"Ur-Leica" Prototypes
In 1913, two prototypes were constructed, known as the "Ur-Leicas," where "ur-" signifies "original" or "first."29 Initially, Oskar Barnack used a 50mm f/3.5 Zeiss Kino-Tessar lens, followed by a 64mm f/4.5 Leitz Mikro Summar lens, but neither proved suitable29. The development of the camera was interrupted by World War I, turning it into a personal project for Barnack during the conflict29. It wasn't until after the war that it became an official assignment29. Despite this setback, Barnack improved the film channel in the camera, designed a separate rangefinder, and made other enhancements independently29.
The project gained momentum when Max Berek developed a series of standard 50mm lenses, such as the "Anastigmat," "Elmax," and "Elmar," which helped propel the camera toward success29. After the initial prototypes were created in 1913, Barnack produced a different version, likely post-World War I81. This later model displayed features similar to the production Leica, including the frame counter on the front and a non-capping shutter, while some elements from the "Ur-Leica" persisted81. It also featured a viewfinder that would be used on several "Null-Serie" camera models81. A unique system for adjusting exposure speed required changing the spring tension and slit width, with two blinds capable of moving relative to each other81. Although the camera had no lens attached, it had a flange with an external thread, suggesting potential lens interchangeability for experimental purposes81. This camera marked a significant advance in Leica's development, necessitating film loading in a darkroom since there were no cassettes or rewinding mechanisms available81.
There are at least two Ur-Leicas336. One, known as the "Wetzlarer Ur-Leica," has frequently been featured in company brochures and was displayed at the Leitz Museum in Wetzlar336. The second Ur-Leica was exhibited on loan at the Deutsches Museum in Munich after World War II but was returned to its owner, Konrad Barnack, the son of Oskar Barnack, in 1960336. It is also reported that Konrad sold some of his father's cameras to an American collector that same year336, leading to speculation that the other Ur-Leica camera was part of this sale97.
Research by Roland Zwiers indicates that Leica produced only one camera in 1913: Prototype 1, the first Leica Ur-Leica, equipped with a 42mm f/4.5 Summar lens336. Zwiers also notes that Leica produced one camera in 1914, namely Prototype 2, which was also equipped with a 42mm f/4.5 Summar lens336. This is the camera that Dr. Ernst Leitz II brought with him to New York336 before World War I29.
Between 1914 and 1919, Leica reportedly produced two cameras: Prototype 3 (Gebrauchsmuster) and the 1914 Mustermodell für Fabrikation, both featuring a 42mm f/4.5 Summar lens336. The design of the Prototype 3 (Gebrauchsmuster) differed significantly from that of the Prototype 1, although some features would later be adopted in the "Null-Serie" camera models360. Unlike the Prototype 1, which has a fixed-slit shutter, the Prototype 3 (Gebrauchsmuster) incorporates a mechanism that allows for the adjustment of the slit width360. This adjustment lever is located on the top plate of the camera and has the following gradations: Z, 1.8, 15, 25, 35, and 50360. When set to 50, the slit width measures 38mm, with the other settings varying proportionally360. In this regard, the "Null-Serie" camera models were designed to be similar to the Prototype 3 (Gebrauchsmuster), although they would be scaled differently360. The Prototype 3 (Gebrauchsmuster) operates on a spool-to-spool basis, meaning it must be loaded in the dark360. This is the only camera produced by Leitz with a spool-to-spool operation360. Since the film is not rewound into a cassette, there is no R lever on the top plate360. A pressure plate is attached perpendicular to the baseplate and is inserted when the camera is closed360. The viewfinder of the Prototype 3 (Gebrauchsmuster) resembles that of certain "Null-Serie" camera models, but it is aligned with the lens's axis, unless the accessory shoe and viewfinder have swapped positions360. The viewfinder is neatly recessed into the top plate for protection when the camera is closed360. Unfortunately, the lens of the Prototype 3 (Gebrauchsmuster) is missing360.
From 1920 to 1922, Leica produced two additional cameras336. The first of these, known as the "Gebrauchsmuster 1920," had a chrome-plated finish and was sold at auction without any serial number or markings336. The second, referred to as the "Handmuster 1920" or "Kisselbach camera", carried the serial number 100336. Both of these cameras were equipped with 50mm f/3.5 Leitz Anastigmat lenses; however, they did not include a self-capping shutter, meaning a lens cover was necessary336.