the mainspring barrel's outer sleeve, which disengaged at the end of winding595. A manual release above the motor cover locked the mainspring barrel, and the camera release pin was actuated by a cam on the barrel's top595.


Disassembled Leica camera body with internal components visible, labeled with manufacturer information and German origin.

LEICAVIT (SYOOM) TRIGGER BASE

The article titled "Chapter 3 LEICA DESIGNS AFTER WORLD WAR II" published on the page 22 of the Viewfinder magazine Vol 23 No 2 1990 Part II credited Adam Wagner's contributions to the development of Leicavit. 

There were many variants of Leicavit rapid winders compatible with screwmount Leica cameras, and they could be divided into 3 big categories:

  • Prototype Leicavit with 1/Serie switch, which had 1 variant known to the author
  • Pre-series Leicavit with Einzel/Serie switch, which had 5 variants known to the author
  • Serial production Leicavit (catalogued as SYOOM), which had 5 variants known to the author

 

1/Serie Leicavit Prototype

The prototype known as the "1/Serie" was released before the circa 1950388. Close-up photographs of similar prototype were illustrated on page 125 of Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck's "The Leica: A History Illustrating every Model and Accessory" book360 . One such prototype was sold for 21600 Euros including buyer's premium at the 35th Leitz Photographica auction on November 23, 2019388.

 

The author of this website noted a few distinct characteristics of this prototype:

  • The device was finished in chrome. 
  • Looking from the front of the device, the central engraving featured "Leicavit" with a long letter "L". 
  • Looking from the front of the device, "Ernst Leitz Wetzlar" was featured on the right.
  • The direction of rapid winder removal lever was "up" and it was equipped with releasing knob. 
  • "auf & zu" (without English translation) was engraved around tripod socket. 
  • On the bottom, the rapid winder had a selector switch engraved "1 (auf) > Serie" (with a numeral 1). 
  • Advance trigger of this rapid winder had high polished chrome finish.
  • The black rod that was inserted into the film spool had a different shape than the typical silver rod388. 

Article published on page 711 of "THE CHEMIST AND DRUGGIST" Volume 155 number 3719 from June 2, 1951, suggested that a sample 1/Serie Leicavit Prototype was shown at the "Photo-Kino Ausstellung" (later known as Photokina) in 1950. The text mentioned "The new Leicavit rapid winder, shown for the first time at last year's Fair, and fitted to the C and F model Leica cameras, has a two position catch to enable the winder to be used in single shots per movement or in sequence, when the winder also serves as shutter release".


Pre-Series Einzel/Serie Leicavit

Later, there was a special pre-series version of the SYOOM Trigger base, fitted with a switch, commonly referred to as the Einzel/Serie Leicavit360 was shown at Photokina 1951445. 

It was part of a small group that was produced for testing purposes154. 

This Leicavit rapid winding mechanism was compatible with Leica IIIf and Leica IIf cameras 445. It featured a selector lever at the base with two positions: Einzel and Serie360 which allowed photographers to capture single ("Einzel") or continuous ("Serie") shots445:

  • When set to "Einzel", the Leicavit operated in the normal way360 meaning that the shutter would be released by pressing the release button33. 
  • In the "Serie" position, it automatically fired the shutter after advancing the film360. It utilized a small hook that engaged the return spring at the bottom of the shaft connected to the shutter release button154. Thus, the actuating lever of the Einzel SYOOM Trigger base, located at the bottom of the unit, served three functions in the "Serie" mode: it was responsible for transporting the film, tensioning the shutter, and immediately releasing the shutter33. As a result, each advance of the Einzel SYOOM Trigger base's lever exposed one frame of film33. This allowed the camera to be completely controlled from the base360. 

To remove an Einzel SYOOM Trigger base from a camera, the lever must have been set to the "Einzel" position360. When the switch was set to "Serie" removing the camera could potentially damage both the camera and the film572. This was highlighted by photographers testing the device before market launch572.

Another reason why the "Serie" rapid-fire option proved to be disappointing was that it required precise timing between the shutter winding and release mechanisms to prevent jamming154. Along the edge of the photograph of the pre-series "Einzel/Serie" Leicavit featured in Leica's New York advertisement, "It is expected that there will be some design changes before the official production" was noted along the edge572. It seems like, Leitz did not intend to release this style to the market572. As a result, the rapid-fire feature was removed by the time the conventional, serially produced SYOOM Leicavit was cataloged in 1953154.

Due to mechanical alterations inside the camera base of late Leica IIIf and Leica IIIg cameras, a pre-series "Einzel/Serie" Leicavit will not fit these models without modification360. However a Leicavit of the Leica IIIg period (post 1957) will fit earlier cameras Leica IIIc, Leica IIIf and other "c" and "f" series360.

Only a small number of Einzel SYOOM Trigger bases were produced360 and only 4 were initially sent to the U.S.A33.

 

Variants

The author of this website noted 5 distinct variants of Pre-Series Einzel/Serie Leicavit:

 

Variant 1 was finished in chrome and:

  • Looking from the front of the device, the central engraving featured "Leicavit" with a long letter "L". 
  • There was no engraving on the right when looking at the device from the front. 
  • The direction of rapid winder removal lever was "up" and it was equipped with releasing knob. 
  • "auf - open & zu - close" was engraved around tripod socket. 
  • On the bottom, the rapid winder had a selector switch engraved "Einzel (auf) > Serie". 
  • Advance trigger of this rapid winder had high polished chrome finish.
  • One sample, dated 1950-1951, was illustrated on page 33 of The Viewfinder Magainze Vol 14 No 4 of Oct-Dec 1981. The author of this website presumed that this prototype could have been among those shown at Photokina 1951.
  • The following was how Wetzlar Camera Auctions GmBH described a sample of variant one that they auctioned off on October 7, 2023: "Experimental unit to the very first version of the Leicavit, designed and manufactured still before the Second World War - parallel to the SCNOO-C sold at that time. The relevant Leitz drawing number 42296 dates from November 20th 1939...The internal mechanism with a revolving chain, which results in a different position of the advance trigger lever in the housing."

 

Variant 2 was finished in chrome and: 

  • There was no central engraving when looking at the device from the front. 
  • Looking from the front of the device, "Ernst Leitz Wetzlar <new Line> Germany" was featured on the right. 
  • The direction of rapid winder removal lever was "down". 
  • "auf - open & zu - close" was engraved around tripod socket. 
  • On the bottom, the rapid winder had a selector switch engraved "Einzel (auf) > Serie". 
  • Advance trigger of this rapid winder had high polished chrome finish. 

 

Variant 3 was finished in chrome and:

  • Looking from the front of the device, the central engraving featured "Leicavit" with a long letter "L". 
  • Looking from the front of the device, "Ernst Leitz Wetzlar <new Line> Germany" was featured on the right. 
  • The direction of rapid winder removal lever was "down". 
  • "auf - open & zu - close" was engraved around tripod socket. 
  • On the bottom, the rapid winder had a selector switch engraved "Einzel (auf) > Serie". 
  • Advance trigger of this rapid winder had high polished chrome finish. 
  • The following was how Wetzlar Camera Auctions GmBH described a sample of variant one that they auctioned off on October 10, 2020, together with a possibly one-off experimental unit of a removable cable remote control: "Experimental unit to the very first version of the Leicavit, designed and manufactured still before the Second World War - parallel to the SCNOO-C sold at that time. The relevant Leitz drawing number 42296 dates from November 20th 1939...The internal mechanism with a revolving chain, which results in a different position of the advance trigger lever in the housing. "Leicavit" engraving on the back of the case!..." A very similar cable remote / plunger appears on on page 54 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 3 - Accessories" book574. There, it was referred to as "plunger operated film advance" and was dated circa end of 1930s574.
  • The author of this website believed that photograph of this variant was circulated on the page 278 of the Volume 98, Issue 4750 of The British Journal of Photography from June 1, 1951. 
  • May 30, 1951 issue of "Amigoe di Curacao" newspaper mentioned Leicavit device presented at a photography fair in Amsterdam. According to the report (translated from Dutch using Google Translator), "We received issue no. 9 of "Focus", photography magazine containing a very extensive report on the Photo Fair held in Amsterdam. Numerous illustrations clearly show that inventions in the field of photography are just as numerous as those achieved in the field of artillery. Among others, the Leicavit was unveiled, a quick-release clamp for the Leica, with which a single series of shots can be speed is 36 shots in 15 to 20 seconds; a kind of robot, in other words".

 

 Variant 4 was finished in chrome and: 

  •  Looking from the front of the device, the central engraving featured "Leicavit" with a long letter "L". 
  •  Looking from the front of the device, "Ernst Leitz Wetzlar <new Line> Germany" was featured on the right. 
  •  The direction of rapid winder removal lever was "down". 
  •  "auf - open & zu - close" was engraved around tripod socket. 
  •  On the bottom, the rapid winder had a selector switch engraved "Einzel (auf) > Serie". 
  •  Advance trigger of this rapid winder had matte chrome finish. 

 

 Variant 5 was finished in chrome and: 

  •  Looking from the front of the device, the central engraving featured "Leicavit" with a short letter "L". 
  •  Looking from the front of the device, "Ernst Leitz Wetzlar <new Line> Germany" was featured on the right. 
  •  The direction of rapid winder removal lever was "down". 
  •  "auf - open & zu - close" was engraved around tripod socket. 
  •  On the bottom, the rapid winder had a selector switch engraved "Einzel (auf) > Serie". 
  •  Advance trigger of this rapid winder had matte chrome finish. 

 

 

Regular Production Leicavit (SYOOM)

The serial production of the SYOOM started in 195333. This completely redesigned (in comparison to SCNOO) spring-driven33 trigger base, code-named SYOOM and engraved with "Leicavit", was introduced for the Leica IIIc, Leica IIIf, and Leica IIIg cameras360 with serial numbers above 40000033. The cameras with serial numbers 390000-399999 had to be modified at the factory for compatibility with this SYOOM Trigger base33. 

The SYOOM Trigger base featured a folding pointed trigger that locks in the open position, with a release button for easy closure242. In this model, the trigger was designed to be fully collapsible for easier storage, unlike the previous models, which only folded partially360. Thus, its design was essentially a closed mechanism, revealing only a slot under the trigger during use242. 

The Leicavit rapid winder replaced the camera baseplate of the Leica camera452. A driving axle connected with the transport spindle of the Leica's cocking mechanism452. This driving axle was linked to a chain wheel through a free-wheeling clutch, and a drive chain ran over guide rails to the operating trigger452. When the trigger was pressed, it rotated the chain wheel and driving axle, which cocked the shutter and advanced the film452. A tension spring, which was wound during the act of pressing the trigger, returned the trigger to its original position452.

From the user's perspective, it was important to complete the winding before releasing the shutter button to avoid a partially wound shutter or overlapping frames242. 

 

Variants

The author of this website noted 5 distinct variants of the regular production Leicavit (SYOOM):

Variant 1 was finished in chrome and:

  • Looking from the front of the device, the central engraving featured "Leicavit" with a short letter "L". 
  • Looking from the front of the device, "Ernst Leitz Wetzlar <new line> Germany" was featured on the right. 
  •  The direction of rapid winder removal lever was "down". 
  •  "auf - open & zu - close" was engraved around tripod socket. 
  •  There was no selector switch on the bottom of the rapid winder. 
  •  Advance trigger of this rapid winder had matte chrome finish. 
  •  This variant is considered "Null-Serie" of SYOOM. 
  • The author of this website believed that photograph of this variant was circulated on the advertisement on page 128 of the Volume 32, Issue 4 of Popular Photography from April 1, 1953. 

 

Variant 2 was finished in chrome and: 

  •  Looking from the front of the device, the central engraving featured "Leicavit" with a short letter "L". 
  •  Looking from the front of the device, "Ernst Leitz <new line> Canada Limited <new line> Midland <new line> Ontario" was featured on the right. 
  •  The direction of rapid winder removal lever was "up". 
  •  "auf - open & zu - close" was engraved around tripod socket. 
  •  There was no selector switch on the bottom of the rapid winder. 
  •  A dvance trigger of this rapid winder had matte chrome finish. 

 

Variant 3 was finished in chrome and: 

  •  Looking from the front of the device, the central engraving featured "Leicavit" with a short letter "L". 
  •  Looking from the front of the device, "Ernst Leitz <new line> Canada Limited <new line> Midland <new line> Ontario" was featured on the right. 
  •  The direction of rapid winder removal lever was "down". 
  •  "auf - open & zu - close" was engraved around tripod socket 
  •  There was no selector switch on the bottom of the rapid winder. 
  •  Advance trigger of this rapid winder had matte chrome finish. 

 

 Variant 4 was finished in black and: 

  •  Looking from the front of the device, the central engraving featured "Leicavit" with a short letter "L". 
  •  Looking from the front of the device, "Ernst Leitz GmBH <new line> Wetzlar <new line> Germany" was featured on the right. 
  •  The direction of rapid winder removal lever was "down". 
  •  "auf - open & zu - close" was engraved around tripod socket. 
  •  There was no selector switch on the bottom of the rapid winder. 
  •  Advance trigger of this rapid winder had matte chrome finish. 
  •  This special SYOOM came with special black paint Leica IIIf Betriebskamera number 517464. 

 

 Variant 5 was finished in chrome and: 

  •  Looking from the front of the device, the central engraving featured "Leicavit" with a short letter "L". 
  •  Looking from the front of the device, "Ernst Leitz GmBH <new line> Wetzlar <new line> Germany" was featured on the right. 
  •  The direction of rapid winder removal lever was "down". 
  •  "auf - open & zu - close" was engraved around tripod socket. 
  •  There was no selector switch on the bottom of the rapid winder. 
  •  Advance trigger of this rapid winder had matte chrome finish. 
  •  This variant is the most common version of SYOOM. 

 

 Variant 6 was finished in chrome and: 

  •  Looking from the front of the device, the central engraving featured "Leicavit" with a short letter "L". 
  •  Looking from the front of the device, there was no engraving on the right. 
  •  The direction of rapid winder removal lever was "down". 
  •  "auf - open & zu - close" was engraved around tripod socket. 
  •  There was no selector switch on the bottom of the rapid winder. 
  •  Advance trigger of this rapid winder had matte chrome finish. 
  •  This variant was illustrated on page 20 of Viewfinder 35 (3), 2002. 

 

Closing Remarks

SYOOM Trigger base was catalogued for a decade from 1953 to 1963, which coincided with the production period of the later screw mount models242.


BASEPLATE WITH WINDING KNOB FOR LEICA IIF, IIIF

A prototype of a baseplate with a winding knob for f-series Leica cameras, dated 1951 with museum sticker "M857"(?), was illustrated on page 50 of the "10 Jahre Leica HISTORICA: Beiträge zur Geschichte der LEICA" book595. The prototype had (introduced later on commercially in 1952) channel to facilitate film transport during both advancement and rewinding.


Vintage Leica camera body with a red Leica box in the background.

LEICA-MOTOR

The spring-driven Leica Motor, code-named MOOLY, was announced in March 1938 at the Leipzig Spring Fair360.

MOOLY was originally designed for short-base-length screw-mount Leicas574 such as Leica III Model F, Leica IIIa Model G, and Leica IIIb360. The MOOLY was attached to the short-base-length Leica like a standard base plate, using an external transmission arm to connect to the shutter release574. Some cameras required modifications to accept MOOLY360. Cameras with serial numbers below 111449 needed a large baseplate retaining pin, while those with serial numbers below 159000 required a modified take-up spool axis that had been slotted to ensure proper engagement with the spring-loaded motor-drive shaft360. Leica III Model F cameras numbered above 159000 featured slotted winging shaft which accepted MOOLY540. It is worth noting that pre-war, short-base Leica Motors could be used only with camera models below serial number 360000463. It was advisable to have the motor fitter to the camera by the factory463. 

Later, a slightly modified and longer version of the MOOLY (sometimes referred to as the MOOLY-C105) was made available for the Leica IIIc and Leica IIId models with serial numbers ranging from 360000 to 399999360. This version can also be used with the Leica IIIf or IIIg models with a serial number above 399999 after modifying the camera drive shaft68. The drive shaft needed to be slotted to accommodate the motor drive post68. During one author's research, he encountered several Leica IIIf and Leica IIIg bodies that already had slotted drive shafts68.


Mechanism

To ensure a consistent speed of operation, the motor spring was pretensioned360. When fully wound, the MOOLY was able to advance by 12 frames574. The motor could be released using either a front lever or a bottom-mounted cable release574. The early motors allowed for an exposure rate of 1 to 2 frames per second, which was controlled by a speed selector switch on the front of the motor574. Later versions of the motors removed the switch and provided a fixed exposure rate of two frames per second574. See MOOLY variants down on this page for more details.

Users had the option to release one frame at a time without needing continuous operation360. The motor release mechanism was designed so that when the motor lever was pressed, it instantly released the camera shutter and winded the film for the next frame360. As a result, the camera was always ready for use360.


Brief Notes Regarding MOOLY-C

In the early long base motors designed for Leica IIIc and Leica IIId cameras, the hook spring could become depressed when attached to the camera360. This could prevent the motor's release mechanism from properly engaging with the camera's release mechanism360. To address this issue, an interlocking mechanism was introduced360. When attaching a Leica IIIc or Leica IIId motor to a camera, it was advisable to press the camera's shutter release360. This action helped ensure that the motor's internal release aligned correctly with the camera body360.

A small group of these motors was produced in 1941, specifically numbered from 3495 to 3546574. The majority of the MOOLY-C units fell between the numbers 5000 and 5700574. The chrome finish was limited to the range of 5000 to 5200, while the gray finish was found between 5200 and 5300, and the black finish spanned from 5300 to 5700574. Deliveries occurred between 1940 and 1949574.

Archive records did not mention the finish or whether the items had the K engraving574. The original handwritten delivery books from Leitz Wetzlar served as the documentation for this Leica accessory, which, to the author's knowledge, was never officially cataloged574. The MOOLY-C remained one of the most elusive of all Leica accessories, with fewer than 800 units completed574.


Electric Shutter Release for MOOLY 

A prototype electric release for Leica-Motor, dated 1930s, designed for use with MOOLY, was auctioned at the 38th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 12, 2021385. A very similar (or same) electric release, dated circa 1938, was auctioned off at the 4th Westlicht Photographica Auction on November 22, 2003, and was described as "Unknown electric trigger for early MOOLY suspension engine engraved: Ernst Leitz Wetzlar, possibly unique, significant collector's item"420.


Classification of Variants 

The variants of the Leica-Motors can be classified as follows:


Variant 1 had the following specifications:

  • This device had a short base.
  • This device had a chrome finish.
  • N with double underlined O were engraved to the left of the serial number. Some very early models had this feature360. 
  • Without "Germany" engraving under the serial number.
  • With speed selector, engraved "1-2". 
  • The mechanism was built with an extremely rugged construction and was housed in brass casing360. Power was supplied by a robust double-spring clockwork motor, which was regulated by a double-weighted governor360. The weights for the governor were located within a brass cone that controlled the motor's speed360. In this variant, the cone could be adjusted using a small speed selector button located on the outside of the shell, allowing for two-speed operation at either one or two frames per second360. The numbers 1 and 2 were engraved on each side of the button360. However, mechanical malfunctions caused by wear on the governor bearings led to modifications in later models360. 
  • Operated via external linkage using the transmission arm that was used to release the camera shutter360.
  • "AUF > ZU" was engraved around the locking latch mechanism. 
  • Some examples of this variant displayed distinctive corners in the housings.
  • Some examples of this variant had a different styling to the serial number engraving.
  • Considered pre-series.
  • James L. Lager suggested that motors of this variant might have been test units produced before Leitz committed to full production574. 
  • Compatible with Leica III Model F, Leica IIIa Model G, and Leica IIIb360.
  • Examples included: 111, 127, 134, 143, 144


Variant 2 had the following specifications:

  • This device had a short base.
  • This device had a chrome finish.
  • No engravings before serial number.
  • Without "Germany" engraving under the serial number.
  • With speed selector, engraved "1-2".
  • The mechanism was built with an extremely rugged construction and was housed in brass casing360. Power was supplied by a robust double-spring clockwork motor, which was regulated by a double-weighted governor360. The weights for the governor were located within a brass cone that controlled the motor's speed360. In this variant, the cone could be adjusted using a small speed selector button located on the outside of the shell, allowing for two-speed operation at either one or two frames per second360. The numbers 1 and 2 were engraved on each side of the button360. However, mechanical malfunctions caused by wear on the governor bearings led to modifications in later models360. 
  • Operated via external linkage using the transmission arm that was used to release the camera shutter360.
  • "AUF > ZU" was engraved around the locking latch mechanism. 
  • Some examples of this variant displayed distinctive corners in the housings.
  • Considered pre-series.
  • Compatible with Leica III Model F, Leica IIIa Model G, and Leica IIIb360.
  • Examples included: 152, 165, 201, 213


Variant 3 had the following specifications:

  • This device had a short base.
  • This device had a chrome finish.
  • No engravings before serial number.
  • With "Germany" engraving under the serial number.
  • With speed selector, engraved "1-2".
  • The mechanism was built with an extremely rugged construction and was housed in brass casing360. Power was supplied by a robust double-spring clockwork motor, which was regulated by a double-weighted governor360. The weights for the governor were located within a brass cone that controlled the motor's speed360. In this variant, the cone could be adjusted using a small speed selector button located on the outside of the shell, allowing for two-speed operation at either one or two frames per second360. The numbers 1 and 2 were engraved on each side of the button360. However, mechanical malfunctions caused by wear on the governor bearings led to modifications in later models360. 
  • Operated via external linkage using the transmission arm that was used to release the camera shutter360.
  • "AUF > ZU" was engraved around the locking latch mechanism. 
  • Compatible with Leica III Model F, Leica IIIa Model G, and Leica IIIb360.
  • Examples included: 216, 233, 291, 326, 331, 360, 363, 371, 411, 429, 439, 481, 494, 2254


Variant 4 had the following specifications:

  • This device had a short base.
  • This device had a chrome finish.
  • No engravings before serial number.
  • With "Germany" engraving under the serial number.
  • With speed selector, without "1-2" engravings.
  • The mechanism was built with an extremely rugged construction and was housed in brass casing360. Power was supplied by a robust double-spring clockwork motor, which was regulated by a double-weighted governor360. The weights for the governor were located within a brass cone that controlled the motor's speed360. In this variant, the cone could not be adjusted and was locked in place, providing a fixed single-speed operation of two frames per second360. Although the button remained, it was locked in position360.
  • Operated via external linkage using the transmission arm that was used to release the camera shutter360.
  • "AUF > ZU" or "OPEN > CLOSE" was engraved around the locking latch mechanism. 
  • Compatible with Leica III Model F, Leica IIIa Model G, and Leica IIIb360.
  • Examples included: 526, 542, 544, 572, 596, 607, 612, 634, 687, 706, 785, 791, 792, 797, 826, 868, 890, 898, 918, 938, 989, 993, 999, 1011, 1012, 1045, 1059, 1085, 1087, 1101, 1106, 1112, 1146, 1153, 1207, 1260, 1311, 1397, 1444, 1543, 1555, 1620, 1636, 2637


Variant 5 had the following specifications:

  • This device had a short base.
  • This device had a chrome finish.
  • No engravings before serial number.
  • With "Germany" engraving under the serial number.
  • Without speed selector.
  • Operated via external linkage using the transmission arm that was used to release the camera shutter360.
  • "AUF > ZU" or "OPEN > CLOSE" was engraved around the locking latch mechanism. 
  • Compatible with Leica III Model F, Leica IIIa Model G, and Leica IIIb360.
  • Examples included: 290, 455, 610, 652, 808, 1247, 1670, 1688, 1719, 1726, 1735, 1739, 1755, 1764, 1770, 1773, 1784, 1785, 1786, 1798, 1812, 1848, 1905, 1925, 1947, 1969, 2004, 2027, 2028, 2075, 2076, 2120, 2122, 2170, 2195, 2196, 2248, 2320, 2367, 2384, 2416, 2431, 2442, 2530, 2558, 2574, 2584, 2610, 2612, 2620, 2641, 2721, 2762, 2897, 2926, 2933, 2944, 2949, 2971, 2993, 2996, 3000, 3008, 3049, 3112, 3129, 3187, 3202, 3247, 3319, 3320, 3337, 3369, 3408, 3416, 3449, 3466


Variant 6 had the following specifications:

  • This device had a short base.
  • This device had a black finish.
  • No engravings before serial number.
  • Without "Germany" engraving under the serial number.
  • Without speed selector.
  • Operated via internal linkage without using the transmission arm that was used to release the camera shutter.
  • There appeared to be only 1 sample, number 2007, of this Leica-Motor. This motor was illustrated in the "SUNDAY MORNING AT INDIANAPOLIS" article by James L. Lager on page 8  of Viewfinder Volume 11, Issue 4, 1978.


Variant 7 had the following specifications:

  • This device had a long base. For Leica IIIc and Leica IIId cameras360.
  • This device had a chrome finish.
  • No engravings before serial number.
  • not ball-raced360.
  • With "Germany" engraving under the serial number.
  • Without speed selector.
  • Operated via internal linkage that was connected to the camera's main release spring360 thus operating without using the transmission arm.
  • "AUF > ZU" was engraved around the locking latch mechanism. 
  • Sometimes referred to as the MOOLY-C105.
  • Shipments of the chrome finish MOOLY-C Leica motor began in November 1940 and continued into 1944295. Motors were dispatched to fourteen countries as recorded in delivery ledgers carefully preserved at Leica Solms: Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Manchukuo (Japanese occupied Manchuria), Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Turkey, and Yugoslavia295.
  • The motor was 13.5cm in length33. 
  • The shell of this long base variant was constructed from two parts of shells that were originally made for the earlier, short base model, which are welded together360. This welding was most noticeable on the chrome-finished of long variant360. There was a small round disc located to the right of the frame counter that covers the gap left by the coupling arm found on the earlier, short base model360. These observations led one author to the conclusion that a significant number of shells, initially created for the original two-speed, short base externally coupled motor, were later modified to fit the new, mechanically improved long base motors360. 
  • In his "LEICA Motor MOOLY-C Nullserie" article, published on page 79 of the "10 Jahre Leica HISTORICA: Beiträge zur Geschichte der LEICA", Camille Heimfert classified MOOLY-C motors with serial numbers around 35XX as "Nullserie" ("0-series") of MOOLY-C motors595. According to his research, there were 30 of these "Nullserie" ("0-series") of MOOLY-C motors, all made in 1940595. In the delivery books, they were described as "MOOLY für Gußkamera"595.
  • Examples included: 3493, 3495, 3498, 3508, 3525, 3526, 5003, 5012, 5033, 5038, 5047, 5080, 5100


Variant 8 had the following specifications:

  • This device had a long base. For Leica IIIc and Leica IIId cameras360.
  • This device had a chrome finish.
  • No engravings before serial number. No letter "K" engraved after serial number, indicating that the friction drives of the motor are fully ball-raced (for use in cold conditions)360.
  • not ball-raced360.
  • With "Germany" engraving under the serial number.
  • With speed selector, without "1-2" engravings.
  • Operated via internal linkage that was connected to the camera's main release spring360 thus operating without using the transmission arm.
  • "AUF > ZU" was engraved around the locking latch mechanism. 
  • Sometimes referred to as the MOOLY-C105.
  • Shipments of the chrome finish MOOLY-C Leica motor began in November 1940 and continued into 1944295. Motors were dispatched to fourteen countries as recorded in delivery ledgers carefully preserved at Leica Solms: Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Manchukuo (Japanese occupied Manchuria), Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Turkey, and Yugoslavia295.
  • The motor was 13.5cm in length33. 
  • The shell of this long base variant was constructed from two parts of shells that were originally made for the earlier, short base model, which are welded together360. This welding was most noticeable on the chrome-finished of long variant360. There was a small round disc located to the right of the frame counter that covers the gap left by the coupling arm found on the earlier, short base model360. These observations led one author to the conclusion that a significant number of shells, initially created for the original two-speed, short base externally coupled motor, were later modified to fit the new, mechanically improved long base motors360.
  • Examples included: 5045


Variant 9 had the following specifications:

  • This device had a long base. For Leica IIIc and Leica IIId cameras360.
  • This device had a chrome finish.
  • No engravings before serial number. No letter "K" engraved after serial number, indicating that the friction drives of the motor are fully ball-raced (for use in cold conditions)360.
  • not ball-raced360.
  • Without "Germany" engraving under the serial number.
  • Without speed selector.
  • Operated via internal linkage that was connected to the camera's main release spring360 thus operating without using the transmission arm.
  • "AUF > ZU" was engraved around the locking latch mechanism. 
  • Sometimes referred to as the MOOLY-C105.
  • Shipments of the chrome finish MOOLY-C Leica motor began in November 1940 and continued into 1944295. Motors were dispatched to fourteen countries as recorded in delivery ledgers carefully preserved at Leica Solms: Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Manchukuo (Japanese occupied Manchuria), Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Turkey, and Yugoslavia295.
  • The motor was 13.5cm in length33. 
  • The shell of this long base variant was constructed from two parts of shells that were originally made for the earlier, short base model, which are welded together360. This welding was most noticeable on the chrome-finished of long variant360. There was a small round disc located to the right of the frame counter that covers the gap left by the coupling arm found on the earlier, short base model360. These observations led one author to the conclusion that a significant number of shells, initially created for the original two-speed, short base externally coupled motor, were later modified to fit the new, mechanically improved long base motors360. 
  • Examples included: 5108, 5133, 5156, 5163, 5172, 5195, 5196, 5203


Variant 10 had the following specifications:

  • This device had a long base. For Leica IIIc and Leica IIId cameras360.
  • This device had a chrome finish.
  • No engravings before serial number. Letter "K" engraved after serial number, indicating that the friction drives of the motor are fully ball-raced (for use in cold conditions)360. 
  • extra ball races were installed on the winding spindle, the governor mechanism, and the upper bearing of the cam drum360.
  • Without "Germany" engraving under the serial number.
  • Without speed selector.
  • Operated via internal linkage that was connected to the camera's main release spring360 thus operating without using the transmission arm.
  • "AUF > ZU" was engraved around the locking latch mechanism. 
  • Sometimes referred to as the MOOLY-C105.
  • Shipments of the chrome finish MOOLY-C Leica motor began in November 1940 and continued into 1944295. Motors were dispatched to fourteen countries as recorded in delivery ledgers carefully preserved at Leica Solms: Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Manchukuo (Japanese occupied Manchuria), Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Turkey, and Yugoslavia295.
  • The motor was 13.5cm in length33. 
  • The shell of this long base variant was constructed from two parts of shells that were originally made for the earlier, short base model, which are welded together360. This welding was most noticeable on the chrome-finished of long variant360. There was a small round disc located to the right of the frame counter that covers the gap left by the coupling arm found on the earlier, short base model360. These observations led one author to the conclusion that a significant number of shells, initially created for the original two-speed, short base externally coupled motor, were later modified to fit the new, mechanically improved long base motors360. 
  • Examples included: 5130K, 5132K, 5135K (with Re.371104 engraved under) 5141K


Variant 11 had the following specifications:

  • This device had a long base. For Leica IIIc and Leica IIId cameras360.
  • This device had a grey paint finish.
  • No engravings before serial number. No letter "K" engraved after serial number, indicating that the friction drives of the motor are fully ball-raced (for use in cold conditions)360.
  • Without "Germany" engraving under the serial number.
  • Without speed selector.
  • Operated via internal linkage that was connected to the camera's main release spring360 thus operating without using the transmission arm.
  • "AUF > ZU" was engraved around the locking latch mechanism. 
  • Sometimes referred to as the MOOLY-C105.
  • The motor was 13.5cm in length33. 
  • The shell of this long base variant was constructed from two parts of shells that were originally made for the earlier, short base model, which are welded together360. This welding was most noticeable on the chrome-finished of long variant360. There was a small round disc located to the right of the frame counter that covers the gap left by the coupling arm found on the earlier, short base model360. These observations led one author to the conclusion that a significant number of shells, initially created for the original two-speed, short base externally coupled motor, were later modified to fit the new, mechanically improved long base motors360.
  • Examples included: 5210, 5213, 5215, 5221, 5225, 5233, 5234, 5236, 5237, 5241


Variant 12 had the following specifications:

  • This device had a long base. For Leica IIIc and Leica IIId cameras360.
  • This device had a grey paint finish.
  • No engravings before serial number. Letter "K" engraved after serial number, indicating that the friction drives of the motor are fully ball-raced (for use in cold conditions)360.
  • extra ball races were installed on the winding spindle, the governor mechanism, and the upper bearing of the cam drum360.
  • Without "Germany" engraving under the serial number.
  • Without speed selector.
  • Operated via internal linkage that was connected to the camera's main release spring360 thus operating without using the transmission arm.
  • "AUF > ZU" was engraved around the locking latch mechanism. 
  • Sometimes referred to as the MOOLY-C105.
  • Grey units are believed to be delivered before the end of World War II105.
  • It is possible that grey IIIcK motors were utilized for military purposes, although there is no evidence to support this theory360.
  • The motor was 13.5cm in length33. 
  • The shell of this long base variant was constructed from two parts of shells that were originally made for the earlier, short base model, which are welded together360. This welding was most noticeable on the chrome-finished of long variant360. There was a small round disc located to the right of the frame counter that covers the gap left by the coupling arm found on the earlier, short base model360. These observations led one author to the conclusion that a significant number of shells, initially created for the original two-speed, short base externally coupled motor, were later modified to fit the new, mechanically improved long base motors360. 
  • Examples included: 5263K, 5271K, 5273K, 5287K, 5291K, 5295K


Variant 13 had the following specifications:

  • This device had a long base. For Leica IIIc and Leica IIId cameras360.
  • This device had a black paint finish.
  • No engravings before serial number.
  • Without "Germany" engraving under the serial number.
  • Without speed selector.
  • Operated via internal linkage that was connected to the camera's main release spring360 thus operating without using the transmission arm.
  • "AUF > ZU" was engraved around the locking latch mechanism. 
  • Sometimes referred to as the MOOLY-C105.
  • The motor was 13.5cm in length33. 
  • The shell of this long base variant was constructed from two parts of shells that were originally made for the earlier, short base model, which are welded together360. This welding was most noticeable on the chrome-finished of long variant360. There was a small round disc located to the right of the frame counter that covers the gap left by the coupling arm found on the earlier, short base model360. These observations led one author to the conclusion that a significant number of shells, initially created for the original two-speed, short base externally coupled motor, were later modified to fit the new, mechanically improved long base motors360. 
  • Examples included: 5308, 5309, 5336, 5340, 5350, 5375, 5398, 5405, 5417, 5430


Variant 14 had the following specifications:

  • This device had a long base. For Leica IIIc and Leica IIId cameras360.
  • This device had a black paint finish.
  • No engravings before serial number.
  • With "Germany" engraving under the serial number.
  • Without speed selector.
  • Operated via internal linkage that was connected to the camera's main release spring360 thus operating without using the transmission arm.
  • "AUF > ZU" was engraved around the locking latch mechanism. 
  • Sometimes referred to as the MOOLY-C105.
  • The motor was 13.5cm in length33. 
  • The shell of this long base variant was constructed from two parts of shells that were originally made for the earlier, short base model, which are welded together360. This welding was most noticeable on the chrome-finished of long variant360. There was a small round disc located to the right of the frame counter that covers the gap left by the coupling arm found on the earlier, short base model360. These observations led one author to the conclusion that a significant number of shells, initially created for the original two-speed, short base externally coupled motor, were later modified to fit the new, mechanically improved long base motors360. 
  • Examples included: 5443, 5445, 5451, 5481, 5487, 5491, 5492, 5495, 5500, 5505, 5508, 5516, 5526, 5535, 5551, 5565, 5566, 5570, 5571, 5578, 5579, 5580, 5589, 5593, 5599, 5601, 5606, 5619, 5637, 5640, 5641, 5657, 5678, 5681, 5682, 5687


Some Other Notes Leica-Motors


The author of this website was not able to locate / examine a Leica Motor with serial number in 4XXX range. 

As of now, no motors with serial numbers higher than 5900 have been reported360.  

Therefore, it appears that fewer than 5800 Leica-Motors have been produced in total360.

There were several unusual samples of MOOLY discovered by the author of this website during the research:

  • Leica-Motor number 359* had a star (*) engraved after its serial number. Similar to Leica cameras, the asterisk indicates that this is a replacement for a lost or otherwise missing unit360.
  • Leica-Motor number 642* had a star (*) engraved after its serial number. Similar to Leica cameras, the asterisk indicates that this is a replacement for a lost or otherwise missing unit360.
  • Two Leica-Motor devices carried serial number 687:
    • One was engraved 687. This device had a short base. This device had a chrome finish. With "Germany" engraving under the serial number. With speed selector, without "1-2" engravings.
    • The other one was engraved WO 687. This device had a short base. This device had a chrome finish. No engravings before serial number. With "Germany" engraving under the serial number. Without speed selector.
  • Leica-Motor number 824* had a star (*) engraved after its serial number. Similar to Leica cameras, the asterisk indicates that this is a replacement for a lost or otherwise missing unit360.
  • Leica-Motor number 908* had a star (*) engraved after its serial number. Similar to Leica cameras, the asterisk indicates that this is a replacement for a lost or otherwise missing unit360.


Accessories

The only accessory specifically designed for the MOOLY is a special ever-ready case designed to hold both a camera and a motor together360. There are two versions of this case: one has a small front for thinner lenses, such as the 5cm Elmar, while the other has a larger front for bigger lenses, like the 5cm Xenon360. To date, no case has been manufactured to accommodate the Leica IIIc/Leica IIId motors, which were only supplied to the German armed forces360. 


Closing Remarks

Leica-Motor was priced quite high (66.00 USD (author's note)) when it was introduced360.

Vintage Leica camera with lens on a black base

MOOEV ELECTRIC LEICA-MOTOR FOR LEICA 250

The Leica 250 electric motor (also referred to as MOOEV) was the first electric motor designed and manufactured by Leitz for a camera360. It was created during an era when clockwork motors were highly popular360. The decision to use an electric motor stemmed from the fact that the film load of the Leica 250 camera was too heavy for a spring-powered mechanism like the MOOLY, which was also a convenient size360. Only the "motorized" Leica 250 cameras could be fitted with MOOEV, and even then, it required modifications for the installation360. 

Leitz planned to introduce MOOEV in 1939, but production did not start until 1941360. The serial numbers for the MOOEV motors ranged from 10001 through 10105360. It was believed that around 200 MOOEV motors were intended to be produced, with the first 130 allocated to the German army as part of a military contract from 1941360. Given the circumstances of the war, it was reasonable to assume that private demand for such a product would have been minimal, and therefore, only the military contract was fulfilled360. According to the Leitz dispatch book, fewer than 100 units of the MOOEV drive were manufactured between 1941 and 1943523. Out of these, 79 units were delivered to the Reich Main Security Office in Berlin, along with the same number of cameras523. Additionally, 13 units were delivered to the Italian Air Force, as well as to military test facilities of the German Armed Forces, and various companies, including the aircraft manufacturer Messerschmitt and the radio and television manufacturer Telefunken523.

The MOOEV motor was built to be extremely durable and was encased in a cast aluminum alloy shell360. It was suitable for both single ("Einzel") and continuous ("Serie") operation, with speed adjustments possible by varying the electric supply to the MOOEV360. Different voltage electric motors could be installed, depending on the power supply used360. The following voltage options were recorded360: 

  • 6 Volt DC version operated using a motorcycle battery, with a remote release feature360.  
  • 12 Volt DC version used a heavy road vehicle battery, and remote control was available360.  
  • 24/28 Volt DC version was compatible with heavy vehicle or aircraft electrical systems360. For example, 24-volt DC operation was possible from a tank, and remote control could be included360.  
  • 220 Volt AC/DC version was designed without a remote release for safety reasons360. It required factory modifications, including cutting the ends of the motor for improved heat dissipation360. 

All motorized Leica 250 cameras compatible with MOOEVs incorporated film guide rollers designed to hold the film against the sprocket drum, ensuring a reliable film advance360. Similar to the MOOLY, the MOOEV was initially made with an external coupling and later adapted to have an internal coupling (similar to long base MOOLY-C for Leica IIIc and Leica IIId cameras)360. MOOEV had 2 variants360.


Variant 1 of MOOEV

Coupling was achieved using an external release arm assembly, similar to the short base MOOLY360. To prevent accidental loss of the arm—a common issue with the MOOLY—it was secured to the MOOEV motor by a small chain360. When the MOOEV was attached to the camera, only the motor's operation was possible due to friction from the motor drive shaft, which transmitted power to the camera360. If the MOOEV failed, it would immobilize the camera, which might otherwise still be functional360. Remote control of the system was possible through a built-in solenoid mechanism, powered by the motor360.


Leica 250 Reporter Clockwork Motor Drive Prototype 

An interesting prototype of a Motor Drive for the Leica 250 Reporter, dated circa 1940, which consisted of a cut-away body with a clockwork motor for up to 20 consecutive photos, was auctioned off at the 37th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 21, 2020, and before that on at the 22nd Westlicht Photographica Auction on March 22, 2014.


Variant 2 of MOOEV 

 This second variant was essentially a variation of the first and offered both single ("Einzel") and continuous ("Serie") operation360 . One such example, MOOEV Leica-Motor number 10095,    was illustrated on the page 81 of Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck's "The Leica: A History Illustrating every Model and Accessory" book360 .     In this second variant, the MOOEV was controlled by a selector switch that wrapped around the motor release button360 .           

Each motor needed to be individually matched to the specific camera360. While some motors and cameras could be interchanged, this was not recommended if high-speed operation was required360. Variations in the design of both motors and cameras further complicated interchangeability, particularly changes to the coupling bracket, which were especially significant360. So far, three different types of drive couplings had been documented, along with additional modifications to the cameras360. The variants of the coupling drives were as follows: 

  • The helical ramp connected both the motor and camera couplings360. The motor coupling ramp was spring-loaded, allowing for the easy attachment of the camera to the motor at any time360. It also enabled manual operation of the camera, even while the motor was attached360.  
  • The coupling featured a D-shaped slot with a prong on the motor drive spindle360. This spindle was spring-loaded to facilitate the easy attachment of the motor to the camera360. However, when the motor was attached, the camera could not be operated manually360. 
  • There was a slot cut through the camera wind shaft, similar to designs for clockwork operation360. A double prong, like that found on the MOOLY, was fitted on the motor and was spring-loaded to assist with attachment360. The motor could only be attached to the camera once the shutter had been wound; otherwise, the motor and camera drive shafts would be out of phase by 180 degrees360. Furthermore, when the motor was attached, the camera could only be operated together with the motor360. 

The shutter release mechanism was operated by a hooked spring located inside the motor, adjacent to the camera's locking catch360. This hook engaged with the main shutter release spring, similar to the setup in the Leica IIIc and Leica IIId cameras360.  

Important note for owners of MOOEV: before attaching the MOOEV to the camera, make sure to press the shutter release button360. This action allowed the hooked spring to properly position itself under the main shutter release spring360. If this step was not taken, the motor would not synchronize with the camera's shutter360. This procedure also applied to the attachment of the long base MOOLY-C motors to Leica IIIc or Leica IIId models360.


Known MOOEV Electric Motors

Unnumbered MOOEV was illustrated on page 63 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 3 - Accessories" book574. The device illustrated in the photographs featured black crinkle finish. According to James L. Lager, this artifact was part of the collection at the Leitz Wetzlar Museum574. The rear view of the motor revealed some missing parts 574 . The top rear view displayed a drive post coupling that fit into the fully slotted coupling shaft of the Leica 250 574. An external transmission arm, similar to the one used on the short-base MOOLY Leica Motor, connected to the coupling hole on the rear face of the motor 574. The same prototype was illustrated on Leica 250 FF number 135635 in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book in 2018596. 

Norman Goldberg's "MOTOR DRIVES" article in Popular Photography (Volume 76, Issue 5, 1975) magazine illustrated another (or same) unnumbered MOOEV motor described as "The Leica FF is among the rarest of all motor-drive cameras. It accepts 250-exposure magazines, and is today a collector's item". 


MOOEV number 10006 was originally delivered with Leica 250 number 352379 on October 27th, 1941 to BLN Berlin399. It was engraved with the number 352379 399. It was sold with a different camera, Leica 250 number 352404, for 576000 Euros including buyer's premium at the "100 years of Leica Camera" WestLicht Camera Auction on May 23, 2014399.

MOOEV number 10008 was illustrated on page 56, 4/2015 Leica Fotografie International magazine together with Leica 250 number 300072523.

MOOEV number 10027, together with Leica 250 number 353653, were delivered to an office of the U.S. 9th Air Force on October 9, 1945574. According to a different source, a US Air Force captain discovered the camera and took it home with him506. Either way, The outfit, believed to never actually left the factory until the arrival of US troops in Germany506, was brought to Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio some time after the World War II, "for evaluation along with other German equipment"574. The camera's baseplate was missing because the MOOEV was attached to it574. To use the camera without the motor, a baseplate was necessary574. Apparently, such a baseplate was constructed by machinists at Wright Field574. The outfit was believed to never have left Dayton, Ohio, until it was put up for sale in 1965574. Then, the camera and the motor were separated, with 2 collectors buying each574. In 1991, James L. Lager finally persuaded the owners of the separated Leica 250 number 353653 and MOOEV number 10027 to "do the right thing and allow the reunion to take place"574. The photographs of this camera and this electric motor appeared on page 54 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 1 - Cameras - Signed Deluxe Limited Edition" book540 and on pages 64-65 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 3 - Accessories" book574. The outfit was part of Kenjiro Nakamura's collection in 1995 and was exhibited at the "History and Development of Imaging" exhibition at the Memorial Museum of the Machine Industry in the same year569. The photograph of the camera was featured on the pages of Camera Review No. 37 (Leica-Book '96), published by Asahi Sonorama (Tokyo) in 1996569. It was illustrated in Viewfinder Volume 33, Number 1, 2000. In the illustration camera had ramp type coupling and transverse spring as well as film tensioning roller. Later, this camera was in a private collection in the U.S. in 2003506. 

MOOEV number 10037 was engraved inside with the serial number of Leica 250 number 352408533. This MOOEV motor was delivered to Berlin on December 19, 1941533. It was auctioned off together with Leica 250 number 353613 but remained unsold at the 47th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 22, 2025533.  

MOOEV number 10038 was engraved inside with the serial number of Leica 250 number 352412389. This MOOEV motor was delivered to Berlin on December 19, 1941533. The motor was illustrated on page 66 of James L. Lager's "Leica: An Illustrated History - Volume 3 - Accessories" book574. The MOOEV number 10038 and Leica 250 number 353622 were sold for 456000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 34th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 8, 2019389.

MOOEV number 10047 was originally delivered with Leica 250 number 353739 on March 4, 1948 to Amsterdam381. It was engraved with the number 353739381. The outfit was sold for 900000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 42nd Leitz Photographica Auction on June 9 and 10, 2023381.  

MOOEV number 10062 was engraved inside with the serial number of Leica 250 number 353619406. This MOOEV motor was delivered to Berlin on August 21st, 1942406. It was sold together with a Leica 250 number 353606 for 180000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 18th WestLicht Camera Auction on December 4, 2010406.

MOOEV number 10063 was illustrated on page 56 of 1984 "Leica Manual Book" (1st Edition) by Kikuo Urago (Towa Photo Forum Co Ltd.) book, together with a Leica 250 with an unidentifiable serial number, and on page 167 of Shinichi Nakamura's "Everything About the Barnack-type Leica" (1992) book, together with a Leica 250 with an unidentifiable serial number, page 103 of Gianni Rogliatti's "Leica, the First Fifty Years" book, together with a Leica 250 with an unidentifiable serial number. 

MOOEV number 10067 was engraved inside with the serial number of Leica 250 number 353652419. This outfit survived the turmoil of the war undamaged because it was not issued to Capt. Koonan of the 9th U.S. Air Force until October 9, 1945 419. The motor was illustrated in the 1979 Kazuo Nakagawa's "Leica History" (Reprint, 1994) book. The outfit was sold for 171250 Euros including buyer's premium to a Japanese collector506 at the 5th WestLicht Camera Auction on May 29, 2004419.  

MOOEV number 10077 was engraved inside with the serial number of Leica 250 number 353670594. The outfit was illustrated in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Rare Leica" book in 2014594.

MOOEV number 10095 was illustrated on the page 81 of Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck's "The Leica: A History Illustrating every Model and Accessory" book360.

MOOEV number 10105 was illustrated on Leica 250 GG number 324028 in Mr. Lars Netopil's "Museum Leica" book in 2018596. 

A vintage Leica camera with a black textured body, silver top, and a gold-colored bottom, placed on a round metallic stand.

LEICA-MOTOR PROTOTYPE FOR LEICA IIIF AND LEICA IIIG

An example of early (circa 1950) Leica Motor Prototype was auctioned off at the 44th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 8, 2024379. This was an extremely rare and highly sophisticated clockwork motor, designed after World War II by Willi Wiesner, the Leitz engineer and Head of Camera Research379, for Leica IIIf and Leica IIIg cameras402, as a replacement for the MOOLY379. The prototype's most distinctive feature was its round, detachable clockwork housing379. It was equipped with two controls: one switch for single exposures and serial photos, and another for detaching the motor379. 

Only a few of these motor drives were known to exist; only two were fully finished and operational379. This unit was displayed in the Leitz Museum at some point in its life379.

This prototype was illustrated in "Prototype Leica" by Lars Netopil on pages 249-253379.

Another, very similar clockwork for 'Prototype Leica-Motor' was auctioned off at the 22nd WestLicht Camera Auction on November 24, 2012402. The device was described as "...this special clockwork for the prototype Leica-Motor for IIIf and IIIg is illustrated in Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck 'A History Illustrating every Model and Accessory' (colour illustration XX)... only two examples are known to exist"402.

A vintage black and silver camera with a brown lens and various dials and buttons on the top.

AQOOT WINDING KNOB EXTENSION

The AQOOT winding knob extension, catalogued in the early 1960s as 14014, was designed for screw-mount cameras when used for reproduction work with the Reprovit II, providing a more convenient handle for film advancement574.