"ROENTGEN" ("RADIO") LEICA

"Roentgen" (termed "Radio" in Italy) refers to a specialized camera manufactured by Leica from 1939 to 1940, designed for expansive health assessments of populations⁵⁸ and for photographing fluorescent screens³⁶⁰. This camera captures images in a compact 24 x 24mm format, diverging from traditional X-ray imaging that typically utilizes 16" x 16" plates⁵⁸. 24 x 24mm format was the most appropriate for photographing cathode ray tubes and allows for fifty exposures per full roll of film³⁶⁰. Instead, images are recorded on small strips of 35mm film, significantly reducing both the financial burden of X-ray examinations and the requirements for file storage⁵⁸.

In Germany, it is identified as "Roentgen," while in Italy it is known as "Radio"⁵⁸.

The body alone is designated with code RUXOO, whereas the complete assembly, which comprises a specialized 50mm f/1.5 Xenon lens, is labeled RYOOK⁵⁸. The body of the camera is derived from the Leica Standard Model E type. It incorporates covers where the viewfinder and accessory shoe are usually positioned⁵⁸. To advance the film, a modified SCNOO rapid winder was attached. In some cameras, the film advance is mechanically driven, so the wind-on knob connects to an automatic winding mechanism. Film rewind is always done using a sturdy film rewind crank³⁶⁰.The winding knob is sourced from a later model, and the frame counter ring is devoid of numbering. The exposure time-setting mechanism is marked only with the term "zu" (meaning "closed"), and must be manually adjusted as it lacks connectivity to the film transport mechanism. Aligning "zu" with a small lever on the turret secures the shutter in a closed position, while pressing the lever opens the shutter, which remains open until released⁵⁸.

The upper surface of the camera features a minimalistic design, marked only by an “R” followed by a unique number. An important distinction of this model is the lens mount, which utilizes an external thread measuring 52mm in diameter, contrasting with the conventional internal screw mount. When deployed, the camera body must be affixed to a specialized lens mount, illustrating its robust construction, complete with a fixed-focus maximum aperture 50mm f/1.5 Xenon lens⁵⁸.