Late 1931 a: summitar OK or not?

[sepiareverb]

I've got a late 1931 model a (? I am confused by all the early camera nomenclature - serial number 61999) coming to me, with a nickel Elmar that has the 0 on its mount. The lens mount on the camera however does not have the 0. There doesn't seem to be a sighting hole in the back. Could I reliably throw my Summitar on this and fire away or do I need to test? Might the mount on the camera have been replaced after the 0 was no longer on there?

I'm guessing I will be able to see the sighting hole from the inside if it is hidden by replacement vulcanite once I remove the lens and open the shutter?

Would the 2.8cm Hektor cover any possible variance in the mount distance even at 6.3?

 

[Erik van Straten]

Beautiful number! I have No 61806, but the mount on mine has the "0".

To see if there is a peep hole, put the camera on "Z" and look at the pressure plate. There should be a hole in it.

The ring can be replaced. I would make a test with the Summitar (on infinity) to be sure.

If the Elmar is the original lens of the camera you can be sure that the camera is standardized. The base flange of the Elmar is in that case smaller in diameter and the lens will not have a number.

Normally there is a peep hole in the back of the camera.

Erik.

 

[sepiareverb]

Thanks for the quick reply Erik! The serial number of the lens will be on the rear element ring like on my Hektor correct? Will there be any indication other than year that the two are paired at the factory?

This will be going to DAG right off, anything I should ask him to do that he might not as his normal overhaul?

 

[sepiareverb]

No peephole in the pressure plate, and I cannot find a serial number on the Elmar. The base flange on the lens is smaller than the mount flange on the camera, and the cameras mount is almost certainly a replacement, it looks rather new in comparison to every other piece of unpainted metal. The shoe for accessory finders is also a replacement, with new looking paint. The lens will need a good CLA, not sure that the camera does, it sounded and felt great all through the first roll. Shot with the Elmar, the 2.8cm Hektor and the Summitar. Will likely run the ORWO UN-54 tomorrow, and send the camera & lens off to DAG for his opinion on the camera and to get the lens up and running again.

 

[PAN F]

Bob,
That is a very rare lens cap you have.It allows you to fit the small screw-in 19mm Leitz filters ( e.g. FIRHE) to your Elmar so that you can alter the aperture
without removing the filter, and fits over the front of the lens for protection with the filter remaining attached to the lens. They are much sought those lens caps.

See:- https://www.photo.net/discuss/threads/firhe-19mm-leitz-filter-photos.154534/

 

[Erik van Straten]

Bob, the camera is a post war conversion. Surely it is standardized. I can say this because of the vulcanite. The vulcanite is the same as on an M3, M2, M4 or M5.

The number of the lens is inside. The lens seems not being coated, so probably it is all original. If it is not scratched or/and fogged, you can use it right away.

These converted I's are rare. Usually they are turned into a II or a III.

I like the camera very much. Can you show us it from above?

I've never seen this lens cap.

A great camera for a wide angle lens, such as the 21mm from Voigtländer or a screw mount Super Angulon.

Erik.

 

[B-9]

Nice score Bob!

2017 appears the be "Year of the Standards"

 

[sepiareverb]

Bob,
That is a very rare lens cap you have.It allows you to fit the small screw-in 19mm Leitz filters ( e.g. FIRHE) to your Elmar so that you can alter the aperture
without removing the filter, and fits over the front of the lens for protection with the filter remaining attached to the lens.

Genius. Do those same filters fit the 2.8cm Hektor by chance?

Bob, the camera is a post war conversion. Surely it is standardized. I can say this because of the vulcanite. The vulcanite is the same as on an M3, M2, M4 or M5.

The number of the lens is inside. The lens seems not being coated, so probably it is all original. If it is not scratched or/and fogged, you can use it right away.

These converted I's are rare. Usually they are turned into a II or a III.

I like the camera very much. Can you show us it from above?

I've never seen this lens cap.

A great camera for a wide angle lens, such as the 21mm from Voigtländer or a screw mount Super Angulon.

Erik.

Thank you again for the info Erik. Correct, it is identical to the M2/3 vulcanite.

I'm quite liking the handling with the 2.8cm on it, even with a 60s era finder. I've had several III bodies, and just can't get past the separate windows, this one certainly eliminates that whole mess! 😀 Very glad it wasn't added to, though the strap lugs are a very appreciated upgrade.

The lens is very stiff both to extract/retract and focus, and the aperture is stiff as well. Didn't help that it was so cold today, as here at my desk after a few hours it is easier to move. You are right, no coatings, and no haze to speak of, perhaps a trace on the front element. Quite looking forward to seeing what it delivers to film.

Nice score Bob!

2017 appears the be "Year of the Standards"

Thank you! I've been after one for a while, after having ruined too many frames with my 0 serie forgetting the lens cap before winding. This one really seems like a gem. These Standards do seem to abound all of a sudden.

 

[Erik van Straten]

The bottom plate is clearly post war, with it's white paint lettering. The top plate is pre-war with its bismuth (Woods metal) lettering and number.

I presume that the curtains are postwar, but the spring tensioners and large leaf spring are from the early thirties.

A very nice and rare piece.

Erik.

 

[sepiareverb]

Anyone have a good source they could point me to for learning about this time in Leica manufacture? I'm very curious!

 

[sepiareverb]

Just got a note from Don that the camera & lens are being shipped home today.

 

[Dralowid]

This is very nearly the last camera I'm looking for to complete my black conversions set...