Leica 1A Query

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David 11084

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Hello, after much searching I have finally purchased my first Leica. Mine is a 1A from 1928-serial number 11084. It is a gem and I have put a film through it (get a Leitz Ablon for this!). My camera was serviced by a well known legend in the UK (Malcolm Taylor). I have spoken to him and he confirms it's authenticity. It is so lovely! However! I am mystified by two small discs cut into the vulcanite (the vulcanite is intact-marked only) at the position where strap lugs might be. The Leica is too early for strap lugs and I haven't seen another like this.
Can anyone shed light on why the sides of the camera are marked like this?
Hope someone can help!
I purchased mine to use-it smells and handles fantastically.....a whole new world!
David
 
Makes Sense!

Makes Sense!

Thanks for this. The vulcanite is in better cosmetic condition than the rest of the body so your suggestion makes sense. These cameras really are gems. This is a great forum!
 
Since your camera was serviced by Malcolm Taylor -that wizard of all things Leica- why don't you ask him???
 
Thanks for this. At the time I was relieved that he confirmed it to be genuine. I have a receipt for the work but it doesn't include replacing the vulcanite. I am curious to know if there is universal explanation for the two disc marks; if anyone else has one or has any suggestions. Part of the charm of using such an old camera is the sense of history associated with it...you want to know everything you can.
Any further suggestions greatly appreciated.
 
Any other 1A users out there who worry about the leather ERC? Will it fall apart on me and lead to disaster?!
I am wrestling with buying a new case? Any suggestions?
I am going to ask Malcolm T about the discs in the vulcanite.......he is very old fashioned (no bad thing) and corresponds via letter and phone. Is there anyone out there who would like to add to my original query in this forum. Someone must know something about replacement vulcanite!
David
 
I too suspect the vulcanite was replaced.

On the back was a round part on many of these early Leicas which was a plug. Leitz could remove this plug to check lens focus when calibrating lens focus back when the mount was non-standard. Each lens had to be calibrated to that particular camera. This plug was later done away with once the mount was standardized.

The vulcanite will probably at some point start to give way..but aftermarket leather kits are available.
 
Thanks. One thing that I love about these early cameras is that there is so much to absorb. Does anyone have a strong opinion about the merits of restoration or not. Mine has that lovely patina that comes from age; brassing is evident , along with scratches and some of the lettering could be improved (must post a picture....next week during half term!). Any recommendations?
David
 
Don't touch it, David, except perhaps to replace the covering again when it needs that.

The ERC is not a problem, but a worn strap can be dangerous.
 
payasam said:
Don't touch it, David, except perhaps to replace the covering again when it needs that.

The ERC is not a problem, but a worn strap can be dangerous.
Click to expand...

You've already had it 'serviced' which means it has been cleaned, lubricated and adjusted. This is good.

As Payasam says, leave the rest alone. The case is not something I would carry around as these are not usually as handy as some more modern film camera cases and can be more of a nuisance than a help. They are nice to have however, if only as a showpiece.

Many a good and valuable antique has been spoiled or even ruined by over zealous cleaning or attempted restoration. The same thing applies in some degree to old cameras. They are what they are. Originality is always more desirable than new, although in the case of the leatherette/vulcanite covering a replacement will usually add some visual appeal to an otherwise 'ratty' body.

Now lets see some photos, David. You are now the lucky owner of an early example of this iconic camera. Congratulations!
 
Since it's strap-lug-less, David needs a case. Get a older case with the sling strap that goes under the camera, with a shot or missing front. Be sure that the tripod screw size matches, both cameras and cases come in 1/4" and 3/8". Then, of course, put in a new strap. (Although I have three old sewn-on strap cases, no trouble with the old straps. Yet.)
 
Thanks, excellent advice on the case and restoration. I have looked at the Luigi case...divine but expensive. I like the idea of customising an older one. I quite like using it unadorned with a case at all. The 'feel' is good and it is easy to use. There is another thread about shooting fast with a Barnack. Absolutely! I was amazed at the whole business of scale focusing and then putting the camera to the eye to fame.....very satisfying. Will post a picture this week.
 
About the case; assuming it neads repairing, to do the job properly it must be totally stripped down and then every stitch replaced by machine with (nicest) waxed linen thread or the correct colour (impossible). The machine that did it will have been set at a fixed number of stitches per inch and no modern one will match it in reality because they all drift slightly as the case is made. FWIW, the stitches go diagonally across the corners and it's the curves that will cause problems.

There's worse, the bottom will have the tripod bush etc fixed in place and once removed - to get at the stitching under it - it will have to be replaced and that's almost impossible when sitting at the kitchen table; although an old fashioned engineer may have no problems.

Because the stitching can't be done by machine, you are talking about several days of dreary hand stitching and several hours (if unlucky) to remove the old stitching. And then there's the rivets and replacing torn or worn leather.

So, my experience says "don't" - it's as simple as that. Put a bit of dressing on the leather, polish now and then and store in a plastic bag. And buy an anonymous bag for the camera.

It it only needs minor repairs then I'd say put a couple of stitches in by hand. There are, btw, people who will repair them for a price. I'd look up the cost of a pair of handmade shoes first, just to get some idea of the price level.

FWIW (2), every one in the village I live in worked in the shoe trade; mostly as outworkers or, that rarest of people, as clickers. What they don't know about shoes and rebuilding them isn't worth knowing. One or two are/were proud of shoes/boots they still wear that were bought in the 30's when your camera was made...

Regards, David
 
Many thanks, I have been thinking about an anonymous camera bag-I like shooting without the ERC (although fond of it) and feel obliged to offer as much protection as possible. Would also give me somewhere to keep the Leitz Ablon....several truly awful attempts at film cutting before I discovered one of these!
My next search is for the Fodis Rangefinder-I have had reasonably pleasing results without one but feel the need to acquire one and compare. Is anyone using one? Where can I find instructions?
I will follow David's advice on preserving the ERC.
Pictures! I took some but forgot to check the resolution limit for the site! Will post some this half term week for sure.
Happy photograph making!
David
 
Will post those photos soon. Was interested by the response that championed the 1C and 1F as the most beautiful of finderless Leica's. Why is this? presumably it has much to do with the inter-changeability of the lens?
Can we make a case for the 1A being more of a purists camera? I like it because of the sense of history and I guess I have always used fixed 50mm lenses anyway so going with the 1A wasn't a compromise in any way.
David
 
Here it is

Here it is

I have attached some images to this post and will add a couple of others. What do people think to the vulcanite and, especially the disc like imprints.
I love using this camera; the first film resulted in 1 photo to use. I now get 4-6 pictures per film!
 

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