Leica Standard
Encyclopedia
The Leica Standard, Model E was the fourth version to be launched from Ernst Leitz in Wetzlar, Germany. The concept was conceived by their employee Oscar Barnack in 1913 at which time two prototypes were built. However, it was not until 1924 that Leitz decided to go ahead with the concept and production began the following year. By the end of the decade, the camera had been perfected and full-scale production was established.
The Leica Standard was introduced as a basic model by Ernst Leitz, Wetzlar in October 1932. The camera was in production at the same time as the Leica II
and Leica III
models that have coupled rangefinders; the latter also has the faster speed of 1/1000 sec. It has a standardised lens mount
with distance from film plane to lens flange fixed to 28.8mm, a Leitz standard. This feature was first seen on late Leica I model C cameras in 1931, and all Leica II, Model D from 1932, identified by a "0" (zero) stamped on the lens mount flange at the top, to indicate the implementation of the standard, a practice that was continued for some time. It is found on early Leica Standards as well. On the back of these models there is a hole covered by a black plug, presumably for back focus calibration. The original lens for the Leica Standard when introduced was the Leitz Elmar 1:3,5 F=50mm in a collapsible nickel-plated focusing mount with infinity catch.
The Standard in its basic version is not a rangefinder
camera. However, the black enamelled FOCOS short base rangefinder was made available from the start, as well as a higher ever-ready case accommodating it. The measured subject distance using the rangefinder must be set on the lens' distance scale manually. Some Standard cameras were assembled at Leitz New York during the 1940s from spare parts using Leica III body shells and equipped them with Wollensak
lenses. Standard cameras imported from Germany
later were also sold with Wollensak lenses. As with all early Leica cameras, Ernst Leitz, Wetzlar offered upgrading customers' cameras when new features were introduced during the course of product development, and it was even possible to upgrade to other models as well. This practice in consequence makes the early models in original condition quite scarce, especially the Standard that has fewer features than the later models and therefore is more likely to be upgraded.
The Leica Standard was introduced as a basic model by Ernst Leitz, Wetzlar in October 1932. The camera was in production at the same time as the Leica II
Leica II
The Leica II is a rangefinder camera introduced by Leica in 1932. They were the first Leica cameras with an integrated rangefinder. Several models were produced over the years, in parallel with the Leica III series from 1933....
and Leica III
Leica III
The Leica III is a rangefinder camera introduced by Leica in 1933, and produced in parallel with the Leica II series. Several models were produced over the years, with significant improvements....
models that have coupled rangefinders; the latter also has the faster speed of 1/1000 sec. It has a standardised lens mount
M39 lens mount
The M39 lens mount is a screw thread mounting system for attaching lenses to 35 mm cameras, primarily rangefinder Leicas. It is also the most common mount for Photographic enlarger lenses....
with distance from film plane to lens flange fixed to 28.8mm, a Leitz standard. This feature was first seen on late Leica I model C cameras in 1931, and all Leica II, Model D from 1932, identified by a "0" (zero) stamped on the lens mount flange at the top, to indicate the implementation of the standard, a practice that was continued for some time. It is found on early Leica Standards as well. On the back of these models there is a hole covered by a black plug, presumably for back focus calibration. The original lens for the Leica Standard when introduced was the Leitz Elmar 1:3,5 F=50mm in a collapsible nickel-plated focusing mount with infinity catch.
The Standard
The Leica Standard was at first only finished in black enamel with nickel-plated lens barrel and camera controls. The only improvement over its predecessor, the Leica I model C, was the smaller diameter extendible rewind knob. The accessory shoe at the top plate sits exactly above the lensmount for fitting either a rangefinder or an accessory viewfinder. The serial numbering began at 101.001 and continued consecutively to 106.000. These cameras were made between October 1932 and early 1934. By this time, production of chrome-finished Standard cameras had started in small numbers. After 1936, however, most of the production was finished in chrome, and from 1940, the Standard was available in chrome finish only. Not many were made each year after 1940, except that 461 cameras were made in 1947. The Standard camera was replaced in 1949 the by the viewfinder-less Leica Ic as the basic camera in the Leica line. Those made after 1945 shares body casting with the contemporary models prepared for slow speeds. A disc covers the spot occupied by the slow speed dial found on the other Leica models.The Standard in its basic version is not a rangefinder
Rangefinder
A rangefinder is a device that measures distance from the observer to a target, for the purposes of surveying, determining focus in photography, or accurately aiming a weapon. Some devices use active methods to measure ; others measure distance using trigonometry...
camera. However, the black enamelled FOCOS short base rangefinder was made available from the start, as well as a higher ever-ready case accommodating it. The measured subject distance using the rangefinder must be set on the lens' distance scale manually. Some Standard cameras were assembled at Leitz New York during the 1940s from spare parts using Leica III body shells and equipped them with Wollensak
Wollensak
Wollensak was an American manufacturer of audio-visual products. At the height of their popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, many brands of movie cameras came with a Wollensak Velostigmat lens. Wollensak reel-to-reel tape recorders were prized for their robust construction and value.-History:The...
lenses. Standard cameras imported from Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
later were also sold with Wollensak lenses. As with all early Leica cameras, Ernst Leitz, Wetzlar offered upgrading customers' cameras when new features were introduced during the course of product development, and it was even possible to upgrade to other models as well. This practice in consequence makes the early models in original condition quite scarce, especially the Standard that has fewer features than the later models and therefore is more likely to be upgraded.
External links
- Leica Standard at http://www.dtristramludwig.com/collectionleica.html Antique Cameras by Tristram Ludwig